DonMuncy Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 I have decided to call it quits. At 87 years old, no insurance company will offer me a quote, liability or hull coverage, in a Mooney. Worse yet, I have not been flying enough to even begin to justify the costs (as if I ever could). But worst of all, the frequency of my flying does not allow me to remain proficient. I am not likely a danger to myself or others in good VFR conditions, but somewhere, sometime, I know that I would extend a little too far with weather considerations, and I just don't need that risk. My plane is up for sale, I will still be keeping up with Mooneyspace, and all my friends here. I still plan on continuing "Visors By Muncy" and hawking my wares (Visors, cabin light timers, tugs). Don 30 1
hammdo Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 Wow Don, hate hearing that. May be time to go MOSAIC or Sport Pilot and do VFR only. Maybe be a safety pilot so you can still go up and enjoy flying… Thanks for all you do… -Don
anthonydesmet Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 @DonMuncy, I am sure that was a difficult go/no go decision. That’s the one common decision we will all have to make so thank you for sharing. I’m glad you will be sticking around here though. For all - back when I bought N262RV in 2012, Don was there for me out of the gate answering all my turbo and oxygen questions and supplying me with parts manuals, etc. Don, your expertise is still highly valuable.
mike_elliott Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 Don we will miss you in the air. A finer gentleman to have flown a Mooney doesn’t exist. Every one of us are daily getting closer to “that” day. you can hold down the right seat with all that hot air anytime!
Fly Boomer Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 33 minutes ago, DonMuncy said: I have decided to call it quits. I'm not sure if condolences or congratulations are in order. Condolences for loss of an activity you clearly love, or congratulations for making the decision before an issue or event. As @hammdo suggests above, fly with others. Next time I'm in Texas, I'll see if you are available for lunch again.
dkkim73 Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 1 hour ago, DonMuncy said: At 87 years old, no insurance company will offer me a quote, liability or hull coverage, in a Mooney. Worse yet, I have not been flying enough to even begin to justify the costs (as if I ever could). Fixed one little thing for you. I don't think we're allowed to entertain that question; it would flush out a lot of us regardless of age. Had no idea you were 87. Sounds like you're doing quite well indeed Greatly respect the proactivity, and happy you are sticking around here. Someone's got to keep us from stupider mistakes.... 3
Marc_B Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 I don't think enough training goes into moving from the pilot side to a copilot or pax gracefully. It's NOT an age, but defined by so many other more nuanced decisions. I'd imagine that its usually never easy, so many step aside way too soon or way too late. Just remember that just because you pass the keys, you still have WAY more to give to the aviation community and all the Mooney fellowship you've met along the way! I hope you're still able to get up routinely in the air with friends, family and Mooney brothers & sisters!
Will.iam Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 1 hour ago, DonMuncy said: I have decided to call it quits. At 87 years old, no insurance company will offer me a quote, liability or hull coverage, in a Mooney. Worse yet, I have not been flying enough to even begin to justify the costs (as if I ever could). But worst of all, the frequency of my flying does not allow me to remain proficient. I am not likely a danger to myself or others in good VFR conditions, but somewhere, sometime, I know that I would extend a little too far with weather considerations, and I just don't need that risk. My plane is up for sale, I will still be keeping up with Mooneyspace, and all my friends here. I still plan on continuing "Visors By Muncy" and hawking my wares (Visors, cabin light timers, tugs). Don Don you are ALAWYS welcome to walk, bicycle or drive the 3 blocks down the road and go fly with me anytime you want to go up flying around the patch or grab a breakfast nearby. you know i try to fly at least once a week to keep the engine from rusting and most of those flights i go empty as it’s not a convenient time for most to go up. 4
Hank Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 Don, that's a difficult decision that we will all have to make sometime. But if it's based on "flying enough to justify the cost," then we are all doomed. I try to stay proficient, and travel some. When I don't think I can stay safe, it will be time to either put up or shut up, but I'm not there yet. You can still keep the membership you earned in the UFO Club!
