What Plane Should I Get Next?

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Garavar

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Garavar
Did my PPL in 172 G1000, my instrument in DA40 G1000. Rented a DA40NG G1000 for a bit. Although I liked flying Diamonds better my business partner and I ended up getting a 2020 182T G1000 as it fit both our missions and was easy to transition into.

The partnership is dissolving and I will need a plane just for myself and I can't decide what to get next. I have been looking at Columbia/Cessna 350, Mooney Acclaim and Cirrus SR22 G2/3. I like these planes because they are faster than the 182T which felt so slow to me. Since I can't go test fly these planes I am looking at you experts for some guidance.

My mission remains the same as when we had the 182T. Plane will be based out of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) where I have a T Hanger that would fit any of the above 3 planes.

Every two weeks or so for work I would need to fly to another part of Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Sarasota etc.) and spend 3-4 days there and fly home. Ideally, I'd like to spend under 500K. The 182T was nearly 700K divided by two and it was fine. But I just don't want to spend more than 500K.

However since only I will be owning the airplane now I want to broaden my horizons a bit and use it for personal as well.

My wife and I go to NY/NJ practically every other month. And we also have a vacation house in Maine that we visit 2-3 times a year. We have been flying commercial but if I get one of the above planes, I would love to fly them instead since I like to fly. I would love a straight shot but I would guess with those 3 options a rest and refuel break in the Carolinas would be a good idea.

So any thoughts or insight? Maybe a plane I haven't considered?

Mission Summary
- Flights from South Florida to North/West of Florida 2-3 times a month.
- G1000 Preferred but I can learn a new system
- Speed
- Ability to fly occasionally from FL to NY/NJ then from NY/NJ to Maine.
- Useful Load my wife (110 lbs) me (190 lbs) and 150 lbs of luggage.*
- Anti Ice.
- 500K of less.

*For the first year or so of ownership. I plan to bring an instructor with me until I feel I am 100% proficient in the plane. They will fly with me/us and fly back while I/we are away. So they will add 180-220 lbs to plane. I am overly cautious.

Thanks in advance.
 
I'd go Mooney, don't rule out the Ovation. It's more economical than the Acclaim and goes plenty high for East coast flying. It does fine in the mountains as well.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro XL using Tapatalk
 
Other than money, if you can get into a FIKI G3 turbo cirrus you will be happiest. Small load, want speed for the longer trips.
 
That mission, in that enviro, with the speed wanted, I get a plane with another engine.

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edit to add, the wife will LOVE not having to suck the cannula. show her the plane. I double dog dare ya.;)
 
How much anti-ice capability do you want? How flexible are your trips outside Florida? Additional capabilities (plane and pilot) mostly make your go/no-go decision making more complicated and the holes you can dig for yourself deeper. Knowing this going into it will help you decide the right capabilities for your mission.

A FIKI Cirrus is probably a good choice for your mission. Just make sure you get an instructor who has some experience with the limits of the TKS and CAPS systems so you can learn how to make the right no-go decisions without being overly timid. You want someone who understands the difference between known icing and forecast icing, has flown in known icing in a FIKI single, and has practiced CAPS as a religion so, when the time comes, you pull that red handle with confidence.

Regardless of beating the airlines on time or dispatch reliability, you absolutely have to beat them on safety. They have an A+ grade of better than 99%. That’s pretty good. But in general aviation, we are graded on a pass-fail basis. Nobody wants to survive only 99% of his flights.
 
iamtheari said:
How much anti-ice capability do you want? How flexible are your trips outside Florida? Additional capabilities (plane and pilot) mostly make your go/no-go decision making more complicated and the holes you can dig for yourself deeper. Knowing this going into it will help you decide the right capabilities for your mission.

A FIKI Cirrus is probably a good choice for your mission. Just make sure you get an instructor who has some experience with the limits of the TKS and CAPS systems so you can learn how to make the right no-go decisions without being overly timid. You want someone who understands the difference between known icing and forecast icing, has flown in known icing in a FIKI single, and has practiced CAPS as a religion so, when the time comes, you pull that red handle with confidence.

