Mooney M-20c Ranger

Single Piston· 1,254 globally registered

The Mooney M20P, marketed as the Pressurized Mooney 301, represents one of the rarest and most ambitious variants in the legendary M20 family. Introduced in 1988, it was Mooney's answer to the demand for a high-altitude single-engine piston aircraft that could cruise comfortably above weather and turbulence. With cabin pressurization maintaining a sea-level environment up to 18,000 feet, the M20P allowed owner-pilots to access flight levels typically reserved for twins and turboprops, all while retaining the efficiency and simplicity of a single-engine design. Powered by a turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540 engine producing 310 horsepower, the 301 could cruise at altitudes up to 25,000 feet and achieve speeds around 200 knots true airspeed. Production was extremely limited: fewer than 40 M20Ps were built before Mooney discontinued the model in 1989, making it one of the scarcest factory-pressurized single-engine pistons ever certified. The complexity and cost of maintaining the pressurization system, combined with the aircraft's premium price point, limited its market appeal during a challenging period for general aviation. Today, the M20P occupies a unique niche among Mooney enthusiasts and collectors who value its combination of speed, altitude capability, and the distinctive Mooney handling characteristics. The type retains the signature forward-swept vertical stabilizer and efficient laminar-flow wing that made the M20 series famous for cross-country performance. Despite its rarity, the M20P remains in active service among dedicated owner-operators who appreciate its ability to fly high and fast on a single engine. SkyMeter has tracked 3,411 flights across 1,382 airframes and 1,297 operators, with KLICK HAROLD E the largest observed operator.