Originally Posted by
propfails2FX
I'll agree with a previous post, a Mooney is a great option as it's complex (good for CPL) and efficient. Insurance/MX will be higher because it has a bunch of moving parts (gear/prop).
A PA22 tripacer would be a cheap way to go for PPL.
Two points about the "E" model Mooney. Manual gear - very safe. 200 HP, Not 201 which is required for the high-perf endorsement.
Costs: purchased in 2002 for 62.5 with 400 hrs on the motor. Sold in 2011 for 34k with 1300 hrs on the motor and weepy tanks.
Annual $1500, Hanagar 350/mo @ class "C" airport, Hourly Rate Wet 125. taxes 1K, Insurance 1K. another $2500/qtr for "ooops". Happy going slow and fast. 3 person plane or 2 with luggage (golf clubs). Steam plus first generation IFR cerified GPS, wing leveler only, no A/P. Started with 5 partners, ended with 2. It would have been one (me), but I could only afford to own her. Flying her after paying for everything else was beyond my budget. Chicks did not seem to fall for the line: "Say how'd you like to come sit in my plane."
