davidpatton111

We flew an Acclaim... way too fast for a Clipper to Mooney transition and of course out of my price range. I’m sure any plane is manageable with the right CFI and time in the model. Of course I’m planning on taking the more conservative route and most likely upgrade as I continue to appreciate and respect the Mooney. I cruise at a slow and low 105KIAS and am happy getting something that goes 140 KIAS at this point. Even though I have 400 hours and instrument rated I feel as though I should take my time and not rush. Hopefully after the holiday season I’ll reach out to owners of variois models and get a better feel for what fits my mission now. I had no idea riding in just one Mooney would forever change my mind about my next airplane choice, the Mooney.

First of all I'd like to thank everyone for some great feedback.... I'm hooked. This week I was given a demo ride by one of the members here on this forum. Although the Mooney I rode in is way out of my price range, I was assured they all fly very much the same way and feel the same from a pilot and front passenger point of view. I was surprised to find the width was actually wider than I thought. So many people talk about the Mooney being too narrow. I'm 6'2" tall and the pilot was about the same. No issues. It felt like an airplane should feel. Anyhow, it was a great experience. I also am learning Mooney folks are a tight bunch and really do help one another out when in need of information, a ride, advice, etc. Soon, very soon I hope (know anyone who wants a 108HP Piper Clipper) I'll have the funds to get my first Mooney. And I'm more confident than ever that you all will help me find a good pre-buy guy, a great instructor, and provide me with the right guidance. Lastly, my wife loved it. She sat in the back (even though it was a long body Mooney) and really enjoyed flying in the aircraft. She also loved that her an I in it with full fuel will not put us our of gross weight (we've had one scare with too much fuel and weight and high density altitude conditions due to a hot summer day.) Bottom line up front... I'm sold!!! HANK - Awesome picture of the Mooney loaded up... exactly the feedback I am looking for. Nice to know an airport like KJGG (Williamsburg, VA) is manageable with this aircraft. ATALLA - LOL, KEZF (Shannon Airport, VA) is where I that scare occurred. I barely made it over those trees in my current plane. I still have nightmares about that day.. but I'd love to fly out there and take a look at your airplane... thanks. SKYDVRBOY - Load is important because I want to always feel safe with wife and I and luggage. Endurance is never important to me because I can never fly more than 2.5 hours without wanting, not having too, but wanting to stop and take a break. But I get it, these planes are made to burn less fuel and fly faster than other GA aircraft. I like the usable back seat comment. Because I flew in a long body Mooney I'm not entirely sure what the backseat is actually like.

Hello all. New here and very interested in my next plane being a Mooney. I currently fly a Piper Clipper and I just can’t go fast enough or haul much. After a year of looking at different aircraft I’m finally thinking a Mooney may be the most bang for the buck. However, I’m Mooney ignorant. Ideally I’d like to find something for around 45 - 75K. Mission is to go faster and haul weight. I’ve been told they are easy to maintain, fairly inexpensive to operate, and overall more efficient than most similar aircraft. I would love to actually sit in one and get a better idea how I fit, the overall operation of one, and chat about the real pros and cons from an owner’s point of view. Thanks.