Looking to Buy a Mooney

[MReitz]

I am a new pilot (50 hrs) and am looking to buy an older model Mooney. I will be flying from Louisiana to West Texas with it, so I would really like a J or F model that has been upgraded. Being that I am new and inexperienced pilot, I would like any suggestions that you all have. Is a Mooney a bad idea for a pilot of my experience level? Does it have a substantially higher operating cost as compared to a Bonanza or C-182? I need something that cruises in the 140-150 kt range, and I am open to any suggestions. I learned in a C-172/180 so I don't even know if I can get insured in a complex aircraft yet. Again, any insight and advice would be greatly appreciated!

[TWinter]

Welcome to MS. There have been many posts asking the same question..It will all boil down to a few certain questions only you can answer. Check the forum through the Search function and you will see many have asked the very same question. Prices are good and planes are plentiful. Good luck and if there is a specific question about any given model there is a wealth of information here on MS. Again welcome, just trying to save you some redundant posts.

[chrisk]

A Mooney will probably cost less to maintain and insure than a Bonanza and more than a 182 (Gear cost for insurance and annual).  Operating expenses should be less for the Mooney due to the difference in fuel burn.

 

My advice would be to find an instructor with a Mooney and get 10 hours of dual.  You will know after that if you want one (I did!).  It will also make your insurance less.  And while your spending 10 hours in the plane, work on an instrument rating.  That will reduce your insurance and make the plane much more useful.

[1964-M20E]

Where in Louisiana are you?

If in the new Orleans Area send me a PM maybe we can get together and you can see how a Mooney flies and fits.

[LAE]

If you're on the Southwest side of La I extend the same offer as John. If the West Texas trip involves a deer lease you don't need a plane, we can take mine!!!

[aggiepilot04]

I had a guy tell me that a J model was too much airplane for a new pilot, but I bought it anyways. Find a good instructor that knows Mooneys inside and out, and fly dual until you feel comfortable staying ahead of the airplane. Then fly solo until you feel confident. If I remember correctly, I put in 8-10 hours dual (including the complex endorsement), and 4 more hours before carrying passengers. That "felt" like the right amount of time, and it also turned out to meet insurance requirements. I have 500 hours now in my Mooney, and while I've learned from plenty of mistakes, I don't attribute any of them to the early transition to a Mooney.

Oh, and flying over West Texas on a dark night is pretty much like flying in IMC. I would knock out your instrument rating with a Mooney guy as well.

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[MReitz]

I am actually living in Midland, TX. Wish I still lived in Louisiana. I am from Baton Rouge and am displaced through work. That is the main reason I am trying to get a "faster" plane. If I am in Nola soon I will definitely give you a shout. I appreciate all of the input.

[MReitz]

aggiepilot04 do you have any mooney guys to recommend out this way? I dont know anyone with a mooney out here that is willing to let me ride along or rent their aircraft.

[Hank]

Mooneys work well for careful new pilots. I bought my C with 62 hours, 0 complex. Get your Complex Endorsement before you buy, and at least 5-10 Mooney hours somehow. It will simplify obtaining insurance!

[Parker_Woodruff]

If the Mooney is what you want, go buy it.  Get a competent CFI for your transition training.  I'd be glad to help!

[aggiepilot04]

aggiepilot04 do you have any mooney guys to recommend out this way? I dont know anyone with a mooney out here that is willing to let me ride along or rent their aircraft.

Unfortunately, I don't, but I'm going to the Mooney homecoming thing at KERV in a few of weeks. Not sure what kind of turnout they are expecting, but I will let you know if I run into anyone from that area that is interested.

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[LAE]

IIRC they had a nice J at Waco Flying Service in Waco they use for training and rental. I travel there for work sometimes and they have excellent service there btw.

[Joe Zuffoletto]

I learned to fly the J with only 80 hours of flight time and never had any problem with it. Prior to that I had only flown Cherokees and C-172's. 5 hours of dual with an experienced Mooney instructor did the trick for me.

[1964-M20E]

I bought my first plane a 64E model after being out of flying for 15 years.  I got current in a C172 flew about 15 hours before buying my 64E model.  I had a total of just under 200 hours.  I did not have any problems transitioning to the Mooney it went very smooth. Now I have over 500 hours.  The insurance company only requrid a few hours to be covered.

[MReitz]

Yep. I am approved for Insurance, now I just have to find the right one for me. Thanks for all of the replies. 

[Bob_Belville]

I assume you know the MAPA convention is coming up soon (April 10-12) in nearly Kerrville? Might be a good intro to what you getting in to. You don't have to own a plane to join MAPA. 

[Steve65E-NC]

Beware the fumerious jaberwacki.  For Mooney's this is the landing porpoise.  Cessna and Piper instinctive reactions will not hack it on this.  Until you know better, one nose wheel bounce and you go around.  

[mooneygirl]

Get a Mooney-specific instructor and take MAPA's pilot proficiency course. I only had about 100 when I bought my Mooney. Transitioned from a Warrior.  Speed control is the biggest challenge as that wing loves to fly.  I have a '65 E model.  I love love love it.  100 mph on downwind, 90 base (500fpm descent), 80 final (500fpm descent), 70 short final, and about 60ish in the flare.  If you think about it, we usually rotate for take off at 65-70 mph [again the E model is in MPH] so if you are trying to touch down at 70-80 you will fly ALL DAY.

Welcome to our crazy Mooney Family!  Come to MAPA Homecoming!  April 10-13.

[triple8s]

What she said! Look at the accidents in Mooneys and there are a VERY high percentage on the runway or in the vicinity thereof. Another thing I feel is important is the instrument rating why? Because a. Mooney is a traveling machine you will have to deal with more weather and weather patterns, so IFR is the only way to fully enjoy/utilize a Mooney, without it is like having a computer and no internet connection. Get the IFR ticket and remember the IFR license is really a license to learn.

[AlanA]

I was in your shoes 10 years ago. I bought an older  J.  Never regretted it.

In addition to getting a Mooney Instructor, my one big recommendation is that you make sure you get one with an autopilot that works.  It will be very helpful on those dark texas nights, and a nice safety feature as you learn more about weather.

[Mooneymite]

Beware!

Buying a Mooney is buying into a cult.

Mooneyspace.com is the temple of worship.

I don't think anyone ever fully recovers.

[MReitz]

Thanks everyone. Do you think it is a bad idea to buy a m20J and hire an instructor to fly with me in it for 10-15 hrs until I feel comfortable? I do plan on getting my instrument but I would like to do it in the plane I am going to fly every day. I did find a guy around here that is going to let me ride along so I will get the feel of the mooney at least. Any thoughts?

[rob]

It's not a bad idea at all. Insurance will require that you are proficient before you fly it alone, and prescribe a minimum number of hours for you to complete with an instructor.

If your mission doesn't include 4 pax, I think you should consider the short bodied Mooney though

[Marauder]

Thanks everyone. Do you think it is a bad idea to buy a m20J and hire an instructor to fly with me in it for 10-15 hrs until I feel comfortable? I do plan on getting my instrument but I would like to do it in the plane I am going to fly every day. I did find a guy around here that is going to let me ride along so I will get the feel of the mooney at least. Any thoughts?

Odds are your insurance company will make some hours a requirement anyways. Just find an instructor who knows Mooneys.

[Flynnupe94]

I have a nice J forsale if you are interested let me know. Keith 214-500-0906