so I need some advice

[N6784N]

I am working through a few things with my mooney but cant seem to make my mind up. my first issue is I work out of town in virginia and if I flew my plane in, it would only take me 45 minutes to fly home versus 3.5 hrs driving. The problem is I dont want virginia hitting me with a user fee for keeping my plane there. does anybody know where I can find out virginias user fee laws? my other question is... I really love my plane, shes a 1968 m20c but in reality I really really want a newer model like a later 70 to 80's model. I just bought this plane like 8 months ago to use as a stepping stone to the newer model but now having second thoughts. I could forgo the newer model and put a 3 axis autopilot or the G500 with a new panel and all the speed mods the mooney gods have provided. what do you guys think??

[mooneygirl]

Hi Jeff

I cannot speak to the user fee issues in Virginia.  One of the best things I did was purchase the legal part of the AOPA membership.  For $39 per year, I get unlimited consultations regarding the purchase of an airplane, not to mention other legal services in case I ever need it.

The C model is a great airplane.  What is it you are looking for? More speed?  The extra leg room in a F or J model?  Better avionics?  I fly an E, and my husband an Ovation, to be honest, there are good and not-so-good things about both.  Perhaps really looking at what you want more of, will help you decide where to go next.  I don't know if you are IFR, but the C is a good plane to get your rating in.  Just my two cents.

Jolie

[Cruiser]

check here: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+TOC58010000015000000000000

at quick glance it seems to deal with residents owning planes in Virginia and non-residents basing their planes in Virginia. If you are a non-resident and base your plane in another state, it would not apply. However, I am not an Virginia attorney nor a tax expert. You should check with the state of Virginia and get their view on the matter first. If they decide to tax you after you start flying you will have to deal with them in any event, you might as well do it now.

TomK

[KLRDMD]

Quote: N6784N

I really love my plane, shes a 1968 m20c but in reality I really really want a newer model like a later 70 to 80's model. 

[KLRDMD]

Quote: N6784N

I really love my plane, shes a 1968 m20c but in reality I really really want a newer model like a later 70 to 80's model. 

[N6784N]

i think the reason for wanting a newer model is for the speed and updated panel, not to mention more leg room. i am coming to the conclusion that even if i did get a newer mooney then i would want the ovation which is something i def cant afford. i think what i will do is plan on keeping the plane for 10 years or so and just make upgrades. i just cant beat the cost and really have fun flying it. right now the plane cruises at 150 mph and if i can get it up to 160 at a descent price i would be very happy.  so what is goiing on with the electric landing gear? are they going to find a cost effective fix for the actuator or what do you think is going to happen?

[docket]

I think that if you like the plane add the equipment.  You will know precisely what you have and the new equipment (if it is installed correctly) will most likely inprove the value of the plane by that amount.  In any event, putting new avionics in a plane should never reduce the market value so my vote is put the equipment in and never look back.