So, I bought a Mooney...

[Flyler]

I want to thank everyone for the advice given to me that helped to make this happen!

I bought a Mooney!

My instructor and I were flying the flight school's Warrior and flew to a nearby airport.  As we were taxiing back to head back to the runway I hit the brakes and pointed out the window "wow, look at the paint on that Mooney!"  My instructor was pretty tired of hearing about Mooney this, Mooney that, so she said "you're such a dingus" and we kept rolling.  Later that day I pulled up Controller to drool over Mooneys, and that exact one showed up for sale.  I couldn't believe it.  It was way over my budget too!  A few Google searches later and I happened upon Mooneyspace and a guy had a sort of "near miss" with buying it.  I reached out to him and he sent me the Prebuy information that he did, as well as the local Mooney Expert's information.  Really nice of him to do that for me.  I met with the owners and they were just the kindest people ever.  Couldn't ask for a more lovely couple.  The plane is a 1968 M20F, it isn't perfect but it is WAY nicer than what I thought I would end up getting.  Some faded paint and minor issues, but nothing major.  It's under an hour drive from me, and the A&P that did all of the speed mods, and maintained it for a good 20 years has a shop just 25 minutes from my house.  Everything has lined up so well.  I'm still in shock, and so excited.

Today I have the keys!

The owners kept every receipt and picture, so I have some nice pictures of it as they put some speed mods on it.

 

 

I don't think I'm going to get any sleep tonight...

[BlueSky247]

Congratulations!

 

Where will your first flight be to?

 

[201Steve]

Awesome! Congrats. V exciting. Where are you based?

[Schllc]

What a beautiful bird!  Congratulations!

[Flyler]

6 minutes ago, BlueSky247 said:

Congratulations!

 

Where will your first flight be to?

 

The plane is in annual but the first flight is straight to the A&P's shop at DXF in Danbury CT.  I'm not sure if I'll base it there or at OXC in Oxford.  Both airports are 25 minutes from home.  My checkride is pushed back to August 1st so it will be a while, unfortunately.

[Hank]

Woo-hooo!!!! Congratulations, @Flyler!

Along with where you are based, we now need the obligatory interior and panel shots.  

Good luck with your current training, and your Mooney transition!

[wombat]

https://www.aircraft.com/aircraft/216677309/n651rk-1968-mooney-m20f-exec-21

 

And congratulations, that looks like an amazing plane, I hope you get lots of use out of it and have so much fun!!

[Flyler]

That's the one!

It came with a Garmin Aera tablet. Either a 795 or 796, not sure yet to be honest, it needs a new battery.  Lots of other goodies too - Bose A20, older non ANR Bose and David Clarks. Original spinner. GDL 39 3D. Not sure if that's still needed with the GTX 330.  I'm coming from pure steam gauges so I'm just blown away.  I know the avionics are a bit dated but they are amazing for me

 

Also, WHAT IS THE DEAL with the Mooney layout?? Everything is EXACTLY where you want it.  It's true love.

[201Mooniac]

Congrats!!  Its a great feeling buying a Mooney, I'm sure you will love it.  Take good care of it and it will take good care of you.  I've owned mine for 29 years now and I still look forward to every flight.  I'm finally getting back to plan some long ones.  I'm sure you will enjoy exploring all the airports around you.  Best of luck with the plane and the checkride.

[201Mooniac]

1 minute ago, Flyler said:

That's the one!

It came with a Garmin Aera tablet. Either a 795 or 796, not sure yet to be honest, it needs a new battery.  Lots of other goodies too - Bose A20, older non ANR Bose and David Clarks. Original spinner. GDL 39 3D. Not sure if that's still needed with the GTX 330.  I'm coming from pure steam gauges so I'm just blown away.  I know the avionics are a bit dated but they are amazing for me

 

Also, WHAT IS THE DEAL with the Mooney layout?? Everything is EXACTLY where you want it.  It's true love.

 

The GTX 330 is ADS-B out, the GDL-39 is ADS-B in, you need the out, you want the in.

[LANCECASPER]

4 minutes ago, 201Mooniac said:

The GTX 330 is ADS-B out, the GDL-39 is ADS-B in, you need the out, you want the in.

The GTX330 as-is wouldn't be ADS-B out.

If it's a GTX330ES (Extended Squitter) or a GTX335 or GTX345 then it's ADS-B out provided it has a WAAS source (as an example if the GNS530 is a 530W).

Otherwise maybe it has a Uavionix Strobe or Tail beacon ADS-B out solution.

