I Took the plunge N1158D

[zerotact]

Hello,

    I recently was able to aquire my first mooney...  a 1982 M20J .  I am still pretty amazed I was able to find a way to own one, so I am nervous and excited at the same time.  I Aquired a C172 N1501Y last year so I will finish up my PPL in that and then transition into the M20J. 

[zerotact]

Sorry Forgot to attach a picture

[MooneyBob]

Congrats. 201 is an awesome plane.

[carusoam]

Congratulations!

Training is always good.

Best regards,

-a-

[M20F-1968]

Be sure you spend a significant amount of time with a good Mooney instructor before you venture off alone with the 201.  They are definitely different airplanes and a new pilot can easily get behind the airplane.

 

John Breda

[zerotact]

Insurance requires at least 25 hours of dual.  My CFI is a friend and we have taken lots of trips in my C172, I also plan to proceed with my IFR  so we there will be a lot of time spent with an instructor.

[mooniac15u]

Welcome aboard Zerotact!

 

N1158D was owned by the FBO at my home field (KTZR) for many years.  I was sad to hear that they had sold it so it is nice to see that it went to a good home.

[RocketAviator]

congradulations welcome to the world of Mooniacs!

[chrisk]

Congrats!  You will love it.  Your cross wind worries will be over.  Get a Mooney specific instructor.  Speed control on landing is very important.  --30 kts to fast, and off the end of the runway you will go, floating a foot above the whole way.

[cliffy]

Now your fun begins!

Get good training. Keep your speed in check on landings and have fun.

Just a word of caution- if you are fast on landing you may/will bounce- GO AROUND.

Mooneys usually get the prop on the third bounce. Keep your speed good on landing an never a problem.

I wish I had a 201!

[kevinw]

Congrats on your 201. I love mine. These guys are right; these planes require precision. 70 on final and if I'm light 65. I tell people my mistakes were hidden well in the Archer I flew; in a Mooney there are consequences. Good luck!

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[zerotact]

Yea, I bought off capital city jet center and flew it home from Ktzr.. I'Ve made friends at my airport so I'm never far from qualified help.. I am pretty darn lucky to be in that position.

[BorealOne]

Congrats and long may you fly!

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[mike_elliott]

Congrats! Spend a bit of time with a Mooney specific instructor at first, as this will pay off handsomely as you learn to fly your plane like the fine lady she is.

[Bartman]

Congratulations on the purchase. You will be happy with the performance and fuel economy of the J, and by the time you finish 25 hours plus IFR work you will be fine. She will float a long way when you are light on fuel and solo. I didn't heed the warnings above and made the mistake of trying to force it onto the runway a couple times after my initial training. No bent metal but scared the crap out of me. Please take that warning seriously.

[rocketman]

Congratulations on your 82 201. I too have a 1982 201 since 1989 and that plane has been wonderful. Never let me down, rarely any surprises on the annuals, easy to fly AFTER you learn how to fly it, and arguably the best engineered and designed GA plane ever built. You will love it. Like others have said here, learn the numbers especially on landing. That is very critical. 

[FloridaMan]

Yup. Make sure you fly with an instructor that knows Mooneys. The biggest differences lie in the work that you have to do with approaching the pattern, being aware that they don't just climb out after lift-off like a 172, and that you have to be on the ready with the rudder when you stall it. Speaking of the rudder, I find that it helps a lot to really ensure that you're loose going into stalls and when landing. I make a conscious effort to not only press with one foot, but to lift with the other so that your feet don't fight each other. 

[Ksaunders]

I transitioned into my M20J from a 1976 Piper Pa-28 with 160 hp.  Double the speed, double the comfort, double the style.  Bulletproof, economical, fun, attention getting, capable, - all the new words you will include in your sentences when people ask you about your new Mooney. 

 

Don't fear the respect they demand for adhering to their required speeds.  Landings are never the same twice.  The Mooney is a high performance machine and with good piloting techniques and a respect for the sport - you will be rewarded time and time again.  Relax and remember what your bird requires for the perfect landing.  Do your homework and plan for those short runways at your destination.  When you mind your speed, you will seldom need much runway anyway.   

 

You will love her for many years to come.