Mooney M20R Ovation

Mooney

Founded in 1929 by brothers Albert and Arthur Mooney in Wichita, Kansas, Mooney International Corporation has navigated a tumultuous history marked by economic challenges. The onset of the Great Depression in 1930 led to bankruptcy for the fledgling company. During this difficult period, the Mooney brothers took on various jobs while Albert continued to nurture the vision of Mooney Aircraft Incorporated, eventually attracting financial support from bankers Charles Yankey and W. L. McMahon.

Mooney’s inaugural aircraft, the Mooney Mite M-18, was a single-seater designed to appeal to ex-fighter pilots transitioning to civilian life. Production of this innovative plane continued until the 1950s. In 1953, the company relocated to Kerrville, Texas, where the M20 was developed and took its first flight. It received its certification in 1955. Although initial sales were slow, the aircraft soon gained popularity for its impressive speed, powered by the Lycoming O-320 engine.

Throughout its history, Mooney has faced numerous setbacks, largely due to economic fluctuations. The company has undergone multiple bankruptcies and changes in ownership, including a period under Chinese leadership when it was owned by Soaring America. While production resumed in Kerrville, the new investors pursued various projects, including the ambitious launch of two M10 models in 2014, which ultimately were shelved by 2017.

The challenges continued as Mooney shut down operations in 2019 and again in 2020, resulting in furloughs and layoffs amid the pandemic. Even after reopening, the search for new investment persisted. In the fall of 2020, a group of aircraft owners and pilots, known as US Financial, LLC, acquired a majority stake in Mooney from Soaring America. Mooney is most recently led by CEO Jonny Pollack.

Country of Origin: United States of America

Mooney M20R Ovation Statistics (1994)

Maximum Speed: 197 kts
Maximum Range: 900 nm
Maximum Occupants: 4
Range Of Years Manufactured: 1994-2006
Total Aircraft Build: 520
Current Operational Aircraft: Unknown
Useful Load: 1,107 lbs
Average Sale Value: $228,794
Average Days On Market For Sale: Unknown
VREF Demand Rating: Visit VREF Online

Mooney Ovation 2 GX M20R Statistics (2006)

Maximum Speed: 219 kts
Maximum Range: 623 nm
Maximum Occupants: 4
Range Of Years Manufactured: 2003-2006
Total Aircraft Build: 266
Current Operational Aircraft: Unknown
Useful Load: 1,107 lbs
Average Sale Value: $313,651
Average Days On Market For Sale: Unknown
VREF Demand Rating: Visit VREF Online

Operational Resources

Operations Manual

M20R

Maintenance Document

Service & Maintenance Manual M20R

Local Resources

Manufacturer

Mooney

Insurance

Mooney M20R Ovation Details

Interior

Step inside the 1990s Mooney M20R Ovation, and you’ll find an interior that prioritizes comfort and functionality for both pilots and passengers. The cabin accommodates up to 4 total people with plush upholstered seating. The cockpit features an intuitive layout that grants easy access to flight instruments and advanced avionics for seamless navigation and communication. Passengers have generous storage options, cup holders, and adjustable lighting. Overall, the interior of the Ovation reflects a perfect blend of luxury and practicality – making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travel.

Exterior

The Mooney M20R Ovation has a sleek, low-wing design crafted primarily from durable aluminum. The fuselage maintains a lightweight profile while the pointed nose and T-tail configuration enhance both stability and control in flight. The vibrant paint schemes and dynamic graphics add a modern flair and make the Ovation stand out on the tarmac. Large, rounded windows provide exceptional visibility, allowing pilots and passengers to enjoy breathtaking views during their journey.

Avionics

A 1996 Mooney M20R may or may not contain the following standard avionics:

Garmin GFC-500 Autopilot
Garmin GI-275 Electronic HSI (EHSI)
Garmin GI-275 Electronic Attitude Indicator (EAI)
Garmin GNS-530W WAAS GPS Navigator
Garmin GTX-345 Digital ADS-B Transponder
Garmin GMA-345 Audio Panel/Intercom/Marker Receiver with USB Power Supply
Garmin GPS-496 Portable GPS Mounted with Air Gizmo Cradle
King KX-155 NAV/COM #2

A 2006 Mooney Ovation may or may not contain the following standard avionics:

Garmin GDU 1040 10” PFD
Garmin GDU 1040 10” MFD
Garmin GDC 74A
Integrated Digital ADC GRS77
Solid State AHRS Dual Garmin GIA63
Integrated Radio Modules with IFR-approved GPS Garmin GMA 1347
Audio Panel with Marker Beacon and Intercom
Garmin GTX 345R Integrated ADSB IN/OUT Transponder
Garmin GEA 71 Airframe/Engine Interface Unit
Garmin GMU 44 Magnetometer
Garmin GDL 69A Satellite Data Link Weather Stormscope
WX500 Active Lightning Detection BF Goodrich Active
Traffic Monitoring XM Radio STEC 55X Autopilot Stand
Instrumentation Garmin Safe Taxi
Garmin Terrain Awareness Jeppesen Chartiview

Specifications

Configuration: Single Engine, Piston, Retractable Gear
Max Seats: 4
Max Takeoff Weight: 3,368 lbs.
Cruise: 185 kts
Range: 1,130 nm
Wing Span: 36 ft. 1 in.
Length: 26 ft. 9 in.
Height: 8 ft. 4 in.

