OK, I admit I am curious. Anyone near KDPA wanna set the hook completely?

[charheep]

I have never given Mooney's a serious look, but I am open minded now and really want to see if the OWT of it feeling like a coffin is true for me.  I am researching J or later models and was curious if someone near me had one that would be willing to let me take a gander and see if I fit?  I fly out of Dupage (KDPA) but can meet you somewhere.  Lunch would be on me  (if thats still legal per FAA...). 

 

I like this one (at least on paper) http://skywagons.com/_aircraft_for_sale/3875H/3875H.html  , but dont want to head down the rabbit hole if my body isnt Mooney rated .

 

Thanks!

If this is in the wrong section, go ahead and move it with my apologies.

-John

[Yetti]

I am 6' 9" tall.  It's about the same as a Corevette which I also fit in... at least the C5 model year

[bradp]

It's also wider than a bonanza by about an inch give or take.  You just sit in it differently with your legs more straight out in front of you like a sports car compared to a sedan/minivan.  The only thing I do find different (and I'm no Yetti) is that on long trips I want to pull my legs in and cross them a bit.  To do that you need to push the seat back to get your knees out from under the dash.

 

[Yetti]

Same thing with a corvette.   When your legs are in there, they are in there.

 

[jonhop]

I am 6'5" and 240lbs and my J fits me very well. I flew a Tiger, 172, and 182 while shopping to see how they all fit. Just one test sitting in the Mooney and I knew it was the right plane for me. The Skywagons Mooney was on my list of planes I was evaluating before the one I purchased hit the market at my home airport. Best of luck in your pursuit...

[Bob]

1 hour ago, charheep said:

I have never given Mooney's a serious look, but I am open minded now and really want to see if the OWT of it feeling like a coffin is true for me.  I am researching J or later models and was curious if someone near me had one that would be willing to let me take a gander and see if I fit?  I fly out of Dupage (KDPA) but can meet you somewhere.  Lunch would be on me  (if thats still legal per FAA...). 

John,

I am based at DPA, hope that is close enough.  I may be called out of town to work for a month, but not sure yet.  If the job is delayed, we can get together, test fit and fly my K.  We also have a couple other Mooney owners based at DPA.  PM your number when able.

[ArtVandelay]

The problem isn't fitting into it, getting out may be awkward especially after a long flight when you're a little stiff.  But there is a 95 year old guy in another thread that can do it, you should not have a problem.

[charheep]

3 minutes ago, Bob said:

John,

I am based at DPA, hope that is close enough.  I may be called out of town to work for a month, but not sure yet.  If the job is delayed, we can get together, test fit and fly my K.  We also have a couple other Mooney owners based at DPA.  PM your number when able.

PM sent.

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard Char,

The OWT persist, only because there are not a lot of Mooneys parked on the rental lot.

The Ovation fits like a Corvette but has the volume of a Tahoe.

Best regards,

-a-

[201er]

1 hour ago, charheep said:

I like this one (at least on paper) http://skywagons.com/_aircraft_for_sale/3875H/3875H.html  , but dont want to head down the rabbit hole if my body isnt Mooney rated .

Plus points for low time engine hours, monroy tanks, 1978+ vintage, JPI, useful load, and auto pilot

Minus points for seriously outdated avionics stack, lack of HSI, and heinous looking interior.

"At 12,000 feet, running 19" and 2350 RPM, burning 7.7 GPH, this plane will fly for over 12 hours at 160 kts"

And this is a complete lie! It's an either or thing. Even the POH isn't bold enough to lie that you can get that kind of speed or that kind of fuel flow at the same time! The POH is known to exaggerate things... but this is something else.

160ktas isn't "all day cruising speed." It's a pushing the engine pretty hard and burning all the fuel you can kind of speed. On the other hand 7.7gph cruise is a taking it easy cruise where you'll take a sacrifice in speed to get efficiency. The kind of speed that gives 12 hours endurance is more along the lines of 130-140ktas. Don't know what else they're exaggerating/lying about but just keep expectations in check and get a good prebuy. Looks like a good plane but will need 10-15k of work in the first few years to get it how you want it.

[Oldguy]

Like Yetti said, it is more like sitting in a 'Vette or MGB. I always think of a 182 like sitting in a pickup.

Several of us are well over 6' and some of those, like me, are over the 200# mark as well.

Access and egress are Mooney skills to be learned as well as flying them. A good transition instructor can supply training for both.

But be warned: once you get into a Mooney, nothing else will do!

John

[mike_elliott]

16 minutes ago, 201er said:

160ktas isn't "all day cruising speed." It's a pushing the engine pretty hard and burning all the fuel you can kind of speed

Depends on the J. Here is one I take care of loafing along at 159TAS 8.5 GPH LOP. Near full fuel 210# Pilot @9500

[Yooper Rocketman]

I put about the same amount of hours each year in a turbocharged Bonanza and my Mooney Rocket.  I am comfortable (shoulder wise) about the same in each.  My legs ache after a couple hours on the Bonanza, as the seat is too high for my comfort.  I would much rather spend the hours in the Mooney for comfort.  Also, the Bonanza seat will not slide back much, were as the Mooney will slide back against the back seat if there are no passengers back there.  Much more comfortable in the Mooney.

