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 airplane celebrated for being the first 200 hp aircraft to exceed 200 mph, achieved through significant aerodynamic improvements by Roy LoPresti.
It evolved from earlier M20 models, offering a spacious cabin, a standard "six-pack" instrument panel, and exceptional fuel efficiency, capable of covering over 700 nautical miles at speed.
Owners appreciate its reliability and reasonable operating costs, although some note occasional challenges with parts availability and the need for precise speed control during landing.
The 201's initial sales success led Mooney to heavily pursue even faster models, a strategy that, despite initial boosts, ultimately contributed to a decline in sales for the company in later decades.

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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.