Opinions on a M20J

You'll love it. They are fine aircraft. I've operated in and out of 1500'
fields, at lightweight.
The last time I few one, they were still using MPH on the airspeed, and we
would shoot for 63 across the fence.

The large tanks, and low burn can combine to give interesting results.
Here in fog country, I live in Oregon, the extra fuel sounds reasonable when
airports all over start going 0-0. Catch the winds just right, and you can
go a very long way above most of the weather. I once flew a Mooney 20K
x-country in about 8 hrs. Ok, it was turbocharged, and yes, I did carry a
little extra gas, but 104 gallons from San Francisco to Washington DC in one
afternoon is hard to beat.

Can't say that I've ever had the opportunity to try out Mooney's extreme
crosswind, as we generally have a pretty good choice of runways. But I have
operated it in well over 30 knots. The low profile and stiff legs make it
feel very stable on the ground in a high wind.

I lost an engine in one, at night, over mountains, and 30nm from the
airport, and made it to the airport. (Ok, before you start, yes it was MY
fault. I left the ram air door open and then flew into very thin clouds. I
could see the moon, and I was at eleven thousand. United was at 370, also in
it, and could also see the moon. Ice crystals built up on the fuel injection
air inlet tubes, and shut off the fuel to the engine. I closed the door, and
leaned the mixture trying to find the right spot. As I got lower, Some of
the ice melted, fuel started, and I used power to extend my final to the
airport. Ok, standby, flame proof suit on, go ahead, I'm ready.)

Al Gerharter CFIAMI *

*Long time Mooney Lover







"Jon Kraus" wrote in message
...
http://www.aso.com/i.aso/AircraftVie...craft_id=84399

I flew this yesterday and it was nice (but what the hell do I know) He is
asking 105k but Vref says it is worth $113k. That seemed high but again
what do I know. Any Mooney owners out there want to give an opinion on
the M20J? Thanks in advance.

Jon Kraus
PP-ASEL-IA
Student airplane purchaser