Buying a plane after retirement

[Northfl]

So, i am retiring in jan/ feb of 26.
I am still fairly young at 56 and thinking about getting my private pilots license shortly after

For the pilot guys here, i am thinking about getting a mooney super 21 after all the necessary things are finished.
Any pro's/ con's to the mooney. All research says they are fuel efficient and pretty fast for a single engine plane.
Other option may be a piper cherokee as there a lot of them used for trainers.
Really curious as to all of this at the moment anyways

 

[ColinW]

My best man just bought a Mooney. He flies for AK Airlines and my father also, a ret. career navy/airlines pilot raves about how nice they are.

I've only got about 70 hrs on the sicks without a solo. So, my opinion holds absolutely no weight whatsoever. I can take off, nav VFR and land. Got the basics covered at least.

 

[Xshot]

So, i am retiring in jan/ feb of 26.
I am still fairly young at 56 and thinking about getting my private pilots license shortly after

For the pilot guys here, i am thinking about getting a mooney super 21 after all the necessary things are finished.
Any pro's/ con's to the mooney. All research says they are fuel efficient and pretty fast for a single engine plane.
Other option may be a piper cherokee as there a lot of them used for trainers.
Really curious as to all of this at the moment anyways

Mooney super 21 is a nice High performance aircraft. A retractable gear and adjustable prop aircraft typically not flown by new pilots. The Cherokee is a fantastic trainer and good for cross county travel under 500 miles.

 

[theLBC]

a friend was able to get ground school at the local community college. saved some bucks.

 

[BLEE]

One of my best friends had a 2007 Ovation 3. Man, that was a nice plane. I have many hours, as his unofficial co-pilot. The Super 21 is very similar and kind of the grandaddy to the Ovation. Both, are considered high performance planes and not necessarily for the beginner, but I'm sure you will be fine. Be aware, the Mooney is easy to tail drag. It usually doesn't seriously damage the plane, but repairs are expensive and it can scare the heck out of you. If you have a great attention to detail and are meticulous, go for it. You'll have the best time of your life!

 

[91Eunozs]

It will be fun, but also a lot more expensive to maintain and store than you think…double whatever budget you have in mind unless you live in a fly in community and can do most of your own maintenance.

You can offset some of your costs by renting it out to flying clubs, but the hours (and maintenance) pile on fast that way. I’d actually start with an older Cessna 172; super easy to fly and maintain.

Edit: several listed here; interesting to see the newer ones with the 180 hp motor I learned to fly on, but completely different (and very much upgraded!) avionics: https://www.hangar67.com/cessna172

Totally worth it if you have the $$, but go in with open eyes.

 

[Mk16.5]

Mooney's are fantastic but not a trainer. Flying is all stick and rudder. I started flying in a 39 Taylorcraft. Helps get a handle on what the atmosphere is like and how to handle it. Build up in steps. Confidence and skill keeps you cool the fan up front turns off. Have fun!

 

[mrtoyz]

Assuming you’ll go to a flight school to get your license? IMO you should. Find a school that has a real focus on ground training just as much as flying. Expect to spend ALOT of time hitting the books and studying. Don’t underestimate this. Gets harder the older you are.
Assume you also know the Mooney is complex and can be a high performance plane that is not an ideal plane to learn in. Hence the flight school recommendation.
Mooney’s can be a great plane, for the right mission. Define your mission. How will you use the plane 75-80% of the time? Buy a plane that fits the mission. Don’t waste time on planes that don’t.
Add Bonanza to your search if that type of plane really fits your mission. Beautiful, great planes.
Once you’ve defined the mission and chosen a model. Plan on spending a lot of time researching years, options and avionics etc.
Best buying advise I ever got was buy a plane with the avionics you want. Easy to spend 100k on avionics. You’ll save buying an equipped plane in the long run.
Expect a plane to cost you at least $1000 per month. Fuel, maintenance, hanger etc. IMO you should at least double that amount so that your saving for annuals, engine and prop overhauls along the way.
Good luck to you!

 

[jmp1]

Insurance for a new pilot with retractable gear is borderline impossible....if you could get it...it would break the bank. Like others said...start small. I bought a Cherokee 235 and learned in it. A bit more going on...high performance and a constant speed prop.....but if it fits, it ships. Hauls alot of weight. Good luck, it's a ride. Shes
a cruel mistress. She can sense any extra money in the budget......and poof....it's gone.

 

[GTOJOSH]

Hondajet.
Buy once cry once.






Just kidding.
I'm a poor, 'cause I don't have my own plane.

 

[Aussie Joe]

Piper Tommahawk (traumahawk) would be a good one as a general use/trainer

 

[Skunk]

I’ve had a SuperCub and a Cessna 206.

Very different aircraft for very different purposes.

I really miss the Cub.

 

[Redmanss]

The old saying "If it flies, floats or fucks, rent it" comes to mind.

Not that I listened to that, I'm divorced and again married so I can't afford a plane or boat.