Max Clark Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 2 hours ago, DonMuncy said: I have decided to call it quits. At 87 years old, no insurance company will offer me a quote, liability or hull coverage, in a Mooney. Worse yet, I have not been flying enough to even begin to justify the costs (as if I ever could). But worst of all, the frequency of my flying does not allow me to remain proficient. I am not likely a danger to myself or others in good VFR conditions, but somewhere, sometime, I know that I would extend a little too far with weather considerations, and I just don't need that risk. My plane is up for sale, I will still be keeping up with Mooneyspace, and all my friends here. I still plan on continuing "Visors By Muncy" and hawking my wares (Visors, cabin light timers, tugs). Don Paging @Parker_Woodruff @DonMuncy I fly most Fridays. You're welcome to join me for some hamburger and bbq runs. I'll text you to make sure you've got my number. -Max
LANCECASPER Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 If I was in the market for a 231, I would get in touch with Don before this hits the market and the sharks start circling. He has owned it since the 90's and it has been maintained well. I'm sure he would like it to go to a Mooneyspacer, so he could follow it. 5
Jetpilot86 Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 I’m hoping to have to face this decision at 87. I figure it will be before then. Doesn’t seem like you won’t lack for flying opportunities, just the glory of PIC. Enjoy!
laytonl Posted January 25 Report Posted January 25 Don, I know that is a tough decision. I knew an older gentleman - CFI who gave my son his primary instruction - who was flying around early one Saturday morning while I was doing likewise. After landing I happen to drive by his hangar and he was standing outside of the hangar, looking at his Cardinal. I stopped to see if he was okay and he said this was his last flight. He just wanted to fly it one more time before walking away. He said it was time to let go. I will always remember his emotional state as he walked away. We hope you will stay connected with Mooneyspace. Lee 3
Fritz1 Posted January 26 Report Posted January 26 Don, the day will come for all of us, ever thought about flying model airplanes? did that as a kid and plan to eventually revert back to that. -Fritz
201Steve Posted January 26 Report Posted January 26 I hope I’m this lucky, Don. I respect the decision a lot- for sake of the community as well as the fleet. Sounds like you’ll have as much aviating in your future as you like with the support of your neighbors. That’s pretty cool, too.
Pinecone Posted January 26 Report Posted January 26 Sorry to hear this. But kudos to making the decision early rather than too late. You are welcome to fly my plane any time our paths cross. And I hope you will continue to show up at MooneyMax or other events.
Yetti Posted January 26 Report Posted January 26 Tough decision. I would highly recommend wandering over to Sulpher Springs and doing their seaplane training. It was fun and I found it easier to land than a Mooney.
DonMuncy Posted January 26 Author Report Posted January 26 Thanks for all the kind words, condolences, and offers. Yes, I still plan on flying with others as a safety pilot or just for fun. And I anticipate going to Mooneymax and other functions. 4
Flyler Posted January 26 Report Posted January 26 If you're ever in New England, I could use a safety pilot
Parker_Woodruff Posted January 26 Report Posted January 26 Don, I enjoyed our flying in N231AT...especially the flight to Florida a couple/few years ago.
DonMuncy Posted January 26 Author Report Posted January 26 Yes, that was a nice trip. I was glad you were able to go with me.
DCarlton Posted January 26 Report Posted January 26 On 1/25/2026 at 1:51 PM, LANCECASPER said: If I was in the market for a 231, I would get in touch with Don before this hits the market and the sharks start circling. He has owned it since the 90's and it has been maintained well. I'm sure he would like it to go to a Mooneyspacer, so he could follow it. I just noticed it on Controller before I saw this post. It's an eye-catcher. I'm sure it will move to a good home. If only trades were easier in aviation...
hubcap Posted January 26 Report Posted January 26 I’m glad that you were able to choose rather than someone else saying you must. We hope to see you again soon Don!
MB65E Posted January 27 Report Posted January 27 Don, I have enjoyed all of your posts. Your creative thoughts and your engineering mindset. You tapping out shows what wisdom you’ve always had. I hope I just make it to 87, let alone still flying at 87!! Well Done! -Matt
redbaron1982 Posted January 27 Report Posted January 27 I know this reads like sad news, but there is a bright side here that's worth celebrating. You made it to 87, healthy enough to fly, with a lifetime of aviation behind you. Even more impressive, all those years and all that experience haven't dulled your judgment: you recognize that flying less often, especially in IFR, can put you in a place where "just one more push" with weather could end badly. That level of self-awareness is rare and admirable. I hope someday I'm in your position: able to look back on decades of flying and savor every moment, knowing I did it on my own terms and with a clear head. One more positive side to it: now you will be “flying for free” with fellow mooniacs who would gladly cover the gas just to spend a few hours in the cockpit with someone who carries even a fraction of your wisdom. 5
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