UngaWunga

Looks like you could very easily tighten up your pattern some, then you could keep the speeds low, not have to add power on final, and still be within glide distance of the runway.

The 172s I rent have no problem making it down and stopping by midfield without braking, if I get my speeds right. They also have no problem getting out near gross. Plenty of training does sound like a good idea, especially since I don't have my Complex endorsement.

Its an awesome little airport, and about a mile from my house. I've read that Mooneys don't like to slow down, which is why I'm asking. Dimensions: 2100 x 170 feet / 640 x 52 meters Surface: Turf in Good Condition Edge Lighting: Non-Standard RY 02/20 NSTD LIRL; 85 FT FM RY CNTRLN. Runway 02 Runway 20 Gradient: 0.4 0.4 Traffic Pattern: Left Left Displaced Threshold: 300 Feet RWY 20 NSTD DSPLCD THR; SINGLE RED/GREEN LIGHT EACH SIDE. THRESHOLD SITING SURFACE 10:1 SLOPE. Obstacles: 50 ft Trees 120 ft from runway, 100 ft left of center 4 ft Fence 0 ft from runway APCH SLOPE 8:1 DUE TO 60 FT TREE 490 FT FROM DSPLCD THLD 10 FT L OF CTRLN.

So, new-ish pilot. ~80 hours, all in Cubs and 172s. Interested in Mooneys for the speed and efficiency, like most of you. Would a Mooney make a good first plane? Our home field is a 2100' grass strip, with trees at either end. The 172s have STOL kits. They don't really need them, but it doesn't hurt on hot summer days. The Cubs, on the other hand... make sure your instructor is skinny when its hot out or the squirrels will be throwing acorns at you from the trees at the end of the runway. Also, I've never actually sat in a Mooney. Anyone in NH/MA/ME mind showing me your plane? Want to see how well a 6'4" me fits in one. Thanks