Decision for Mooney v. Beech

[aviatoreb]

Quote: Mazerbase

With respect to cabin width, Plane & Pilot magazine shows a 1988 M20K has a cabin width of 43.5 in and height of 44.5 while an A36 Bonanza, year not specified, has a cabin width of 42 in and height of 50.  Goes to show what conventional wisdom is worth.

[aviatoreb]

Quote: danb35

 Not to criticize, but why are you flying an Acclaim so low?  It seems you aren't going to see any real benefit to the turbos unless you fly higher than that.

[David Mazer]

Quote: aviatoreb

Just to backup the doctor and fellow rocket owner.

I purchased my Mooney early this April - I am just about to 50hrs in it now and just hitting 400hrs total time.  I am really feeling familiar in it now in terms of the feel in flight, where all the switches are with my eyes closed, etc.

Before I went Mooney - I was looking very closely at the Bonanza V35B.  I was ready to buy a particular one, and I sat in it but never flew it - it was too small!  To my great surprise I didn't fit.  I am 6'4'' with especially long legs even for my height, and otherwise pretty fit.  That v-bar yoke thing in the Bonanza is very bad for long legs.  With a shorter wheel well, my knees sit up high, but then the v-bar knocks my knees.  This is more than just uncomfortable - it prevents full aileron control, as my knees literally makes full deflection impossible.  So I never bother to fly.  Otherwise they are lovely machines.  And yes indeed if I were so inclined I could wear a 10 gallon hat.

The leg room in my Mooney is awesome.  You sit low with your legs in front like a Porsche.  

Not to mention the amazing performance - it goes without saying here.

Bonanza's indeed are beautiful machines too.  I spent a good bit of time exploring on Beechtalk.  If you are thinking about a Beech check out beechtalk.  They are nice over there too.  But ask them which plane is best and they will say beech.  As us - and we will say Mooney.

[aviatoreb]

Quote: Mazerbase

[orangemtl]

Regarding the 'low altitude' in the Acclaim: yes, it's faster and more efficient higher up. That said:  it was my wife's first long flight in a small aircraft, and throwing oxygen masks onto the learning pile seemed imprudent. Plus: one of the reasons I enjoy having an aircraft is to look at things.  So, yes, you're right: but only within the efficiency frame of reference.

Dr Jrob, I hope your aircraft search is progressing well.  Let me know if you'd like to have a go-round in the Acclaim, if you're out west, and I'll find a weekend afternoon to fly it out your way.

[John Pleisse]

I would suggest an Acclaim is a lot of airplane and mission specific. But joining the plastic mustasche club is fun too. Go nuts with training and proficiency if you get one. The MAPA high altitude course and endorsement is awesome.

[gsengle]

 

No one asked one of the most obvious question - what's the budget?  (at least the starting point budget - it does tend to grow if you aren't careful)  60k versus 200k will get you very different Mooneys or Bonanzas.

As a new Mooney owner (about a year) and went through the same thought process.  I LOVE the long body Mooneys.  Great lines, lots of space inside.

I flew both.  I think the Mooney is just as easy to fly.  Both are fun to fly.  I found the Bonanza tight at the shoulder which surprised me.  Don't like the center post yokes on the Bo.  I'm very comfortable in the Mooney especially after I got used to the sports car like lower seating position.  I like how tight it feels up front.  If there is just 1 or 2 in the plane, I push my seat back in cruise and have tons of room, best of both worlds.  Rear seat room is very good in the long body.

My favorite part?  FAST.   Second favorite part?  How about Daytona Beach FL to Northampton Mass in 4.8 hours burning 63 gallons nonstop.  How about the twin owners I see at the gas pump making offers on my plane?  If you plan on going longish distances in a single, there is nothing better in my mind...  It is my personal airliner.

And I love the quality of the construction of my plane...

yup, biased

Greg

'96 Ovation