Somewhere I can get behind the controls in FL?

[FloridaMan]

This is my first post here.

I've never flown a Mooney. I flew right-seat in an M20R and watched the checklist for a fellow that had just purchased it but I've never felt the controls. I'm an instrument-rated pilot with a couple hundred hours TT and am based in the Tampa Bay area. Two years ago when still a student pilot, the guy that owned the flight school immediately said that the M20J would be the perfect airplane for my mission (single, usually travel alone, not wealthy and my standard mission is between FL and NC). The M20K seems to be price-comparable and I've read conflicting things regarding overall cost of ownership. I've been full circle in looking at airplanes; the problem being is that everyone has their own opinions and brokers want to put you in whatever airplane they can sell you, not necessarily what's best for you. Even my own grandmother made fun of me when I mentioned considering a Mooney "A Mooney!? What do you want a Mooney for?" (my grandfather had been a WW2 pilot and flew everything; after the war he had a couple Bonanzas and a Waco -- apparently, one of their pilot friends bought a Mooney and they all gave him hell over it).

There seem to be a lot of Mooneys around in FL and I was curious if there was a place that could get me a little time at the controls and perhaps help me with a purchase. I wouldn't care to handle them at the critical phases of flight, but I'd love to just see how the controls felt and it would be an added bonus to feel the stability on a bumpy day in FL.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Pending the deal closing on my 1987 M20K, I will be flying the plane pretty much every day here for about 2 weeks in June.  Would be happy to have you along.  You can be safety pilot for me as I need to get approach/holds/tracking current again.

[FlyFstr]

Parker,

I sent you an email regarding your pending M20K.

Patrick

 

[MikeinFL]

Antares,

I am based at Albert Whitted and fly a M20F, let me know if I you would like to go for a ride. Also, Neil, the owner of Pilot Mall has a VERY nice Ovation.

 

Oh, whatever you do stay AWAY for the Mooney "dealer" in Sarasota!

Mike

[David Mazer]

Oh, absolutely. Never, ever go near Mooney Mart at SRQ. I've dealt with Coy Jacobs once and won't ever again. Parker may be your best bet but I know a guy that does training in an M20J at Bob White, just west of Orlando) if you are interested in actually flying the plane.

As far as M20J v M20K, for that flight, I don't think the K would really warrant the extra cost and risks of a turbo. I may be talking a little out of school since my only other Mooney flying is an M20F but I think the differences aren't that significant (F v J) and the J would cost you less upfront and on maintenance.

As far as why a Mooney, please, there are many reasons a Mooney is the best choice. Stregnth (tubular, 9 G frame), economy, and speed are great on a Mooney. There are weight limitations if you carry a lot of passengers or cargo and there are planes with a lot more room if you need it but for a considerable group of pilots, a Mooney IS the right choice. Your plane needs to fit your mission. Your plane doesn't need to fit someone else's idea of the "right" plane.

[John Pursell]

Do you know if the gentleman based out of Bob White rents his Mooney?

 

John

[FlyFstr]

Mazerbase can you please provide an  email, name or phone contact for the CFI at Bob White? Thanks

Patrick

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: FlyFstr

Mazerbase can you please provide an  email, name or phone contact for the CFI at Bob White? Thanks

Patrick

[FlyFstr]

No problem Parker, I thought you were probably busy .

Patrick