Tom

[Jack46]

If you are interested in coming over to KBTL, Kellogg/Battle Creek, I have an '88 J/205 I purchased in February. I went through much the same decision process and am nuts about the Mooney. It will boil down to personal preference rather than width x height x length, etc.

Jack

[M20F]

I would give you a spin but I am moving from KDPA this weekend for the Right Coast.  

I find the sit L shaped with your legs out to get a bit uncomfortable after about 3hrs personally.  The sit with your knees bent I find a lot more comfortable. 

Mooneys are definitely the best bang for your $ especially a J.  I find Bonanza's and the like a lot more comfortable though.  

Good luck with whatever you purchase!

[jrwilson]

On ‎4‎/‎1‎/‎2016 at 10:43 AM, charheep said:

 

I like this one (at least on paper) http://skywagons.com/_aircraft_for_sale/3875H/3875H.html  , but dont want to head down the rabbit hole if my body isnt Mooney rated .

If you're still interested in this plane, I'm based at the same airport and can at least put eyes on it and chat with the sales guy, get some pics, etc.  I've taxied past it a few times...  Let me know

[carl]

On ‎4‎/‎1‎/‎2016 at 3:32 PM, 201er said:

On the other hand 7.7gph cruise is a taking it easy cruise where you'll take a sacrifice in speed to get efficiency. The kind of speed that gives 12 hours endurance is more along the lines of 130-140ktas.

Michael, Can I fly my E  from Altoona to St Augustine non stop? with standard tanks ?  52 gal , 651 miles

I know you can .

carl

[carusoam]

Sea to shining sea, by M20E...  Sounds familiar as Carson's speed... And Jonathan Paul, San Diego to Savannah.  About 1,800 NM.

JP had 88gallons in the extended tanks...

Source: http://www.aviastar.org/comments/comments.php?aircraft=2927

recognize some or any familiar names..?

Best regards,

-a-

[201er]

59 minutes ago, carl said:

Michael, Can I fly my E  from Altoona to St Augustine non stop? with standard tanks ?  52 gal , 651 miles

I know you can .

carl

Not if you want to have anything left in the tanks when you get there. I probably wouldn't do it.

[bonal]

Is every one in such a hurry that the idea of a fuel / stretch your legs stop such a big deal. My C can go 4hrs plus reserve of 1 hour and I always plan for around 3 hours cause it's nice to take on fuel maybe stop somewhere you've never stopped before and see what you can see. as for comfort factor I cant comment on the tall but I am qualified to remark on the wide and its never felt too small. I find the seating position very comfortable once I level off I put the seat back and relax in my favorite chair.

[201er]

Just now, bonal said:

Is every one in such a hurry that the idea of a fuel / stretch your legs stop such a big deal.

Well we don't fly Mooney's because we want to get there slow, that's for sure

[Yooper Rocketman]

I flew back the the U.P. once in my F model from the Denver area in just under 6 hours (the "speed" thing, right).  My wife says when we get out of the plane "if we are going to do this again, let me know.  It's no longer fun and I will go airline".  To each their own, but I would rather make the trip fun, not a bloody "mission".  I've had some really interesting fuel stops, the wife still loves to fly, my body likes getting out of the plane and stretching, and my 60 year old bladder really likes getting to a bathroom after 3-4 hours.  If someone wants to brag about "beating my faster plane" over the whole trip, so be it.  I'm a big boy and can handle the flack.

Tom

[charheep]

21 hours ago, jrwilson said:

If you're still interested in this plane, I'm based at the same airport and can at least put eyes on it and chat with the sales guy, get some pics, etc.  I've taxied past it a few times...  Let me know

I have a date (is that the right word?) with Bob to see his plane if I am available when he is.  Once I can pick his brain and see if a Mooney and I are compatible, I will let you know.  Thank you for the great offer!

[jlunseth]

I am doing Angel Flights to DPA.  There won't be one for three or four weeks, but if you are still interested in a flight in May let me know.  I have a K.

Around the clock, I have flown Minneapolis to Buffalo (via London, ON, an interesting story), Fredrick, MD, Asheville, NC, Bahamas four time (different places), TX, OK, Taos, NM, Scottsdale, Denver, Kalispell, and many places in between.  

Great plane.  When you cruise distances you need to think differently than if you are just going up and larking around.  You need superior weather on the panel, because wx enroute and at the destination will always be different than forecast, you need to plan descents much further out than you would expect, and you need to know many "types" of flying - mountain flying, routing and spacing on the east coast, etc.  You need to be able to land in many conditions, a rural, short, windy strip in MT for fuel, or sandwiched between two big jets going into a busy commercial airport.  You need to be able to keep your speed up in those places.

The plane is very comfortable, I am 67 have two replacement hips and a bad knee, and get in and out with ease.  I do stay in shape though.

Edited April 5, 2016 by jlunseth

[charheep]

Big thank you to Bob for showing me his plane and spending his time telling me about it.  Spent about an hour or so with his beautiful plane.  He takes pride in it and it shows.  I was able to sit in it.  It is definitely smaller at the shoulder for me than the plane I fly now, but not out of the question.  We didnt go for a flight but I did spend enough time to answer a bunch of questions that I had.

 

I have a lot to think about now.