benpilot

So how come a Mooney feels a lot more cramped than a Bonanza or Cessna?

Cool well I see a 252 Rocket for 110k which is dirt cheap for serious performance. Maybe I need to fly another Mooney to give it a chance? I liked the speed and stability in turbulence compared to the Cessna. BUT the heavy controls unless you are in straight in level cruise long distance flight take getting used to. Maybe I need to do forearm and wrist exercises? It was cramped compared to the Bonanza I flew. Maybe it is the cockpit layout of Mooney? Felt like my instructor was ON top of me like 1 inch distance between our seats. I felt more room in the Bonanza and Socata that I flew and sat in.

Well the owner wants too much for the rocket so figure it was good to experience Mooney speed at the least. I have a BMW M3 which is very fast, comfortable, drives on rails but not heavy in the handling. Not sure why the yoke controls are so stiff and heavy in the Mooney compared the the Cessna, Bonanza, and Piper that I have flown. I've heard that the 252 Mooney is lighter in controls so might be better way to go.

Agree except the Rocket sucks fuel and is not efficient uses 25-30 gph but it is VERY fast. Now the 201J and 252 are fuel efficient and if I bought a Mooney these would be great way to go. The climb rate and speed is amazing though in the Rocket! I think if I was flying coast to coast and international a lot, the Rocket would be well worth the fuel burn and cost.

too cramped for my taste

Yeah I flew the rocket today and it was awesome! But the owner does not really want to sell it and tried to get me to consider a cheaper 252 instead with newer avionics.

Flew in a Mooney 231 Rocket today that a guy wants 140k for. Wow it was fast! Climbed to 4000' and cruise at almost 200kts. BUT the owner tried to get me to buy a 252 instead since the Rocket is a pig and sucks down fuel( 25-30 gph! ) and the 252 is almost as fast and uses much less fuel. Only thing is controls felt heavy maybe something to get used to?

Why not find a Screaming Eagle Ovation 3?

I am going to check out a Mooney Rocket and fly it tomorrow! Looking at Mooney Rocket, 252, TLS and Bravo. If I like it would be great since Rocket is as fast as Acclaim for lot less cash. Only downside is the Rocket sucks fuel and is not frugal on it.

I do plan to get my instrument rating after PPL and the required high performance/complex endorsements. Plus I can knock IR out quickly with 20 hours in the simulator with an instructor and pass the test then finish up the flights in a Piper before moving to a Mooney.

Ouch think I will pass on this one.

That guy would be me! I want a Mooney Rocket! BUT looking at the previous issues I would be concerned. I'd rather pay a few bucks more for a pristine Rocket with upgraded avionics for IFR flight and added bonus leather seats and long range tanks.

We have some instructors who are Mooney pilots at Sundance Flying Club at KPAO who can train me on the club Mooney 252 after I have my complex/high performance endorsements and PPL. Depending on my funds when it comes time to shop for a plane, ideally I'd like either a Mooney Bravo, Ovation or 252. Worst case, I'd be happy with a Mooney 201J to start with.

Well for me fast and efficient is my goal. Long term the mission is to buy an airpark home and commute 1-2x a week to work in the bay area. Reason is besides enjoyment of flying, for me I can buy a home, plane and fly to bay area for less than what a tiny home costs in Palo Alto.

I live in northern California close to Palo Alto and San Jose (KPAO and KSJC) are by me. I would love to experience a Mooney flight! So far I am looking at either a Mooney or Beechcraft once I have my wings and complex/high performance endorsements. One friend has a Beechcraft Debonair that I was able to hitch a flight in but I prefer Mooney looks to it. So its down to Mooney and Beechcraft Bonanza! I am training on a Cessna 172SP and will do high performance on Cessna 182T and complex on Cessna 177 Cardinal then get trained on either Mooney or Beechcraft. Only downside to Mooney I've heard is that they are more difficult to land than a Beechcraft Bonanza. I think that once I've flown both then can make the final decision. At least for under 200k, I can have a fast fun plane! The Diamonds and Cirrus cost 4x more for less or similar level of performance!

Nice well I look forward to fly a Mooney this summer after I have my pilot license If I like it then I will most likely become a fellow Mooniac.

Cool thanks after I have my PPL then I will get checked out on the club Mooney 252 to see how I like it. The Socata is nice but more expensive for less performance than a Mooney.

I am short 5'6" and have short legs would I be able to fit ok in a Mooney? Sorry to ask a dumb question but I heard that Mooney were designed for tall men with very long legs.

Great review! Definitely want a Rocket or Bravo if I decide to buy a Mooney.

Will it be a decal of a screaming eagle? That would look cool in your Mooney!

Thanks guys for the tips on the differences between 201, Missile, Rocket and 252. Next step after PPL is to get checked out in the club Mooney.

Does your Ovation make a screaming hawk or eagle like sound now? Just curious! Maybe you can add one for sound effect to announce your taxi to the runway. Paint a screaming eagle on the tail would be cool as well :-)

Thanks David, this is very encouraging. If I like flying the club's local Mooney 252 after my PPL then I will search for a good Mooney Rocket!

Cool thanks for the explanation! Now I know what kind of Mooney I want! How reliable are the Rocket and Missile conversions on the K and J models? Are they any more expensive or difficult to maintain? If I end up getting into a Mooney, thats the plane to buy for my budget. Sure if I have an extra 400-500k around, an Ovation or Acclaim would be nice to own but for under 200k, the Rocket or Missile conversions are tough to beat for incredible performance.

Wow thats amazing! Almost like Acclaim S performance for way less cash. Now I am interested! My only concern is maintenance costs and overhaul costs.