1966 Mooney M20C Ranger

Detailed Description

• N5968Q - Autopilot, Garmin G5, Speed Mods
• Price dropped substantially due to gear up history years ago and one missing prior engine log. Otherwise great airplane.
• Classic Mooney delivers speed, efficiency, and cross-country capability. This well-maintained 1966 M20C has been well cared for.
• S-TEC 30 two-axis autopilot, Garmin G5 attitude indicator, and LASAR performance upgrades make for a comfortable and capable traveling aircraft. It's well known for efficiency, cruising on 9-10 GPH
• Hangared in Canton, South Dakota, this aircraft has been flying local and long cross-country flights between the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.
• 5205 Total Time
• 546 SMOH - Lycoming O-360
• Recent prop overhaul
• S-TEC 30 two-axis autopilot
• Garmin G5 electronic attitude indicator
• ADS-B Out via uAvionix TailBeacon
• JPI 760 engine monitor
• Electric trim on yoke
• LASAR performance modifications
• One-piece belly mod for easier maintenance
• Reiff engine preheater
• LASAR Wing & flap gap seals
• LASAR One-piece belly
• LASAR Dorsal fin vertical seal
• LASAR Stabilizer tail kit
• New instrument panel
• JPI 760 engine monitor
• JPI 450 fuel monitor
• Updated leather interior
• Clean, updated look
• Rated 8/10 condition
• Good paint condition (approx 8/10)
• New windows installed 2006 - excellent condition
• Fuel tanks do not leak - not a drop on hangar floor over several years.
• Aircraft presents very well and receives frequent compliments on the ramp.
• Recent annual (April)
• New Hartzell alternator and voltage regulator
• Reiff engine preheater installed for cold-weather operations
• Maintenance manuals included
• ADs complied.
• IFR capable
• One logbook missing - engine/prior to current
• The M20C Ranger remains one of the best values in personal cross-country aircraft:
• Fast for its horsepower
• Exceptional fuel economy
• Legendary Mooney efficiency
• Solid IFR platform with autopilot
• Owners regularly fly these aircraft long distances comfortably at altitude, often stopping only once for fuel on multi-state trips.

Remarks

With autopilot and solid economy, it's a dream to fly especially longer distances. The auto-pilot and electric trim are very convenient.

I acquired it 5 years ago looking at a few Mooney's extensively. I wanted a safe, well maintained plane that I could feel confident with my family. No corrosion - that was a big one for me. Also, all ADs are complied and current.

I've put a few hundred hours on the still relatively low TBO.

Mountain High supplemental portable Ox for two people was the best investment in comfort and safety. I turn it on over 9000ft when flying for a few hours or more, just for comfort and clear mind.

Mooney's are known for economy. I've often seen 7-8 gph on the digital JPI engine monitor when cruising above 10k. When on my own, I'll often fly at 15-16,000 feet with Oxygen depending on the winds. It allows me a few thousands feet of extra clearance over the Rockies and Cascades.

Flying between Bellingham, WA and Sioux Falls, SD on the Iowa border, I often stopped only once enroute in Billings MT. The STEC-30 2-axis autopilot removes the primary source of fatigue on longer flights and the yoke-mounted electric trim is ideal (left thumb operated). The older Garmin GNC 300 does great with navigation and the autopilot tracks the waypoints.

As an aviator, I value professionalism and airmanship. I started out in a PA-11 cub special in the early 2000's and have flown many aircraft since. This one is flown like the beautiful bird it is, not like a farm truck.

With my wife and kids present and enjoying aviation, I care a lot about safety and have looked over everything during annuals, handling much of the removal and reattaching of panels, among other things. I like to know the plane - not just fly it. It has the "one-piece" belly mod which means it's FAR easier to open up the plane for inspections vs the original many panels that are SO time consuming.

The gear retraction and extension operates perfectly - like it should - with smooth, clean movement both in the air and while testing on the ground.

Other recent changes were a new Hartzell alternator and a new voltage regulator. I also recently replaced the Gill battery with the same recommended one.

It's an IFR platform when recency certs are logged. It has been flown IFR a significantly with the current equipment. Garmin GPS data subscription is recommended and I have had this current until recent. I'll include an extra data card so you have East and West convenience.

The previous owner had advertised the plane as complete logs. In the process of making the purchase back in 2022, we came up short one engine log - it was to be located and provided ... and never was

Overall, I love the plane and would like to keep it but I have business development priorities that take precedence.