Mooney M20C RangerPhoto: ZLEA · CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative variant
Indicative 1967 market price€97k€116k
Estimated annual cost at 80 h€80k
Five-year cash outlay€506k

Key figures

Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.

Seats4
Realistic payload with mission fuel338 kg
Advertised range900 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)603 nm
Cruise speed140 kt
Runway need~500 m
PressurisedNo
FuelAvgas 100LL
Fixed annual base€15k
Direct cost per flight hour140

The ownership trade-off

Excellent efficiency at a low purchase price, but fuel tanks, gear and decades of modifications require specialist inspection.

Cost picture at different usage

  • 40 hours/year: about €75k per year ( €1863 per flight hour all-in)
  • 80 hours/year: about €80k per year ( €1001 per flight hour all-in)
  • 120 hours/year: about €86k per year ( €714 per flight hour all-in)
  • 180 hours/year: about €94k per year ( €523 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €32k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.

Where it fits well

  • 140 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
  • 900 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 603 nm with 4 occupants.
  • 338 kg realistic payload proxy and 4 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

  • Excellent efficiency at a low purchase price, but fuel tanks, gear and decades of modifications require specialist inspection.
  • €15k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
  • Approximate 500 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.

Recommended missions

  • Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
  • Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
  • Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.

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