Mooney M20?

[hangar3]

Hi!

I've seen a few M20's on the market lately, and I've seen a few going for cheaper than a C172, which I find surprising (~$30k - 40k). It's getting tempting to get one, but I'd like to know:

What are your thoughts on the machine, particularly the M20B or M20C? (I ask because they are more likely cheaper)
What kind of insurance costs could one expect for a 1960's, metal wing M20B?
Are parts tough to find for these?
Does anyone have expected annual costs just so I can ballpark my cost estimates?


The main use would be to commute on 300 NM one-way trips to visit family every weekend or two, either on my own or with at least one other person on board. I've determined I don't want a wood wing one, on the basis that I'd like to be able to park it outside without worry once in a while (or longer if I can't find hangar space?), and because I think maintenance would be nearing impossibility at this point. I don't think the maintenance on a Lycoming 0-360 would be impossible though?

If you know anyone who has one for sale in Alberta, or who would be willing to take me for a ride on one if I pay the expenses, please let me know! I am close to Cold Lake.

[C-GKNT]

C-GKNT is a 1965 M20E that I have owned/flown ~900 hours since 2000. I used to fly it 75-125 hours/year until I got a twin 4 years ago.

As for operating costs I have had annuals for less than $1,000 and some > $5,000. My best guess would be an average of $2,000-2,500 but that includes 2 prop overhauls, 2 tank reseals, replacing a cam shaft and a few lifters as well as a nose gear rebuild.

Insurance ~$1,300-1,800/year for $2MM smooth and $50K hull.

I'm a bit far away but I'll take you for a ride if you can get yourself to Red Deer.

Glenn

[hangar3]

Hey Glenn,

Thank you very much for the info!
Sounds like you like it quite a bit if you've put that much time on it!

I'll send you a PM with my contact info, hopefully we can set something up.
That 250NM - 300 NM trip I'm talking about in my original post is to go to Calgary and back from Cold Lake, so I can definitely make it to Red Deer.

[C-GKNT]

Hey Glenn,

Thank you very much for the info!
Sounds like you like it quite a bit if you've put that much time on it!
...

All aircraft are compromises but overall a M20 is a great plane and covers a great range of utility. Docile but fast as well when required. I flew it out to New Brunswick each summer to visit the in-laws and I have had it as far as Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. On the other side, it has flown several hundred Young Eagles/COPA for Kids over the years.

I really should sell it...but it is part of the family and I just can't get myself to do it.

Glenn

[yvesg]

I own a 1965 M20C in the Ottawa area. Too bad you are not around because I am looking for a partner. My insurance is $1400 for $65K hull. Annuals for the last 4 years averaged at $4500 if you do not count the prop overhaul I just did. Was as low as $3000 one year... depends on usage and sheer luck I guess.

M20C have a very good engine... very few don't make it to TBO as far as I know. If you want to learn about Mooneys, please go to www.mooneyspace.com this site is the best for Mooney fans.

Flew mine from CYOW to KLGB (Long Beach California). It is a very good travel machine.

Yves

[hangar3]

Hey Yves,

Thanks for the reply!
That's a shame, that would have been interesting! I'll check out that link, looks interesting. Gonna burn a few hours scavenging through it now.

How much flying do you do in a year?

Gerry

[dirk82]

One thing you must know before owning a Mooney is they are for the most elite aviators in the sky, a league of distinguished gentlemen. Chicks dig em too

[yvesg]

Hey Yves,

Thanks for the reply!
That's a shame, that would have been interesting! I'll check out that link, looks interesting. Gonna burn a few hours scavenging through it now.

How much flying do you do in a year?

Gerry

Somewhere between 50 and 100 hours a year. I am also part of the Mooney Caravan. Each summer we do a mass arrival at Oshkosh. We are usually 3 Canadian aircraft amongst many Mooneys. We were a total of 39 aircraft last summer.

Yves

[Baja Guy]

I have an M20C for sale in Alberta. PM me or look back about a year ago in the aircraft for sale thread. Price is substantially lower now though.

[Baja Guy]

Actually, I just sent you a pm on the plane.

[hangar3]

One thing you must know before owning a Mooney is they are for the most elite aviators in the sky, a league of distinguished gentlemen. Chicks dig em too

Had a good chuckle

Actually, I just sent you a pm on the plane.

Replied!

[hangar3]

Somewhere between 50 and 100 hours a year. I am also part of the Mooney Caravan. Each summer we do a mass arrival at Oshkosh. We are usually 3 Canadian aircraft amongst many Mooneys. We were a total of 39 aircraft last summer.

Yves

That's awesome, I saw they have a pretty cool video on YouTube. It's not often you see GA planes flying in formation like that!
It's a dream to fly there! My sister (who is also a pilot) went to visit, and she said it's incredible.

[Beefitarian]

I have an M20C for sale in Alberta. PM me or look back about a year ago in the aircraft for sale thread. Price is substantially lower now though.

You might want to post that ad again. They seem to have taken a broom to that forum. The oldest ad is December.

[900 HP]

I had a nice 1967 M20F. It cruised at 148 knots on 10 gph. Electric gear and hydraulic flaps. Awesome airplane. I just wasn't using it enough to justify the hanger rent so I sold it. It's up for sale again at C & S. You can't miss it. It's black with a red and silver stripe.

[hangar3]

I had a nice 1967 M20F. It cruised at 148 knots on 10 gph. Electric gear and hydraulic flaps. Awesome airplane. I just wasn't using it enough to justify the hanger rent so I sold it. It's up for sale again at C & S. You can't miss it. It's black with a red and silver stripe.

You mean this one?
http://www.controller.com/listings/airc ... ooney-m20f

Looks badass. I'd have to bring out the bell pants and a 'fro with that interior

[Beefitarian]

Someone seems to be down a hundred horsepower.

We should pack some stag chilli and go to Switzerland.
http://www.controller.com/listings/airc ... 0b-mark-21

[hangar3]

Someone seems to be down a hundred horsepower.

We should pack some stag chilli and go to Switzerland.
http://www.controller.com/listings/airc ... 0b-mark-21

Seriously though, why would that plane be priced so low?
Mechanical issue? Registration issue?

[Beefitarian]

Yeah it's a little scary. I have no idea and it is a pretty long probably pricey trip to go find out.

If I were wealthier I would grab my favorite Mooney AME to go for a look. I hear Switzerland is a great place to visit. Neil Peart loves it there.