Mooney Ovation/Bravo

[sferguson524]

All,

I'm a 200 hr private pilot that is just about done with my Instrument rating, have been thinking about buying a mooney ovation, or bravo. I'm looking at one with TKS FIKI. What kind of gotchas are there for MX/operating costs.

 

[Skylane81E]

Doing anything under the cowl takes time, its very tightly packed, proper rigging of the gear requires a special tool, tow turn limits are tight and things do bend (an in unexpected places) if exceed.

About all I remember from ours.

 

[Ted]

Really not a lot. You're looking at a big bore 6-cylinder, so figure ~$30,000 for an overhaul. Just keep the heads cool and it'll be reliable enough.

You would be well-advised to get some instruction on use of the de-ice equipment, and determining what is and is not acceptable uses for it.

 

[sferguson524]

I definitely plan to spend a LOT of time with my CFII in it if it comes to fruition.

 

[Ted]

But how much experience does your CFII have with icing? You don't want to fly with just a CFII, but preferably with someone who actually deals with ice. Someone who "knows."

A lot of CFIIs don't understand ice. So be careful in who you have teach you about the system.

 

[sferguson524]

Good point. The only experience my CFII has with icing is with me, and we picked up a trace of rime when we punched thru the top of a cloud above the freezing level

 

[Skylane81E]

Too bad you're so distant, I know an experienced CFII who operated a Bravo w/FIKI part 135.