Plane less In New Orleans

[1964-M20E]

Unfortunately I chose poorly and thanks to the city of New Orleans for closing certain valves that were not supposed to be closed for Hurricane Isaac and now I’m plane less in New Orleans. I just spoke with the adjuster and had been speaking with my mechanic doing some preventive measures on my plane. From what I understand the nameplate will be removed and the plane except for some items will be cut up and scraped. :-(((

So I’m looking for another E or F model with manual gear and flaps and preferably a nice instrument package.

[Seth]

I'm sorry for your loss and as much as you can, enjoy the search for your new bird.

I'll keep my eyes open for you if I run accross a nice E or F. Both an E and F are on our for sale forum, and I see you already asked for information on the E model. Also, there is an inexpensive J model for sale in Minnesota right now on www.strategicaircraft.com with a brand new engine. Check it out.

Take care,

-Seth

[1964-M20E]

Seth

thanks

The devil is in the details the J model looks real nice and I might look fourther but the engin is 1599SMOH and the prop is 3SPOH

I do like the manual gear and flaps though IMHO you cannot beat them.

[Seth]

I agree - I do miss my manual flaps and gear of the F model. That being said, I'm loving my missile

As for the details of that J, I know the seller wants to move it. Tim can fill you in, but there was an issue with a repair that was done in one of the fuel tanks that caused something to be worn down on the main spar that may have been a real issue, but was not in the end, and repaired by an MSC, and again, Tim can give you the details, but the plane is in good shape evidently - it just carries that information in the log, and will hurt a resale. However, I do see the issue with the prop overhaul but not the engine. If you do not plan to sell it, but instead fly it for years, this could be a nice way to get into a J for nice F dollars. It even has a 430w and autopilot. I know Tim has a nice F coming his way soon (we just spoke recently as it's been a year since my Missile purchase and he was checking in to see how things were going).

Personally, I'm sorry that we didn't get to meet up last March when I was in New Orleans but I appreciate the advice on which FBO to use back then. Again, good luck with your search. Were any of your personal items salvageable?

-Seth

[rbridges]

that sucks about your plane. I was just reading an article about the planes that got flooded.

[1964-M20E]

Yes mine was right behind where the photographer was standing. :-(((

The worst thig is if I was on the other side of the field I would have been fine.

[N601RX]

There is an E up here with a 430 and autopilot. E-mail me and I can get you more info if interested.

[carusoam]

Good luck 64E,

Sometimes there is a good reason for curve balls that come our way. Maybe there is new Mooney searching for you. Keep you eyes open!!!

Best regards,

-a-

[PilotBob]

I have a 75F for sale because of losing my medical. It's in top shape, finally got it to where I want it and bingo I have health issues.

I've attached the ad I've been running and also it's listed with Sheri & Paul Lowans Lasar Plane sales. In case my ad doesn't go thru check their web site.

Call me and I'd be glad to talk with you. I'm in CA 925-462-7942 ask for Bob

My attachment didn't go thru cause of the pictures. You can also email me at keller36@sbcglobal.net and I can send you more info that way. Hope to hear from you

Thank you

[PilotDerek]

That sucks! So sorry for your lose! How bad was it flooded?

[fantom]

Really sorry for your loss....good luck with the search.

[FloridaMan]

Seth

thanks

The devil is in the details the J model looks real nice and I might look fourther but the engin is 1599SMOH and the prop is 3SPOH

I do like the manual gear and flaps though IMHO you cannot beat them.

I assume that's Tim Lundquist selling it. The airplane is located at KBDH, which is where Willmar Air Service is. I can tell you from personal experience that these guys are good to deal with and, had I not yet purchased my "F" model, I would be very interested in that J. Contact Brian at Willmar Air Service and get his opinion on your concerns. He put me at ease when I bought my F with a 1996 engine with 1350 hours on it. I'd also recommend speaking with Bruce Jaeger and see if he's familiar with the plane as well. He knew my airplane for 20 years and the previous owner for longer than that.

Tim seems to have a good reputation among the users here, though I don't know him. Brian and Bruce both struck me as having a level of honesty that I'm not used to seeing here in Florida.

[Seth]

Yes, I was pleased with Tim as he represented the seller when I purchased the Missile. Also, I am not trying to offend any other instructors I have flown with in the past, but if you ever get the chance to fly with Bruce Jaeger, do yourself a favor and just say yes. Talk about a wealth of knowledge and constant helpful suggestions to better fly your aircraft. He conducted my Missile transition and it was a great experience.

Another option in that area of the country is Jason Doscher of JED Aire, located at BBB, a short 15 minute flight from Wilmar. He used to run the Wilmar shop for Bruce a few years back and now runs his own business. He is independent and not an MSC but has a wealth of MSC experience and was the mechanic I used for the pre-buy and overhaul management/engine installation for the Missile. Very good work, very reasonable price. A local mechanic at my field along with the MSC at Freeway (W00) watch over my bird now but I still know I can call Jason from time to time with questions. I can offer contact infromation for any of these professionals. Just PM me.

