Best Combination of Speed and Efficiency

[bd32322]

Quote: GaryP1007

Is there a simple answer to this question....What are the key differences between the 231 and 252?

[GaryP1007]

Thanks for the suggestion, interesting read.

[KSMooniac]

This could be intriguing:  http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20M-BRAVO/1992-MOONEY-M20M-BRAVO/1217925.htm?

Engine is past TBO, but may be running OK if the cylinder work was good and recent.  It might have suffered from being tied-down vs. in a hangar, though, but who knows how long she has been left outside.  The price and "MAKE OFFER" note indicate they want it gone, so perhaps there is still some flexibility in the price such that the engine could be overhauled and still be near a $150k budget.  If the TKS and all other equipment function properly, that would be a heckuva deal.

[FAST FLIGHT OPTIONS LLC]

Quote: pjsny78

I am by no means a Mooney expert but when I started looking at Mooney’s before I decided upon my “J” I noticed something about the entire “K” lineup that I thought was very interesting and chose not to buy that particular plane. When you look at controller and trade a plane I noticed hardly any of the planes made it to about 1k hrs. before needing an overhaul. Even previous owners of “k” models told me the same thing. I’m not sure why that is but the bravos seem to make it to TBO. I know I’m probably going to get some heat for this bit it’s just what I have noticed. Again I am not an expert on this area just an observation.

[PTK]

Considering speed and efficiency, cost of ownership and your mission as described, I would get a nice well equipped J and outfit it with long range tanks. Have you considered this option? You don't need a turbo and the ongoing expense. There plenty of na Airplanes flying out west in the mountains! They do fly believe it or not! I think too many folks get into a turbo when they don't necessarily need it. What you need more than a turbo, IMO is economy and efficiency. Your fuel efficiency will benefit greatly when you eliminate descents and climbs for fuel stops. Long range tanks is an excellent mod to an already excellent airplane that will pay for itself in short order.

 

[231Pilot]

Quote: allsmiles

Considering speed and efficiency, cost of ownership and your mission as described, I would get a nice well equipped J and outfit it with long range tanks. Have you considered this option? You don't need a turbo and the ongoing expense. There plenty of na Airplanes flying out west in the mountains! They do fly believe it or not! I think too many folks get into a turbo when they don't necessarily need it. What you need more than a turbo, IMO is economy and efficiency. Your fuel efficiency will benefit greatly when you eliminate descents and climbs for fuel stops. Long range tanks is an excellent mod to an already excellent airplane that will pay for itself in short order.

 

[Txbyker]

I am a little over a year into my M20J ownership.  I don't think this will be my last Mooney and admittantly I look at Controller every once and a while seeking speed and long bodied performance.  How come I don't see that much mentioned about Ovations? From what I have read and heard they can perform well up to mid-teens flight levels.  Non-turbo right?  Would this model be good for the occasional mountain?

[jlunseth]

Quote: KSMooniac

This could be intriguing:  http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20M-BRAVO/1992-MOONEY-M20M-BRAVO/1217925.htm?

Engine is past TBO, but may be running OK if the cylinder work was good and recent.  It might have suffered from being tied-down vs. in a hangar, though, but who knows how long she has been left outside.  The price and "MAKE OFFER" note indicate they want it gone, so perhaps there is still some flexibility in the price such that the engine could be overhauled and still be near a $150k budget.  If the TKS and all other equipment function properly, that would be a heckuva deal.

[fantom]

Quote: jlunseth

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: allsmiles

Considering speed and efficiency, cost of ownership and your mission as described, I would get a nice well equipped J and outfit it with long range tanks. Have you considered this option? You don't need a turbo and the ongoing expense. There plenty of na Airplanes flying out west in the mountains! They do fly believe it or not! I think too many folks get into a turbo when they don't necessarily need it. What you need more than a turbo, IMO is economy and efficiency. Your fuel efficiency will benefit greatly when you eliminate descents and climbs for fuel stops. Long range tanks is an excellent mod to an already excellent airplane that will pay for itself in short order.

 

[jlunseth]

Quote: fantom

[fantom]

Quote: Parker_Woodruff

[Cris]

Well having had an opportunity to read thru this thread as well as several others that are similar ie turbo vs na I get a kick out of how we all end up promoting, in most cases, what each of us flies at the moment. Aircraft in general & Mooneys specifically are just like the cars we drive. There are a lot of differant models based on our individual needs & wants and finances. Of course when I went to business school I remember that wants off times are turned into needs as time, advertising and finances permit. So I think the answer starts with one's budget & that in turn dictates applicable models & the equipment desired for the mission at hand. One mans efficiency is another mans extravagance so is using 11gph better that 14gph or is buying a 2003 Mooney better than a 1990 Mooney. Well it depends. Just sayin      

[GaryP1007]

Appreciate all the input and sorted opinions.  Amazing how this thread died for the past few weeks then took off again over the past 24 hours!  

 

This is my favorite website to check each day.  Everyone's perspective makes it quite a learning experience.

[jlunseth]

Just out of curiousity I emailed CAV about the cost of converting inadvertent to FIKI, and it would require removing the inadvertent and installing a new kit, so more expensive than starting with a plane that is not TKS at all.

[KSMooniac]

Quote: jlunseth

Just out of curiousity I emailed CAV about the cost of converting inadvertent to FIKI, and it would require removing the inadvertent and installing a new kit, so more expensive than starting with a plane that is not TKS at all.

[carusoam]

Parker

[Parker_Woodruff]

 

Quote: KSMooniac

Wow, how in the world can that be the case???  I can't imagine the titanium panels are different.  I figured just adding a second pump, alternator, etc. would be all that is required.  Did they give you details?

[Parker_Woodruff]

(NOT PARKER)

[BorealOne]

 

Quote: txbyker

...How come I don't see that much mentioned about Ovations? From what I have read and heard they can perform well up to mid-teens flight levels.  Non-turbo right?  Would this model be good for the occasional mountain?

[KSMooniac]

Ovations are sweet, and my only complaints are that they're still priced above my budget and might be useful load limited compared to what I can do with my J and 1025 lbs of useful load.  My max performance mission is occasional 500 NM trip with 4 adults and weekend bags, and I'm not sure how many Ovations can do this....although they would save 30-35 minutes on such a trip.  

I think the real gems in the market might be the Eagles that were stripped-down compared to a typical pre-G1000 Ovation.  They would make a great canvas for a G500 or Aspen upgrade and a horsepower upgrade to give Ovation performance and more useful load for similar or less money.  

Just about any Mooney is fine for the "occasional mountain trip" if that is part of the occasion.  I've gotten a little experience in the Rockies so far and my J is great, so long as I keep it light.  I wouldn't do it with 4 people and bags.

[geneostendorf]

I have the perfect plane for you.  We have been flying a Mooney Trophy 262 for the past 4 years and love it!  WE just purchased a Mooney Rocket, becasue we were looking for more speed.  The Trophy cruises at 188kts at 17k on 13 gal/hr.  You can't beat that.  Nicely equipped with GMX 200 and 430W, so you will have charts with XM weather and music.  Send me an email if interested.

[Cris]

Quote: KSMooniac

I think the real gems in the market might be the Eagles that were stripped-down compared to a typical pre-G1000 Ovation.  They would make a great canvas for a G500 or Aspen upgrade and a horsepower upgrade to give Ovation performance and more useful load for similar or less money.  

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: Cris

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: borealone

 all on the smoothest engine I've ever flown.

You aren't lying.  I just flew a former student's 1993 A36 and was reminded how smooth the IO-550 is...