Regardless of beating the airlines on time or dispatch reliability, you absolutely have to beat them on safety. They have an A+ grade of better than 99%. That’s pretty good. But in general aviation, we are graded on a pass-fail basis. Nobody wants to survive only 99% of his flights.
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Anti Icing mostly as "it's there if I needed it" type thing. Since I do go to NY/NJ and Maine in the winter sometimes.

You or anyone else think I should do Cirrus training before buying? I can rent an SR22 G3 for $359/hour dry plus instructor at $125/hour. Would that disqualify me from the free Cirrus Transition training if I have 10-20 hours of dual before buying?
 
Garavar said:
Anti Icing mostly as "it's there if I needed it" type thing. Since I do go to NY/NJ and Maine in the winter sometimes.

You or anyone else think I should do Cirrus training before buying? I can rent an SR22 G3 for $359/hour dry plus instructor at $125/hour. Would that disqualify me from the free Cirrus Transition training if I have 10-20 hours of dual before buying?
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I don’t know much about Cirrus or their training but, if you can, I would take a lesson in one to see how it feels. I think even an SR20 would be a better introduction than nothing at all. And there’s not much that would be worse than paying enough to buy a vacation home somewhere toward a plane you hate to be in.

For icing, you don’t need FIKI if you’re flexible. But the inadvertent de-icing equipment is a good idea for your mission.
 
Can't wrap my head around buying a plane without flying an example of it to at least see how it fits, let along how I like flying it.
 
WDD said:
Can't wrap my head around buying a plane without flying an example of it to at least see how it fits, let along how I like flying it.
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If I could find a Mooney Acclaim or Columbia 350 to test fly I would but that's a difficult task.
 
I was dead certain I wanted an Archer. Then I sat in one and instantly knew I didn’t. I was then dead certain I wanted a Tiger. Then I flew it XC with wife. And she instantly knew we weren’t buying one.
 
Probably several POA folks here would at least let you sit in a few of the planes you’re interested in.
 
Find a school that rents Cirrus and go for a flight. Let them know if you buy Cirrus you'll need the transition training. Sure enough, they might be able to point you to a partner with a newer Cirrus.

When I went shopping, that's what I did to find my plane. Was going to end up with something different until we needed a real 5th seat and room for all the crap that comes with hauling young kids. (No regrets on the kids, would do again.)

But if you're shopping for an odd ball like a Columbia might as well try the Socata TB20. Roomy like a Cirrus, 80s car feeling in the seats, and goes faster than a 182 (handles turbulence well, too.)
 
wheaties said:
Find a school that rents Cirrus and go for a flight. Let them know if you buy Cirrus you'll need the transition training. Sure enough, they might be able to point you to a partner with a newer Cirrus.

When I went shopping, that's what I did to find my plane. Was going to end up with something different until we needed a real 5th seat and room for all the crap that comes with hauling young kids. (No regrets on the kids, would do again.)

But if you're shopping for an odd ball like a Columbia might as well try the Socata TB20. Roomy like a Cirrus, 80s car feeling in the seats, and goes faster than a 182 (handles turbulence well, too.)
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I reached out to flight school today. Going to do a lesson in SR22-G3. So I got that covered. Thanks.

WDD said:
Probably several POA folks here would at least let you sit in a few of the planes you’re interested in.
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Well if anyone on here has Mooney Oviation or Acclaim or a Columbia 350 in Broward/Palm Beach/Miami and want to take me for a ride I'll pay for fuel, tach time and a $100 cheeseburger. PM me :)
 
Garavar said:
Well if anyone on here has Mooney Oviation or Acclaim or a Columbia 350 in Broward/Palm Beach/Miami and want to take me for a ride I'll pay for fuel, tach time and a $100 cheeseburger. PM me :)
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You might have to travel to go to someone's plane to see how it fits. And of course you meant that you'd pay a prorated portion of fuel costs. Lunch you can cover 100%.
 
WDD said:
You might have to travel to go to someone's plane to see how it fits. And of course you meant that you'd pay a prorated portion of fuel costs. Lunch you can cover 100%.
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Yeah prorata right....
 
