Is this mooney safe or is it to fast for its own good...

[pp47021]

I am considering buying a mooney that a guy at a near by airport has. I have flown in this older m20c a few times. The pervious owner and the current owner have put every available speed mod possible on this bird. She cruises at 150 kts without any trouble. The problem I have is that the yellow arc starts at about 125 kts, and 150 is right at the redline. Is it safe to consistently cruise at these high speeds in a plane that was not really designed for these speeds? BTW I think the maneuvering speed is like 115-120 kts. the current owner says this is not uncommon for these older moneys with speed mods… anyone have advice or experience with this?

 

[Marauder]

Some of the short bodies do fly around the yellow but I have not heard a C doing so at altitude. I would post your question over at mooneyspace.com if you don't get a reply here.

Here is a picture of my ASI at a normal cruise speed.

 

[DavidWhite]

The Mooney is a very safe airplane.

 

[Ken Ibold]

What am I missing? The 150 is TAS, not IAS. Just fly higher.

 

[bqmassey]

That's a pretty cool lookin ASI.

 

[Marauder]

What am I missing? The 150 is TAS, not IAS. Just fly higher.

I think he is talking IAS. If so, either he is flying really low or it is one fast C.

 

[Marauder]

That's a pretty cool lookin ASI.

It's an F model ASI.

 

[Walt]

Pete,
Over the years I have owned 2 M20Es and a TLS. I have about 3000hrs of Mooney time. I would not be concerned in the least about cruising in yellow. I have done it many times.

Walt