[201Mooniac]

1 minute ago, LANCECASPER said:

The GTX330 as-is wouldn't be ADS-B out.

If it's a GTX330ES (Extended Squitter) or a GTX335 or GTX345 then it's ADS-B out provided it has a WAAS source (as an example if the GNS530 is a 530W).

Otherwise maybe it has a Uavionix Strobe or Tail beacon ADS-B out solution.

You are correct, I just assumed it was an ES, goes to show you should never assume

[LANCECASPER]

3 hours ago, Flyler said:

Also, WHAT IS THE DEAL with the Mooney layout?? Everything is EXACTLY where you want it.  It's true love.

Now it is after someone spent a lot of time and money re-doing the panel layout.

[wombat]

The avionics are totally fine for basically ANY flight you might want to do.    Sure, better is better, but it's also more expensive.

I'd say a couple of things you can do short term: 

• Get rid of the ADF and the Area.   
• Get an iPad mount and use an iPad.  The iPad is just as legal as the Area from Garmin for any flying and it's a way better interface, IMO  Plus you can play music on it to your headphones.

I see you have the S-Tec autopilot.   Not bad, I had one and wow does it make things better.

Other than my suggestions above, I'd leave the panel as it is for a couple of years.  Then decide if you want to do the GI-275 route or the G3X route.      You *could* upgrade to the GTN (6|7)50 in the meantime, but the 530 is more than capable enough and I'd just leave it.   Tearing the panel open twice going to cost you an extra $10k compared to saving up and doing it once.

[Flyler]

If I'm not mistaken, the 530 had the WAAS upgrade at some point.  I think it is a GTX 335 and not 330.  I'm sort of on cloud9 right now and can't think straight... 

I do have an iPad already and figured I would compare the two options.  It seems like the iPad might be able to connect to the existing gear too.  At any rate, I still have a lot to learn!

[LANCECASPER]

7 minutes ago, Flyler said:

If I'm not mistaken, the 530 had the WAAS upgrade at some point.  I think it is a GTX 335 and not 330.  I'm sort of on cloud9 right now and can't think straight... 

I do have an iPad already and figured I would compare the two options.  It seems like the iPad might be able to connect to the existing gear too.  At any rate, I still have a lot to learn!

The Aera 795 or 796 (a 795 with XM capabilities) is a nice unit. Try it before you get rid of it. 

The Garmin GDL39 3D will work with your iPad with Garmin Pilot or Foreflight or FltPlanGo. https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/539940#additional

[LANCECASPER]

28 minutes ago, Flyler said:

Bose A20, older non ANR Bose and David Clarks.

All Bose Aviation headsets had ANR.

The original, the Series II, the Bose X, A20 and A30.

[Flyler]

Sir you are a treasure trove of knowledge! Thank you.

[hammdo]

One could do a slide in upgrade of the 530 with an Avidyne and get modern upgrades. Then sell or trade in the 530…

https://www.avidyne.com/shop/fms-gps-nav-com/garmin-gns530-replacement/

-Don

[IvanP]

Congrats and welcome to Mooney community! Hope you will enjoy the new plane in good health. Just remember that your family life will never be the same  Your dinner table conversations will now be only about what new gizmos you will need/want, where to go, etc.. Also, say good bye to any disposable income, you just disposed of it for foreseeable future.  

I second Lance's advice on the Garmin Aera unit. It is a purpose-built dedicated unit made to withstand the environment in which it will be operating. It will not shut down on you in the middle of flight because of overheating, like i-pads tend to do if not adequately cooled (search various forums for i-pad heat issues). The Aera has very similar interface as other Garmin equipment which will make it easier to work with. I have GTN 750 in my plane and Aera 760 on a MyGoFLight articulating panel mount. These two units have virtually identical look & feel when working with them. Makes IFR flying a breeze. Granted the 530 interface is a bit different from what I recall from my previous plane, but still pretty similar in terms of symbols and colors on the maps, charts, etc.  

It may not play music, but I will take Aera over I-pad any day. Size may also be in issue in a Mooney cabin. That was one of my main considerations when selecting this unit. It is compact enough to be in my view without obstructing other stuff, yet big enough to display what I need. I think that I-=pad mini was similar size, but the regular size seems just a bit too big for Mooney cockpit in my opinion.  Play with both and see what you like best.

Fly safe!

[mmcdaniel33]

I was the near miss guy!  I'm very happy that "F" found a new home.  It showed promise.  My own search came to an end 5 weeks ago with a 77 Mooney M20J from Huntington, WV.

