Magic Mooney 201

Pia Bergqvist

Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 09:11 PM ET

Verified

Mooney M20

Key Takeaways:

The Mooney 201 (M20J) is a four-seat, single-engine piston aircraft renowned for being the first to exceed 200 mph with a 200 hp engine, a significant achievement attributed to extensive aerodynamic drag reduction efforts.
It is highly praised for its efficient combination of speed and fuel economy, offering substantial range, and provides surprising utility for its size with features like folding rear seats and a large cargo door.
While some owners report occasional issues with parts availability and pilots must manage its tendency to float during landing, the 201 is generally considered a durable, high-performing aircraft with reasonable ownership costs and strong market demand.
The 201's initial success and emphasis on speed led Mooney to focus on progressively faster (and more expensive) models, a strategy that, coupled with other market factors, ultimately contributed to the company's later struggles and the cessation of M20 production.

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(March 2012) When Matt Norklun decided to go surfing in the Bahamas, the airlines were not an option. The 6-foot-6-inch Norklun loaded up his airplane with his two brothers and three surfboards. Considering the size of the occupants and their cargo, you might assume Norklun owns a Beechcraft Baron or a Cessna Caravan. He doesn’t. For the past six-plus years, Norklun’s mode of transportation has been a Mooney 201.

Like its M20-family predecessors, the Mooney 201 is a four-seat, low-wing, single-engine piston airplane with retractable landing gear. Produced between 1977 and 1998, the airplane’s official name is M20J, but it was marketed as the 201 to highlight its top speed of 201 mph. It was the first airplane to exceed 200 mph with an engine producing 200 hp.