Garavar said:
Did my PPL in 172 G1000, my instrument in DA40 G1000. Rented a DA40NG G1000 for a bit. Although I liked flying Diamonds better my business partner and I ended up getting a 2020 182T G1000 as it fit both our missions and was easy to transition into.

The partnership is dissolving and I will need a plane just for myself and I can't decide what to get next. I have been looking at Columbia/Cessna 350, Mooney Acclaim and Cirrus SR22 G2/3. I like these planes because they are faster than the 182T which felt so slow to me. Since I can't go test fly these planes I am looking at you experts for some guidance.

Every two weeks or so for work I would need to fly to another part of Florida (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Sarasota etc.) and spend 3-4 days there and fly home. Ideally, I'd like to spend under 500K. The 182T was nearly 700K divided by two and it was fine. But I just don't want to spend more than 500K.

My wife and I go to NY/NJ practically every other month. And we also have a vacation house in Maine that we visit 2-3 times a year. We have been flying commercial but if I get one of the above planes, I would love to fly them instead since I like to fly. I would love a straight shot but I would guess with those 3 options a rest and refuel break in the Carolinas would be a good idea.

So any thoughts or insight? Maybe a plane I haven't considered?

Mission Summary
- Flights from South Florida to North/West of Florida 2-3 times a month.
- G1000 Preferred but I can learn a new system
- Speed
- Ability to fly occasionally from FL to NY/NJ then from NY/NJ to Maine.
- Useful Load my wife (110 lbs) me (190 lbs) and 150 lbs of luggage.*
- Anti Ice.
- 500K of less.

*For the first year or so of ownership. I plan to bring an instructor with me until I feel I am 100% proficient in the plane. They will fly with me/us and fly back while I/we are away. So they will add 180-220 lbs to plane. I am overly cautious.
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IMO, you've got a good handle on it but you're looking at the wrong Mooney. The Acclaim is a turbo beast, and turbos are a waste for most of your mission (flying around Florida). And unless your wife likes shoving straws up her nose for oxygen, you won't get any advantage out of it going to the northeast either. The Mooney you want is the Ovation (M20R, or M20U for the Ovation Ultra), which is basically the same airframe without the turbos. It also happens to be what I fly. It's slightly faster than the Cirrus while burning less fuel because you're not leaving your bits dangling in the wind.

How tall are you? The Columbia/Cessna 350 is not a tall person's airplane. I'm 6'4" and when I went to test fly one I got into the left seat and I was looking straight at the top of the door frame. If you're at or over 6 feet, you'll definitely want to sit in one for a few hours before you buy. Unfortunately, there's not a ton of them out in the wild so it might be hard to find what you want when buying one as well. On the other hand, Mooney is an excellent tall-person airplane - Al Mooney was an inch taller than me and he built an airplane he'd fit into comfortably.

Is there a specific reason you're looking at the G2/G3 Cirrus as opposed to the later ones? Since you're already familiar with the G1000, you'd probably be happiest with one of the "Cirrus Perspective" models (2009 and later) which is the later part of the G3 production, as well as G5, G6, and G7. (There was no G4 :dunno:)
Rockymountain said:
Other than money, if you can get into a FIKI G3 turbo cirrus you will be happiest. Small load, want speed for the longer trips.
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As with the avionics, the FIKI wasn't available until the 2009 and later G3s. The FIKI ones can be spotted by looking for a TKS panel on the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer, which the non-FIKI ones don't have. There are lots of other differences between the two TKS systems, but that is the most visible for when you're shopping.

Almost any Mooney with TKS is certified for FIKI. The factory ones are FIKI only, but there's at least one that had a non-FIKI setup added aftermarket. That's really rare though.
Garavar said:
You or anyone else think I should do Cirrus training before buying? I can rent an SR22 G3 for $359/hour dry plus instructor at $125/hour. Would that disqualify me from the free Cirrus Transition training if I have 10-20 hours of dual before buying?
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It doesn't look like renting would disqualify you from Cirrus Embark... But best to check directly with them if you might go in that direction.
Garavar said:
If I could find a Mooney Acclaim or Columbia 350 to test fly I would but that's a difficult task.
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Find and join a type club or a Facebook group for each. I'd let you sit in my Ovation but I'm in Wisconsin. Plenty of Mooneys in Florida. Bravo, Ovation, and Acclaim are all the same size.
 
