New M20A owner

[Tcfurk]

I’m a student pilot and this is my first aircraft. 1958 Mooney M20A. Has low hours and the Prop AD is being done today, has a fresh annual. What are some trouble areas I should keep and eye on?

Edited May 8, 2024 by Tcfurk
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[Hank]

Congratulations! Looks nice. 

Be ready, it won't fly like your trainer. Check out The Mooney Flyer, a monthly ezine (sorry, too much work to create a link on my phone this morning) for lots of helpful hints and a list of Mooney-experienced CFIs.

[Desertfox]

Congrats! I started in an A. Your wood wings need to stay out of the weather. Learn your POH. Don't force it to the ground and let it stop flying. Watch your tail hinges. When your preflight lift up on the tail a little and see if there's any play. Make sure your landing gear is secure,my A didn't have the thumb button. Just the collar there slides down. Good luck I loved mine!

[Rwsavory]

Have shoulder harnesses installed if they aren't already. This is an important safety upgrade and can save your life if there is an accident. Congrats!

[hammdo]

Congrats! Train well, fly with a Mooney CFI as suggested. How far along are you? 
 

-Don

[Fly Boomer]

4 hours ago, Tcfurk said:

What are some trouble areas I should keep and eye on?

Good suggestions above.  I would think the current condition of the wood, and ongoing protection of the wood is critical.

[Skates97]

44 minutes ago, Rwsavory said:

Have shoulder harnesses installed if they aren't already. This is an important safety upgrade and can save your life if there is an accident. Congrats!

This was the first thing I did when we got our plane. Best upgrade that I hope to never need.