DualRatedFlyer Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 (edited) Hello MooneySpace! McStealth caught my lurking around on one of the forums as a new member and recommended I formally introduced myself to the MooneySpace community. How did I end up on MonneySpace? I have been on the hunt for the past few months for a personal aircraft (still looking if your selling!) that would allow me to travel up and down the east coast to visit family and travel with my wife. My logbook has a good variety of aircraft flown over the years, but one that has always stood out to me is a Mooney. In my research on owner opinions of autopilots, fuel tank reseals, and the infamous "E or F model" question, I continue to find my google search results directing me back to MooneySpace as an amazing source of information. So thats my introduction, and if anyone has any recommendations for first time buyers let me know! Thanks for having me. Edited September 26, 2017 by DualRatedFlyer 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carusoam Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 Welcome aboard DRF! David was right, it is better to be out in the open when searching for a first airplane. East coast flying is perfect for a Normally Aspirated Mooney. Will you be filling the back seats with family? Will you be using an Instrument Rating? Best regards, -a- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DualRatedFlyer Posted January 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 @carusoam Feels good to come out! I imagine 70% of my long range flying (>2 hrs) will be accomplished with family filling all the seats. I will be using my instrument rating and am looking for something with at least a basic AP and WAAS equipage. Ive been told from other owners that it is almost always a better deal to buy an aircraft with these already installed than to foot the bill for an install post purchase. Interested in hearing others opinion on the matter. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbridges Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 welcome aboard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob_Belville Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 Welcome aboard. We'll encourage you to fill out some profile info, where are you located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DualRatedFlyer Posted January 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 (edited) Currently in the northern MD area. Edited November 6, 2017 by DualRatedFlyer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldguy Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 Welcome aboard! Are those flights with family with kids small or large? I believe we have families flying anything from a C on up. And @Bob_Belville carries four adults in his E (proven by the pictures he takes). I ended up with a mid-body J for the comfort of those unlucky enough to sit behind me when the seats are full. We will all be glad to give suggestions. Nothing we like better than spending OPM! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carusoam Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 You have the good fortune of having your feet in aviation already. It is a lot less challenging than starting out trying to decide if aviation will work for you. The economics of purchasing a plane that fits your needs is spot on. Unfortunately, a plane that comes with everything you want may still clock in over a hundred amu... check out MS's listings in the plane's for sale section for an idea of known planes for sale... from known MS pilots... Best regards, -a- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob_Belville Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 Just now, Oldguy said: Welcome aboard! Are those flights with family with kids small or large? I believe we have families flying anything from a C on up. And @Bob_Belville carries four adults in his E (proven by the pictures he takes). I ended up with a mid-body J for the comfort of those unlucky enough to sit behind me when the seats are full. We will all be glad to give suggestions. Nothing we like better than spending OPM! I gotta take some new pics... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 24 minutes ago, Bob_Belville said: I gotta take some new pics... Whassa matter, Bob? Outgrowing the harem already??? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob_Belville Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 18 minutes ago, Hank said: Whassa matter, Bob? Outgrowing the harem already??? Here's an older one, trust me, there are 2 adults in the back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DualRatedFlyer Posted January 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 51 minutes ago, Oldguy said: Welcome aboard! Are those flights with family with kids small or large? I believe we have families flying anything from a C on up. And @Bob_Belville carries four adults in his E (proven by the pictures he takes). I ended up with a mid-body J for the comfort of those unlucky enough to sit behind me when the seats are full. We will all be glad to give suggestions. Nothing we like better than spending OPM! Will be mostly with adults (no children atm). I have a few pilot buddies as well that wouldn't be apposed to tagging along for the occasional airshow here and there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DualRatedFlyer Posted January 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 54 minutes ago, carusoam said: You have the good fortune of having your feet in aviation already. It is a lot less challenging than starting out trying to decide if aviation will work for you. The economics of purchasing a plane that fits your needs is spot on. Unfortunately, a plane that comes with everything you want may still clock in over a hundred amu... check out MS's listings in the plane's for sale section for an idea of known planes for sale... from known MS pilots... Best regards, -a- @carusoam Thanks for the advice. Keeping a close eye on whats selling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carusoam Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 Try this on for its educational / comparison value... Click on their inventory button.... http://allamericanaircraft.com/Default.htm Best regards, -a- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DualRatedFlyer Posted January 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 1 minute ago, bluehighwayflyer said: How tall are you, DRF? If above average don't let Bob's pictures fool you. Go ahead and get a mid or long body Mooney if you plan to regularly carry four adults. Welcome aboard! 