flyingcheesehead said:
IMO, you've got a good handle on it but you're looking at the wrong Mooney. The Acclaim is a turbo beast, and turbos are a waste for most of your mission (flying around Florida). And unless your wife likes shoving straws up her nose for oxygen, you won't get any advantage out of it going to the northeast either. The Mooney you want is the Ovation (M20R, or M20U for the Ovation Ultra), which is basically the same airframe without the turbos. It also happens to be what I fly. It's slightly faster than the Cirrus while burning less fuel because you're not leaving your bits dangling in the wind.

How tall are you? The Columbia/Cessna 350 is not a tall person's airplane. I'm 6'4" and when I went to test fly one I got into the left seat and I was looking straight at the top of the door frame. If you're at or over 6 feet, you'll definitely want to sit in one for a few hours before you buy. Unfortunately, there's not a ton of them out in the wild so it might be hard to find what you want when buying one as well. On the other hand, Mooney is an excellent tall-person airplane - Al Mooney was an inch taller than me and he built an airplane he'd fit into comfortably.

Is there a specific reason you're looking at the G2/G3 Cirrus as opposed to the later ones? Since you're already familiar with the G1000, you'd probably be happiest with one of the "Cirrus Perspective" models (2009 and later) which is the later part of the G3 production, as well as G5, G6, and G7. (There was no G4 :dunno:)

As with the avionics, the FIKI wasn't available until the 2009 and later G3s. The FIKI ones can be spotted by looking for a TKS panel on the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer, which the non-FIKI ones don't have. There are lots of other differences between the two TKS systems, but that is the most visible for when you're shopping.

Almost any Mooney with TKS is certified for FIKI. The factory ones are FIKI only, but there's at least one that had a non-FIKI setup added aftermarket. That's really rare though.

It doesn't look like renting would disqualify you from Cirrus Embark... But best to check directly with them if you might go in that direction.

Find and join a type club or a Facebook group for each. I'd let you sit in my Ovation but I'm in Wisconsin. Plenty of Mooneys in Florida. Bravo, Ovation, and Acclaim are all the same size.
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I agree. I was looking at wrong Mooney. I am going to look deeper into M20R instead.

I am 5'9 so no plane has ever been an issue for me when it comes to height. On the 182 I had the seat all the way up to see over the console lol.

G5 would definitely be better but I am seeing a big price jump between G3 and G5 so that's why I was considering G3 instead. As far as G4 the likely reason Cirrus probably skipped 4 is because 4 is unlucky number in China. Just a guess but I would say it makes most sense.

I'll definitely check out some flying clubs see if I can get into a Mooney or Columbia before making a final decision and narrowing the search. Thanks.
 
Other than being slow, your 182T is a fantastic airplane - the turbo version will do 150 ktas at 10k, and a little higher as you go up. However, it'll never quite be "fast." Parts are available, it's still being made, and so far it appears that the TIO-540 it uses seems to be very robust. For mostly jaunts in FL and with occasional jaunts up north it probably still fits the bill.

Other contenders are a Bonanza of some flavor, or as noted, the SR22.
 
Steamflyer said:
Other than being slow, your 182T is a fantastic airplane - the turbo version will do 150 ktas at 10k, and a little higher as you go up. However, it'll never quite be "fast." Parts are available, it's still being made, and so far it appears that the TIO-540 it uses seems to be very robust. For mostly jaunts in FL and with occasional jaunts up north it probably still fits the bill.

Other contenders are a Bonanza of some flavor, or as noted, the SR22.
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Yeah it was fine, I would have kept using it if our business didn't separate but since he isn't flying anymore I figured use this time to upgrade some speed and get a low wing which I always preferred.
 
Get your multi-engine rating and then get a Baron.
 
WDD said:
You might have to travel to go to someone's plane to see how it fits. And of course you meant that you'd pay a prorated portion of fuel costs. Lunch you can cover 100%.
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I invite you in my plane, I pay.

