Advice on buying a plane

A

Astin

New Member
Can anybody give me some advice on whether to buy an interest in a Mooney 20J or an interest in Cessna 210 Turbo. Both are partnerships w/ around 4 people who really do not fly that much. I am not trying to build hours (I already have a bunch), but I want to use it for cross countries, etc....
The Mooney will cost around $25k, and the 210 around $45k. Fixed costs and hourly reserve costs are around the same....fuel costs will definitely be different.
Any info. is greatly appreciated. Also, are there any websites where you can compare one plane to another?

Thanks a lot.
 
I would say that the plane that fits your bill most, should be the one. When I say fit your bill, I'm talking about useful load for the cross-country trips.
 
I think the Mooney is a simpler aircraft. If your partners aren't up to par on high performance turbocharged aircraft operations, it could end up being a maintenance nightmare.
 
thanks for the ideas. I appreciate it.

I spoke w/ the owner of the Cessna today (American Airlines pilot), and he indicated that the two other pilots in the group were experienced pilots, and that not shock cooling the turbo is a priority for all of them.
I need to compare specs. Is there anybody who flies either of these planes who either loves/hates something about them?
 
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thanks for the ideas. I appreciate it.

I spoke w/ the owner of the Cessna today (American Airlines pilot), and he indicated that the two other pilots in the group were experienced pilots, and that not shock cooling the turbo is a priority for all of them.
I need to compare specs. Is there anybody who flies either of these planes who either loves/hates something about them?

[/ QUOTE ]


Well what do you want to do with the plane? I've flown the M20J with the missile conversion and talk about fast!

I'd say figure out what your average trip will be and base your decision of that. If it is only you flying, I'd say go with the Mooney. But you start packing in people, like 2-3 in addition to you, I'd take the T210. It can haul more people, go just as far if not farther, and it will get into the flight levels with the turbo charger,

Good luck! I wish I had your problem.
grin.gif
 
I was always told (for cars also) look at your usage requirements for 80% of the time. Get what is needed to complete that task. For the other 20% you can always rent it. Why buy a van when you only use it once a year to move furniture. I know aircraft are harder, but you also want to have something that on a nice day you will (and can afford) to fly locally. I know a few people that when you see them on a nice day AREN'T flying, and when asked is because the cost of operations. They can justify for business, but not for personnal. Just my .02

Happy and Safe Flights
 
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Also, are there any websites where you can compare one plane to another?

Thanks a lot.

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Try:

www.planequest.com
www.risingup.com

I think Trade-A-Plane has a section for comparing planes/getting specs, but I think you have to pay for it. Hope this helps!
 
Don't assume the airplane is in good shape. What's the history on past annuals? What year is the airplane? Have the annuals been consistent in price...or up and down? Many singles nearing thirty plus years old were never designed to fly that long and are starting to show a lot of hidden wear. Corrosion, bad seals, stress fractures, rotting fuel cells, etc. This could all catch up to you at one annual resulting in big bills.

Before I bought an airplane...I'd have your mechanic do a detailed annual on it. Not all airplanes are being annualled properly out there. Don't assume that because it has a nice paint job, low time engine and a fresh annual that it's in good shape.

Good Luck.
 
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