6' 2'' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DualRatedFlyer Posted January 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 Just now, carusoam said: Try this on for its educational / comparison value... Click on their inventory button.... http://allamericanaircraft.com/Default.htm Best regards, -a- Thanks @carusoam ill give these guys a look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carusoam Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 I forgot to mention... All American is a business that specializes in pre-owned Mooneys. They do a great job of finding and presenting planes for sale. they also do a great job of finishing the details required to help a new owner get the paperwork squared away, and the pilot up to speed with TRansition Training. I bought a plane there once, but the point is they have a great place to go and see a bunch of different Mooneys that you can actually sit in and get a feeling for... Just use caution, the place is full of desireable planes. It is a great place to visit. You will come away highly Mooney educated when you are done. Best regards, -a- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DualRatedFlyer Posted January 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 11 minutes ago, bluehighwayflyer said: Yeah, you need a M20G or higher, my friend. With your seat pulled back that far in a short body Mooney only a small child would be able to comfortably sit behind you. Short body Mooneys are comparable to short body Cherokees in this regard. @bluehighwayflyer @Oldguy wasnt kidding when he said you guys like to spend OPM On a serious note, is the cabin difference really that much more? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DualRatedFlyer Posted January 18, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 8 minutes ago, carusoam said: I forgot to mention... All American is a business that specializes in pre-owned Mooneys. They do a great job of finding and presenting planes for sale. they also do a great job of finishing the details required to help a new owner get the paperwork squared away, and the pilot up to speed with TRansition Training. I bought a plane there once, but the point is they have a great place to go and see a bunch of different Mooneys that you can actually sit in and get a feeling for... Just use caution, the place is full of desireable planes. It is a great place to visit. You will come away highly Mooney educated when you are done. Best regards, -a- @carusoam Sounds like my kind of place. Ill have to see if I can make up an excuse to take a trip that direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbridges Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 Just now, DualRatedFlyer said: @bluehighwayflyer @Oldguy wasnt kidding when he said you guys like to spend OPM On a serious note, is the cabin difference really that much more? the F, G and Js got a 5 inch stretch in the rear passenger legroom. I've carried a 3rd person in my C, but it's cozy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadrach Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 I'm based at KHGR. If you want to see an F up close and do a little air work let me know. My bird is a time capsule in terms of looks, but it will give you a good idea of what an F model does well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob_Belville Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 I ain't selling nothing. Except a little perspective. It seems to be getting pretty tough to find a nice "E" anyway. There are only 3 Es of any kind in the US, none in the East, on Controller and about 6 on Trade a Plane at the moment. Of course after you eliminate those with 50 year old avionics, no A/P, or are overpriced for what they are they may not be any. Be prepared to move quickly when something you like comes on the market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadrach Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 I second the notion that the extra 10" is worth it. 5 in the back seat and 5 in the luggage compartment. YOu can put 4 folks in a short body if the front seat occupants keep their seats in the first or second detent, but it will not be roomy. That exra 10" feels like considerable more. The F also has an extra hour of endurance and a useful load advantage; sometimes a considerable one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marauder Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 Currently in the northern MD area. Born and bread in Mayberry NC though. East or west side of Northern Maryland? There are a few of us in the area. I have a 75 F that you can certainly come fly with me. Just don't be like that C-5 pilot fro Dover I took up for his first Mooney flight. He flew my plane better than I can do. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob_Belville Posted January 18, 2017 Report Share Posted January 18, 2017 1 hour ago, Marauder said: East or west side of Northern Maryland? There are a few of us in the area. I have a 75 F that you can certainly come fly with me. Just don't be like that C-5 pilot fro Dover I took up for his first Mooney flight. He flew my plane better than I can do. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk I heard that was no big deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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