You invite yourself in my plane, you pay.
 
trenton said:
I invite you in my plane, I pay.

You invite yourself in my plane, you pay.
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I’m thinking of the FAA rule that says you are limited to paying a prorated share of the expenses. If the passenger pays the entire rental/ fuel amount then you’re outside of the private pilot / non commercial plane operation.
 
I'm a Beech guy...I just love the fit, finish and feel of the Bonanzas and Barons. I flew a Bonanza (33) for a while...it's not as fast as a Mooney, Cirrus or Columbia but it's a solid airplane. I prefer a twin, but I also have a lot of ME time...insurance for a new multi pilot will be expensive. All that said, the Mooney's are extremely efficient and fast airplanes. If you're 5'9", and your wife isn't taller than you are, you'll fit fine in that airplane. I've only got time in a 201, but I loved flying it.
 
WDD said:
I was dead certain I wanted an Archer. Then I sat in one and instantly knew I didn’t. I was then dead certain I wanted a Tiger. Then I flew it XC with wife. And she instantly knew we weren’t buying one.
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Dealers for these aircraft do no provide Demo flights anymore?

Back in the day I rode with my father when he test flew a Rockwell Commander 114-A and a Twin Piper Comanche on the same day.
 
Chris Dickens said:
I'm a Beech guy...I just love the fit, finish and feel of the Bonanzas and Barons. I flew a Bonanza (33) for a while...it's not as fast as a Mooney, Cirrus or Columbia but it's a solid airplane. I prefer a twin, but I also have a lot of ME time...insurance for a new multi pilot will be expensive. All that said, the Mooney's are extremely efficient and fast airplanes. If you're 5'9", and your wife isn't taller than you are, you'll fit fine in that airplane. I've only got time in a 201, but I loved flying it.
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My wife is 5'2 100 LBS.

Mooney Fan said:
Dealers for these aircraft do no provide Demo flights anymore?

Back in the day I rode with my father when he test flew a Rockwell Commander 114-A and a Twin Piper Comanche on the same day.
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Seems to be a seller's market. I inquired about a G3 and I got to look at in a hanger. No flying, wouldn't even pull it out of hanger.
 
Garavar said:
My wife is 5'2 100 LBS.
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A Mooney would be a great fit. They are fast and don't burn a lot of fuel. If it's mostly going to be the two of you, and maybe occasionally 1-2 other people, an Ovation would be an excellent choice. I believe they have TKS and are FIKI. There are several listed well under your budget limit.
 
Mooney Fan said:
Dealers for these aircraft do no provide Demo flights anymore?

Back in the day I rode with my father when he test flew a Rockwell Commander 114-A and a Twin Piper Comanche on the same day.
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Huh? There are dealers for aircraft still?
 
I would focus on your flying needs not just dwelling around G1000. Avionics can always be updated. Besides, once you fly a with glass you can easily transition to something else.

V tall bonanza, Cherokee 6, Mooney are all great planes.
 
Initial Fix said:
I would focus on your flying needs not just dwelling around G1000. Avionics can always be updated. Besides, once you fly a with glass you can easily transition to something else.
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Keep in mind that many (most, all?) light GA G1000 installs are on the TCDS, so they can't be upgraded without cooperation between the airframe manufacturer and Garmin. I.e., you couldn't tear it out and throw in a new navigator and some -275s.

As for the G1000 itself, it's a system clearly developed by SW engineers, not pilots. Small fonts, many plies in each menu, no way to laterally jump between plies, etc. This was remedied in the 650/750 and later series touch based systems which are a joy to use compared to the G1000.
 
WHy not buy up market as a business expense. Effective cost might be a lot less. isn't 50% accelerated depreciation a thing? Or, just get any plane available as a first time fully responsible owner, fly until ready for more, certainly when you don't feel like you need a CFI onboard all the time?
 
Steamflyer said:
Keep in mind that many (most, all?) light GA G1000 installs are on the TCDS, so they can't be upgraded without cooperation between the airframe manufacturer and Garmin. I.e., you couldn't tear it out and throw in a new navigator and some -275s.
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I completely forgot about that.
 
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