I want an airplane -help me spend my money

Totally agree with @modernicarus on the C182. Flown quite a bit in a 1966 182J. Very roomy, plenty of power, stable, just a good airplane for most things you would want to do. For more off-airport missions the 180 or 185 are more capable.
 
greg1016 said:
Ask @ATN_Pilot how he likes his.
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I love my Mooney! But as someone else mentioned, it's really a two adult and two small children airplane at most. It's not built for four adults, or even two adults and two teenagers. I'm usually flying mine alone or with one other person, and I can take full fuel and get 900 mile range out of it if I'm not in a hurry.

jskibo said:
If you get a Mooney, look for a Johnson bar gear model. Cheap (under $50k) and damn simple to MX. Also never worry if the gear is up or down.....Did the bar move? Then the gear moved :)
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The J-bar is awesome. One of my favorite things about the plane. It's gone on the later models, though. Not sure if any of the long-bodies have it.
 
ATN_Pilot said:
I love my Mooney!

The J-bar is awesome. One of my favorite things about the plane. It's gone on the later models, though. Not sure if any of the long-bodies have it.
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You have an M20C -Right?

There is something about a Mooney that calls to me. I think an M20F might work for us but I need to find one to pile the family into for a test fit.

My main priority is using it. So parts and Mx availabilty along with economy are very important.
 
Yes, mine is a C, one of the short-body models. The long-bodies have more legroom in the rear, but they would still be tight for more than one adult.

You can't beat them on economy, though. I frequently pull the power back and lean for best economy and see fuel flow less than 6 gph up at altitude.
 
ATN_Pilot said:
I love my Mooney! But as someone else mentioned, it's really a two adult and two small children airplane at most. It's not built for four adults, or even two adults and two teenagers. I'm usually flying mine alone or with one other person, and I can take full fuel and get 900 mile range out of it if I'm not in a hurry.



The J-bar is awesome. One of my favorite things about the plane. It's gone on the later models, though. Not sure if any of the long-bodies have it.
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Our F had the Johnson bar, so yes.

F adds 5" to backseat and 5" to baggage (and the extra window)
 
PositionAndHold said:
Well yes, this one is since it's an O-470K 230hp conversion. The standard 108-2/3's came with a 165hp Franklin. I think they called this conversion a "Super Stinson", since it also adds a constant speed prop. I've never flown one but have heard they're bad ass. What people love about this, is you can haul any thing that'll fit through the door off the ground, pull it back to 65-75% and still have the same 9-11gph fuel burn of the Franklin Stinson.
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I think the -3s came with(I know some of them did) the 220hp Franklin, which is also constant speed. Most people with the 220 Frank love them.
 
i-should-buy-a-boat-cat.jpg
 
PositionAndHold said:
My votes for a Stinson 108-2 or -3. Am I Right @Nark :)

You couldn't give a hi-perf check out but you could do tailwheel. You won't get any where fast but you can usually take four adults some place with full or almost full fuel.
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If you decide to go this route shoot me a PM. My uncle is selling his with a VERY low time engine and very well maintained interior.
 
Nukem said:
My next boat/home...



Part of the plan is keep this in the Bahamas my last few years of work and frequent it with the airplane you guys pick out for me.
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A cat? Real men sail monohull! Amirite, @drunkenbeagle?

I'm thinking of committing the ultimate sailor's sin, though, and trading in my sailboat for a powerboat. So I've got no room to criticize. :)
 
ATN_Pilot said:
Real men sail monohull!

I'm thinking of committing the ultimate sailor's sin, though, and trading in my sailboat for a powerboat. So I've got no room to criticize. :)
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I'm married with two Daughters, the Cat is a compromise. (and still better than a stinkboat) :stir:

The Cat is years away but we will be on a Beneteau 393 for 9 days -in a couple of weeks.
 
z987k said:
I think the -3s came with(I know some of them did) the 220hp Franklin, which is also constant speed. Most people with the 220 Frank love them.
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The Franklin engine and other challenges associated with cool vintage airplanes like the Stinson are a concern. When I was working on my tailwheel the brake drum split on the plane and parts were not available. It had to be converted to disc which took a long time and cost much money. I would like to avoid the time AND money double whammy.

Edit: it was a Champ not a Stinson.
 
z987k said:
I think the -3s came with(I know some of them did) the 220hp Franklin, which is also constant speed. Most people with the 220 Frank love them.
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I've heard mainly negative things about the Franklin 220. Tough to find parts and people to work on them.
 
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