Mooney M20C
Piston • single engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear
Range Visualization
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Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)
Default: 30 lbs
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Fuel on board
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Mission Profile
148
KTAS
Cruise Speed
4
Occupants
650
nm
Max Range
638
lbs
Wet Payload
About the Mooney M20C
The Mooney M20C Ranger (also known as the Mark 21 in early years) is the definitive ‘Short Body’ Mooney produced from 1962 to 1978. It features the distinctive forward-swept tail and manual ‘Johnson Bar’ landing gear retraction system (on most models).
Key Features for GA Buyers
- Efficiency: Widely considered one of the most efficient certified aircraft ever built, squeezing 145-150 knots out of a robust 180hp 4-cylinder engine while burning just 9-10 GPH.
- Simplicity: The manual gear and flaps (on earlier models) reduce maintenance costs compared to hydraulic or electric systems.
- Robustness: The all-metal construction and steel-tube cabin frame provide a sturdy, durable airframe.
Trade-offs
- Cabin Size: The ‘Short Body’ fuselage is tight, with very limited rear legroom compared to later ‘Long Body’ Mooneys.
- Leak Prone: The wet-wing fuel tanks are notorious for developing leaks as the sealant ages, which can be expensive to reseal.
- Landing Characteristics: Like all Mooneys, it floats significantly if airspeed is not precisely managed on landing (the ‘Mooney Float’).
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 35.0 ft
- Length
- 23.2 ft
- Height
- 8.3 ft
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 2,575 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 2,575 lbs
- Useful Load
- 950 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 52 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 148 KTAS
- Range
- 650 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 17,200 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 1010 fpm
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