I want at this point to give the thread back to it's original purpose:

How is the plane search going and does anyone else have a lead for our fellow planeless pilot?

-Seth

[1964-M20E]

That sucks! So sorry for your lose! How bad was it flooded?

It had about 6 to 8 " in the cabin. Enough to get he seats wet but not any electronics.

I have a couple of plan es on a short list now.

The insuracne company will geve me a chec to total the palne or to fix it. I'm looking at both options now.

[DaV8or]

It had about 6 to 8 " in the cabin. Enough to get he seats wet but not any electronics.

I have a couple of plan es on a short list now.

The insuracne company will geve me a chec to total the palne or to fix it. I'm looking at both options now.

I can see the allure of fixing the plane and not giving up on an old friend. There's just a lot of concerns there, mostly will the insurance money really cover it in reality? Was the floor water fresh water, brackish water, or salt water? How long did the water stand? I wouldn't be as concerned about airframe corrosion, but more issues with avionics and electronics. Even though the aviaonics were never flooded, you have to figure that the standing water below it inside the cabin evaporated and then condensed under the panel.

I guess I'd consider the repair option only if I was planning on upgrading and spending money on the plane before the flood. If you were thinking of a new panel anyways, I might go for it. I love the idea of fixing it, just will the insurance settlement really cover it in the end?

[1964-M20E]

Well I received the final word from the insurance co today and they are only going to total the aircraft. Unfortunately 43U will never fly again. :-(

[Hank]

Man, that sucks! Good luck with your search for a good replacement.

One positive for electric gear: I store charts, plates and water bottles between the seats, and don't have mismatched arms. It's really not a bad experience. Just be careful with your headset cord after you do your first emergency extension, and be sure to fold the handle down before resetting the breaker. It was an experience I will never forget . . .

[DaV8or]

Unfortunately 43U will never fly again. :-(

Not necessarily. It will be sold to a salvage operation and sometimes there are people willing to take on the job of putting it back in the air. In this market and with a dwindling pilot population, the odds are against it though.

[1964-M20E]

Well I've narrowed my search to three at this time:

66 E Model

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/listing?id=1578961

64 E Model

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/detail/aircraft/Single+Engine+Piston/1964/Mooney/M20E+Super+21/1590730.html

67F Model

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20F-EXEC-21/1967-MOONEY-M20F-EXEC-21/1247961.htm

If anybody cares to take a quick look at these and let me know if you have any info on their history or any other thoughts please respond here or in a PM.

[jetdriven]

THis one is right under your nose and is way better than all three of those options you gave.

[1964-M20E]

Byron

Thanks for the suggestion I have looked at that plane. Bob has a real nice airplane there and comes highly recommended by other members of the board and I’m sure it could be bought without a pre-buy inspection or title search based on the comments from other people here. Unfortunately even with him lowering the price $10k which puts it very close to AOPA Vref I still need to consider fiscal reality and my goals. I was in a good position with my old plane I did not owe any money on it and that is where I want to be on my next plane or only owing a small amount <15%. If money was truly no factor I’d be looking at small twin engine jets but I’ll have to win the lottery first . The other factor is that I am partial to the manual gear and flaps and I have not ruled out electric as an option. I have flown in planes with both being electric and there is nothing wrong with electric heck I’m an electrical engineer and I deal with many automatic things every day. Maybe that is one reason I like the manual things who knows.

[FloridaMan]

I like that F listing in Arkansas. I think he's about $10,000 too high on the price.

[PilotBob]

I've done 3 appraisals on this plane using Jimmy Garrison's work sheet in the Mapa Log, AOPA's VRef, and Shery Lowen of Lasar in Clear Lake, CA a Mooney Service Center. All appraisals have been between $76,000 to $80,000 with Vref at $76,000. Considering That I've put about $70,000 into this plane upgrading the avionics, rebuilt engine, and paint in the past 6 years thinking I was going to be flying this plane for the next 10 years. But now I have medical issues and instead of applying for my medical and risk being denied I've decided to go into the LSA market.

[FloridaMan]

Bob,

I was referring to the 1967 one being overpriced, not yours. Keep in mind there's some petitioning going on in regards to waiving 3rd class medical for daytime VFR flight of aircraft of 180HP or less. It won't keep you in your F, but might keep you in a carbureted Mooney.

[PilotBob]

Antares,

I was replying to 1964-M20E where he said by me lowering the price it puts me close to AOPA Vref when in fact Vref came in at $76,000. And thank you for the info on the proposed rule change for LSA, I am aware of it. The problem is even a carburated Mooney is still considered a complex plane which won't be allowed. I already have a plane picked out I want to get into. Look at www.lightningaircraircraftwest.net