Two happy new to us Mooney owners.

[EricJ]

Nicely done!   Enjoy that!

 

[201er]

4 hours ago, Flyler said:

I want to thank everyone for the advice given to me that helped to make this happen!

I bought a Mooney!

My instructor and I were flying the flight school's Warrior and flew to a nearby airport.  As we were taxiing back to head back to the runway I hit the brakes and pointed out the window "wow, look at the paint on that Mooney!"  My instructor was pretty tired of hearing about Mooney this, Mooney that, so she said "you're such a dingus" and we kept rolling.  Later that day I pulled up Controller to drool over Mooneys, and that exact one showed up for sale.  I couldn't believe it.  It was way over my budget too!  A few Google searches later and I happened upon Mooneyspace and a guy had a sort of "near miss" with buying it.  I reached out to him and he sent me the Prebuy information that he did, as well as the local Mooney Expert's information.  Really nice of him to do that for me.  I met with the owners and they were just the kindest people ever.  Couldn't ask for a more lovely couple.  The plane is a 1968 M20F, it isn't perfect but it is WAY nicer than what I thought I would end up getting.  Some faded paint and minor issues, but nothing major.  It's under an hour drive from me, and the A&P that did all of the speed mods, and maintained it for a good 20 years has a shop just 25 minutes from my house.  Everything has lined up so well.  I'm still in shock, and so excited.

Today I have the keys!

The owners kept every receipt and picture, so I have some nice pictures of it as they put some speed mods on it.

 

 

I don't think I'm going to get any sleep tonight...

Is that an F-ed up J?? Had to do a double take. Are inner gear doors all that’s missing?

[Ragsf15e]

5 hours ago, Flyler said:

I want to thank everyone for the advice given to me that helped to make this happen!

I bought a Mooney!

My instructor and I were flying the flight school's Warrior and flew to a nearby airport.  As we were taxiing back to head back to the runway I hit the brakes and pointed out the window "wow, look at the paint on that Mooney!"  My instructor was pretty tired of hearing about Mooney this, Mooney that, so she said "you're such a dingus" and we kept rolling.  Later that day I pulled up Controller to drool over Mooneys, and that exact one showed up for sale.  I couldn't believe it.  It was way over my budget too!  A few Google searches later and I happened upon Mooneyspace and a guy had a sort of "near miss" with buying it.  I reached out to him and he sent me the Prebuy information that he did, as well as the local Mooney Expert's information.  Really nice of him to do that for me.  I met with the owners and they were just the kindest people ever.  Couldn't ask for a more lovely couple.  The plane is a 1968 M20F, it isn't perfect but it is WAY nicer than what I thought I would end up getting.  Some faded paint and minor issues, but nothing major.  It's under an hour drive from me, and the A&P that did all of the speed mods, and maintained it for a good 20 years has a shop just 25 minutes from my house.  Everything has lined up so well.  I'm still in shock, and so excited.

Today I have the keys!

The owners kept every receipt and picture, so I have some nice pictures of it as they put some speed mods on it.

 

 

I don't think I'm going to get any sleep tonight...

congrats!! I have a 68F as well, 68-0164.  What’s your serial number?

Just flew mine today, 500nm with 4 people (2 kids) plus baggage at 11,500!  They are awesome machines!

[Flyler]

7 hours ago, Ragsf15e said:

congrats!! I have a 68F as well, 68-0164.  What’s your serial number?

Just flew mine today, 500nm with 4 people (2 kids) plus baggage at 11,500!  They are awesome machines!

Hey 500kts at 4GPH that's pretty good!  (I'm practicing my Mooney speed delusions)

Serial number is 68-0125.  It does look like the previous owner bought it and then quickly realized he wanted a J instead   He did a lot to it, these are the other items that I know about:

-Fuel Bladders

-Extra thick side windows

-Wing tip fairings

Honestly it has everything that I was thinking I might want to add over time to the "needs a lot of TLC" Mooney that I thought I would be buying.  Some of the folks on here gave very sage advice- buy one that someone else spent all the money on, and stretch a little if you need to.  The only trade-off for me is that I probably would've liked having the manual gear and flaps (this is electric).  I think I'm one of the weirdos that actually likes the throttle quadrant too.  All of the snazzy gear does come at a cost- she's at 905lbs useful load.

Woke up as soon as the sun rose this morning and immediately thought "Mooney!" and shot out of bed... not sure if that will ever wear off...