Mooney M20U Ovation UltraPhoto: Huhu Uet · CC BY 3.0 · representative variant
Indicative 2018 market price€598k€715k
Estimated annual cost at 80 h€52k
Five-year cash outlay€908k

Key figures

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

Seats4
Realistic payload with mission fuel332 kg
Advertised range1860 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)1246 nm
Cruise speed197 kt
Runway need~600 m
PressurisedNo
FuelAvgas 100LL
Fixed annual base€30k
Direct cost per flight hour270

The ownership trade-off

Very fast and efficient with excellent range, but the narrow cabin, ageing support network and complex systems raise ownership risk.

Cost picture at different usage

  • 40 hours/year: about €41k per year ( €1020 per flight hour all-in)
  • 80 hours/year: about €52k per year ( €645 per flight hour all-in)
  • 120 hours/year: about €62k per year ( €520 per flight hour all-in)
  • 180 hours/year: about €79k per year ( €437 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €57k 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

  • 197 kt cruise supports credible cross-country touring.
  • 1860 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 1246 nm with 4 occupants.
  • 332 kg realistic payload proxy and 4 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

  • Very fast and efficient with excellent range, but the narrow cabin, ageing support network and complex systems raise ownership risk.
  • €30k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
  • Approximate 600 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.
  • Longer regional missions, with reserves and payload reducing brochure range.
  • Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.

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