1967 Mooney M20E

Super 21

"Mo"

Below are some before and after shots showing the work we have done to "Mo" since

November 2009.

Our kids named the aircraft "Mo" after the little cleaning robot in the movie WALL-E (long story...).  I think it's just a shorter version of Mooney, but I won't tell them that.

This is how "Mo" looked when we completed the purchase. (Nov 2009)

 

The photo to the left is pretty much how the aircraft looked when it left the factory in 1967.  Some of the avionics have been upgraded, but it is pretty much the same stock M20E that rolled off the assembly line in Kerrville, Texas 44 years ago.  The original paint is definitely showing its age.  The upper cowling had been recently replaced, which gave it the mismatched paint.

The airframe itself is very clean with only minor surface corrosion that was repaired and treated during the painting process. 

So, why an M20E and not a M20F or M20J?  Well, it basically came down to acquisition cost and speed.  The M20E is a very attractive airframe that is inexpensive to maintain and purchase.  I wanted the manual gear system and hydraulic flaps.  Those two features will not be found on the M20J.  While the extra 7" of legroom in the back seats of the M20F is nice, I couldn't find one that I liked enough to seriously look at.  Besides, 80% of my flying is done solo or with my boys.  Sooner or later, they will move out and it'll be a two place aircraft for my wife and I to travel in.  Even now, getting all 4 of us into the plane with 75 pounds of baggage and full fuel is not tough.  We also learned to pack lightly and use soft sided luggage for our trips. 

After new 201 windshield and lower cowl modifications.  You can see the big difference in the windshield angle and the enclosure right below the spinner.

New Co-Pilot's Side View. (Mar 2010)

Old Pilot's side view. (Dec 2009)

New Pilot's Side View. (Mar 2010)

Old, almost original panel. (Dec 2009)

Panel after the first round of upgrades (Feb 2010).

Panel after relocating the Garmin 496 to the center post (Jan 2011).

Panel with new STEC Autopilot, GPSS, UBG-16, FP-5L, Refinished yokes, and

Vertical Compass Card. (July 2011).

Old seats. (Oct 2009)

New Seats. (Mar 2010)

Scale replica of our aircraft made by Factory Direct Models

The above pictures are of the model I had produced by Factory Direct Models (www.factorydirectmodels.com).  The order process was very easy and straight forward.  Each model is custom made to your specific requirements.  All of the antennas are correct and in the right spot on the aircraft.  Simply awesome.