AndreiC Posted April 5, 2023 Report Posted April 5, 2023 Hello Mooney owners, I posted in this forum about a week ago about finding a mechanic in the upper Midwest, because I needed a prepurchase inspection on a Mooney I had hoped to buy. Unfortunately the negotiations for that plane have fallen apart, so I am still on the lookout for a good plane. My requirements are: relatively low time engine (<1000 hrs preferred, but could go up to 1400); well-maintained, so I don't find myself having a long list of things to do soon; paint and interior good, say a 7 on both. (I'd rather not have to repaint or replace the interior, I want to fly it...) I am fine with a C or an E, with a slight preference for an E; I don't need the extra space of an F. The list of "would be nice to have" comes next, in decreasing order of importance. Speed mods would be really nice -- I want to go fast (that's why I am moving to a Mooney from my Cherokee 180). A three-blade prop (for making it easier to fly into a grass strip I sometimes want to fly to) is a plus; so is also a standard 6-pack instrument panel, though none of these is a must. Perhaps the most important concern for me is to find a plane that its previous owner clearly cared for -- first and foremost mechanically, but also to some extent esthetically. Please PM me if you have such a plane, or if you know of someone who thinks of selling one. My budget covers a pretty wide range, so I am not going to list it here. But from what I've seen on various forums there are planes here and there that fit my budget; but all of them fail to meet one of the criteria above, or have just been sold Thanks a lot, Andrei. Quote
Pinecone Posted April 5, 2023 Report Posted April 5, 2023 Double check the 3 blade prop thing. In many cases, they are the same diameter as the 2 blade. Quote
CChris Posted April 5, 2023 Report Posted April 5, 2023 https://www.gmaxamericanaircraft.com/inventory/?/listing/for-sale/218092713/1970-mooney-m20e-chapparal-piston-single-aircraft?dlr=1&dscompanyid=6946&settingscrmid=614667 1 Quote
AndreiC Posted April 6, 2023 Author Report Posted April 6, 2023 The plane shown by CChris is very close to what I would be looking for. I will talk to the owner and see where he's at with it. If you know of any others similar in condition and equipment, I would be very happy to hear about them. Quote
carusoam Posted April 6, 2023 Report Posted April 6, 2023 3 hours ago, Andrei Caldararu said: Hello Mooney owners, I posted in this forum about a week ago about finding a mechanic in the upper Midwest, because I needed a prepurchase inspection on a Mooney I had hoped to buy. Unfortunately the negotiations for that plane have fallen apart, so I am still on the lookout for a good plane. My requirements are: relatively low time engine (<1000 hrs preferred, but could go up to 1400); well-maintained, so I don't find myself having a long list of things to do soon; paint and interior good, say a 7 on both. (I'd rather not have to repaint or replace the interior, I want to fly it...) I am fine with a C or an E, with a slight preference for an E; I don't need the extra space of an F. The list of "would be nice to have" comes next, in decreasing order of importance. Speed mods would be really nice -- I want to go fast (that's why I am moving to a Mooney from my Cherokee 180). A three-blade prop (for making it easier to fly into a grass strip I sometimes want to fly to) is a plus; so is also a standard 6-pack instrument panel, though none of these is a must. Perhaps the most important concern for me is to find a plane that its previous owner clearly cared for -- first and foremost mechanically, but also to some extent esthetically. Please PM me if you have such a plane, or if you know of someone who thinks of selling one. My budget covers a pretty wide range, so I am not going to list it here. But from what I've seen on various forums there are planes here and there that fit my budget; but all of them fail to meet one of the criteria above, or have just been sold Thanks a lot, Andrei. Hey Andrei’ Just came to market… just got its price exposed yesterday… find @Seth M20J/Missile…. A very well cared for bird. There only are a few reasons nice Mooneys go to market… 1) Pilot flys West, leaving the plane behind… 2) Pilot moves up to turbine speeds… 3) Pilot’s family expands beyond four seats… Seth is still with us, but his Missile has to go find a new home.. Best regards, -a- 1 Quote
AndreiC Posted April 6, 2023 Author Report Posted April 6, 2023 The J looks like a wonderful bird, but it is well outside my price range. Let's say that $100k is already a bit high for what I can afford. That is why I posted this in the "Early Mooneys" forum. Quote
Echo Posted April 6, 2023 Report Posted April 6, 2023 11 hours ago, carusoam said: Hey Andrei’ Just came to market… just got its price exposed yesterday… find @Seth M20J/Missile…. A very well cared for bird. There only are a few reasons nice Mooneys go to market… 1) Pilot flys West, leaving the plane behind… 2) Pilot moves up to turbine speeds… 3) Pilot’s family expands beyond four seats… Seth is still with us, but his Missile has to go find a new home.. Best regards, -a- I 100% agree here. For three reasons: 1. While you say short body is enough, the mid body with removable rear seats is vastly superior for storage. 2. You say you want to go fast and mods are welcome. Well the Missile mod by Rocket Engineering will cruise at 180 knots flowing 13gph. In wind you will still be getting J speeds in a missile for NOT a big fuel penalty. It will make your Cherokee seem like a pick up hauling a duck boat. 3. Because Seth is a wonderful human being that is honest and spent the money wisely on his bird. Good luck! 2 Quote
Echo Posted April 6, 2023 Report Posted April 6, 2023 15 hours ago, CChris said: https://www.gmaxamericanaircraft.com/inventory/?/listing/for-sale/218092713/1970-mooney-m20e-chapparal-piston-single-aircraft?dlr=1&dscompanyid=6946&settingscrmid=614667 Needs ADSB transponder. Nice auto pilot is a bonus in an M20E Quote
Echo Posted April 6, 2023 Report Posted April 6, 2023 That E has been available for monthes and monthes. Make a reasonable offer and move it Quote
AndreiC Posted April 6, 2023 Author Report Posted April 6, 2023 I am now in talks with Jimmy at GMax about that 1970 E-model. It is very close to what I need. I'll let you guys know how it goes! 4 Quote
carusoam Posted April 7, 2023 Report Posted April 7, 2023 7 hours ago, Andrei Caldararu said: I am now in talks with Jimmy at GMax about that 1970 E-model. It is very close to what I need. I'll let you guys know how it goes! Jimmie is a great resource…. Ask as many questions as you can, take lots of notes… lots of details…. About the plane, some upgrades while you are there, setting up insurance, setting up finance, setting up Transition Training and flying home… Fantastic memories of working with Jimmie… Best regards, -a- Quote
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