Mooney Ovation Models

M20

The early Mooney models incorporated wooden components in their wings and tail. By 1960, these wooden elements were phased out. This model is equipped with a Lycoming O-320 engine, with a total production run of 200 units.

M20A

Introduced in 1958, the M20A marked a significant upgrade with the transition to the Lycoming O-360 engine, boosting horsepower from 150 to 180. A total of 499 units were manufactured between 1958 and 1960.

M20B

Debuting in 1961, the M20B was the first Mooney aircraft to eliminate wooden components, retaining the same engine as its predecessor, the M20A. All subsequent M20 models adopted all-metal construction and other essential materials.

M20C Ranger

The 1962 M20C Ranger introduced several enhancements to address the M20B’s shortcomings. It featured a Hartzell 74″ Constant Speed HC-C2YK/7666-2 propeller with a Hartzell governor and a reduced cowl flap opening. Improvements also included better sound and lighting and adjustments to weight, balance, and other specifications. The aircraft’s exhaust system was upgraded to a Hanlon & Wilson design, enhancing efficiency and reducing weight.

M20D Master

The 1963 M20D was powered by a Lycoming O-360 engine, delivering 180 horsepower. Mooney produced a total of 161 of these models.

M20E Super 21 / Chaparral

In 1964, the M20E saw an increase in horsepower to 200, along with the addition of Bendix fuel injection and altitude power boost capabilities. The engine was upgraded to the Lycoming IO-360.

M20F Executive 21

The 1966 M20F maintained the same horsepower as its predecessor but featured an extended fuselage by one foot and a cabin that grew by 10 inches. It continued to use the Lycoming IO-360 engine, which is now equipped with Power Control (PC).

M20G Statesman

With the 1968 Statesman M20, the aircraft reverted to the Lycoming O-360 engine, restoring its horsepower to 180. The M20G also boasted an extended fuselage similar to the F model, a 52-gallon fuel capacity, power control, and a one-piece windshield.

M20J 201

The M20J, often referred to as the Mooney 201, captured significant attention in the aviation sector. This model could achieve speeds of 201 miles per hour thanks to its 200-horsepower engine. Its squared-off propeller design assists with reduced drag like the F model.

M20K 231

Described as “the right approach to the eighties” by AOPA Pilot Magazine in March 1980, the M20K 231 featured enhancements to its heat management, incorporating a redesigned Continental TSIO-360 engine for cooler operation. The base price for this aircraft in 1984 was $86,950, with various add-ons available.

M20K 252TSE

This 1986 M20K model was also supercharged, featuring a Continental TSIO-360-MB engine that mirrored the configuration of its 1979 predecessor.

M20K Encore

The 1997 M20K Encore model was equipped with a supercharged Continental TSIO-360-SB engine, boosting horsepower to 220 compared to the previous model’s 210. Only 27 units were produced.

M20L PFM

The 1988 M20L boasted 217 horsepower without turbocharging. Unique to this model was its Porsche PFM 3200 engine, derived from the design of Porsche’s 911 Carrera. It included modifications to its throttle, replacing the mixture and propeller controls with a single power control. This adjustment allowed for automatic changes in mixture and propeller speed based on the single control setting. Production of the M20L PFM was brief, with only 41 units made.

M20M TLS / M20M Bravo

In contrast to the M20L, the 1989 M20M switched to a Lycoming TIO-540 engine. This turbocharged aircraft delivered 270 horsepower until 2006, with a total of 314 units manufactured.

M20R Ovation / Ovation 2

The 1994 Ovation saw a horsepower increase to 280, powered by a Continental IO-550-G engine. This model featured an elongated body, remaining in production until 2001 with 266 units built.

M20S Eagle / Eagle 2

The 1999 M20S retained the Continental IO-550-G engine from the Ovation but with a reduced horsepower of 244. It also featured a long body, a 2-axis STEC autopilot, and a fuel capacity of 75 gallons.

M20TN Acclaim

The 2006 M20TN transitioned to the Continental TSIO-550-G engine, providing 280 horsepower. This turbocharged model was produced from 2006 to 2008.

M20U Ovation Ultra

As one of the latest models, the 2017 Ovation Ultra features a Continental IO-550-G engine, delivering 280 horsepower. The starting price for this model is set at $689,000.

M20V Acclaim Ultra

This 2017 model uses a Continental TSIO-550-G engine with a horsepower of 280. It is turbocharged and has a set price of $769,000.

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