Aircraft overview

The Mooney M22 Mustang was Mooney Aircraft Corporation’s pressurized, high performance piston single, developed in the 1960s as a step above the company’s M20 series. It first flew in the mid 1960s and was produced in limited numbers from 1965 to 1970, with only a few dozen examples completed. The aircraft is a retractable gear, low wing touring airplane aimed at owners who wanted turbocharged altitude capability and cabin pressurization in a relatively compact airframe. Its importance today is tied to rarity: the M22 Mustang represents Mooney’s most ambitious piston single of its era, but also one of its least common production models.

Performance & specifications

The Mooney M22 Mustang is powered by a turbocharged Continental GTSIO-520 series six cylinder engine rated at 310 hp. Typical cruise performance is commonly cited around 190 to 200 knots at altitude, depending on power setting, weight, engine condition and oxygen or pressurization system status. Published range is generally in the 1,000 nautical mile class with appropriate reserves and conservative fuel management. Service ceiling is about 24,000 feet, reflecting the aircraft’s pressurized, turbocharged design. Useful load varies significantly by aircraft, installed equipment and maintenance history, but buyers should expect to verify the current weight and balance carefully, as older avionics changes, interior work and pressurization components can materially affect payload.

Cabin & avionics

The M22 Mustang typically seats four, with a cabin designed around pressurized comfort rather than the slim, lightweight feel of earlier Mooney models. The cabin is still compact by modern pressurized single standards, but it offers a distinctive combination of speed, altitude capability and Mooney efficiency. Factory avionics were conventional analog instruments and period navigation and communication radios. There was no Garmin G1000, Garmin Perspective or other factory integrated glass cockpit. Current panels vary widely, from mostly original layouts to upgrades using Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, modern audio panels, ADS-B transponders, engine monitors and replacement autopilot components where supported.

Buying & value

Used market positioning is specialized. The Mooney M22 Mustang is usually compared less with common M20 models and more with rare pressurized piston singles where maintenance history matters as much as performance. Buyers should focus on airframe corrosion, fuel tanks, landing gear rigging, turbocharger and engine condition, pressurization seals, windows, environmental controls and parts availability. Complete logs, recent annuals by Mooney experienced shops and evidence of pressurization system upkeep are especially important. Common upgrades include modern IFR navigators, ADS-B compliance, engine monitoring and interior refurbishment. Values can vary sharply because the fleet is small and individual condition drives pricing.