This 1980 Mooney M20K 305 Rocket Is a High-Speed ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1980 Mooney M20K 305 Rocket.

Efficiency is often the polite industry term for “modest speed,” but in the world of Mooney, it has always meant doing more with less.

While the factory M20K was already a respectably fast, turbocharged cross-country machine, the Rocket Engineering STC conversion completely rewritten the rulebook. By shoehorning a 305 hp Continental TSIO-520-NB into an airframe designed for 210 hp, the conversion created a legendary iteration capable of pacing turboprops while maintaining the footprint of a light piston single.

With 2,865 total hours on a well-preserved airframe, the aircraft serves as a robust platform for its massive powerplant. The heart of this machine shows 1,272 hours since new and 406 hours since its last major overhaul, but the most compelling number for a prospective buyer is the 58 hours since a comprehensive “inspect and repair as necessary” (IRAN) teardown. This recent work included a turbocharger overhaul and new engine mounts, ensuring the heavy-hitting Continental is ready for hundreds of hours of high-altitude charging.

Scanning the panel, the pilot is met with a sophisticated fusion of legacy reliability and modern digital precision designed for serious IFR work. The cockpit is centered around an Aspen EFD1000 Primary Flight Display and a Garmin GTN 750 touchscreen navigator, which serves as the tactical hub for the flight. A King KFC 200 autopilot handles the heavy lifting on long-distance hauls, while a JPI EDM-830 engine monitor provides a digital heartbeat for all six cylinders. 

Slipping into the cabin reveals an environment that prioritizes long-range comfort and a refined aesthetic. The interior features a two-tone gray leather scheme with the Mooney logo embossed on the seatbacks, complemented by matching leather sidewalls and pristine gray carpet. 

Practical upgrades abound throughout the airframe, including a recent fuel tank repair to ensure long-term reliability and dual batteries for electrical redundancy. From the polished spinner to the iconic vertical tail, the aircraft presents as a turnkey solution for the owner who refuses to choose between aerodynamic efficiency and raw, turbocharged muscle.

Listed at $204,500, this 305 Rocket offers a level of performance per dollar that is increasingly rare in a market dominated by million-dollar composites. 

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.