CLT area Mooney owners

[JWfishfire]

Good Morning.  I'm relatively  new to this forum (lurker), as well as being a newly stamped pilot.  I'm toeing the waters of ownership, versus renter-ship for all the reasons that have been discussed in the various threads.  Before I pull the trigger on any particular make/model, I'm trying to do due diligence and check out/fly in as many as I can.  My main mission will be local and XC trips with myself or wife.  Luggage and fishing gear will be the most cargo we'll have and no more than 2 people on board.  My training has been all in C-172's, therefore I have zero low wing time.  I've been a Mooney enthusiast ever since I was a kid and saw one at an air show at XLL.  I've always thought I would buy a Mooney when I got my certificate, but I've never even sat in one.  Due to another engagement, I missed the get together yesterday at 8A6.  I rent out of EQY and there's a couple Mooney's there, but when I inquire who the owners are, all I get are shoulder shrugs.  I'm in the process of doing my HP training right now, the complex aircraft is down for an unknown timeframe due to engine replacement.

Where I'm going with this is, I'd love to get access to a Mooney and either sit in it or go for a ride.  If you have other aircraft you're willing to show off, I'm open to that too.  I'm expecting to pay for fuel, food, your time and/or all the above.  I've read numerous articles and threads about the seat position, rudder pedals, Johnson bars, etc. It seems opinions are all over the place, that's why I'd like to make my own.  When I decide to pull the trigger, I want to make a very informed decision.  Are there any Mooney owners that would be willing to do any of the above?  Let me know and we'll make arrangements to meet.  

Thanks in advance, 

Josh

Edited February 23, 2020 by JWfishfire

[alextstone]

Hi Josh!

While I am not based in CLT, I work there from time to time. I'll be back the last weekend in March and I'll be happy to give you a taste of the Mooney experience of you can wait that long. I fly a 95 Bravo BTW.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

[JWfishfire]

Alexstone, that'd be awesome!  I'm supposed to be In PA that weekend, but maybe our schedules could possibly still align.  If not then, perhaps the next time.  I'd love to check out your Bravo.  

[PMcClure]

I fly into EQY regularly but my plane is down until mid March with some avionics upgrades. If you have not pulled the trigger by then, you are welcome to meet up with me on my next trip up there. I have an Ovation 2 - newer but not the newest but a long body. 

[David Lloyd]

Josh,

I own one of two Mooneys at 8A6, probably moving to Goose Creek at the end of April.  I have owned a Cherokee, '65 Johnson bar Mooney C, F33A Bonanza, RV7 and now a 1975 Mooney C.  Since you said Johnson bar, your budget must be geared toward a vintage Mooney.  I would be more than happy to discuss your requirements and expectations of ownership.  Ride, looking, tire kicking could be had most any Sunday after church.  Give me a call. PM'd phone number.

[81X]

Hi Josh!  I bought my M20K 231 from a great guy who was based at EQY.  I now base it about 45 Mooney minutes away in SC.  I think I’m around next weekend and can probably swing by if you don’t find anyone based at the field.  feel free to send a PM if things turn up empty for you. 
 

Smart move reaching out to experienced owners, and you’ll learn many things the easy way!  

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard, Josh...

I bought my M20C at about 100hrs of experience... lots of C152 time...

I had.... budget constraints.... 

Go Mooney!

Best regards,

-a-

[JWfishfire]

Thank you everyone for the responses so far.  I'm looking forward to meeting and hearing what you have to say.  As far as a time frame to purchase, I don't have one.  I'm still trying to figure out what I want.  I've had some tell me there's no problem with transitioning into a complex aircraft, such as a Mooney with having low time, as long as I have solid instruction.  In contrast, I've had some tell me to wait until I have higher time (200 or more) and transition then.  My CFI (who's been with me from 0 hrs & aware of my propensity for Mooney's) and I have talked about it several times and he feels that I'd be ok, especially with training from a CFI who's familiar with Mooney's, he's not. I'm sure the Insurance Co. will have their input on the matter as well.  I haven't even traveled that road yet.  Thanks again.  

[carusoam]

Josh,

Transition Training is important... or really a great opportunity to really get to know your new 2U Mooney...

Seek out a Mooney specific CFII to get the full value, if able...

The only other thing I can think of... check with an insurance guy to see what your first year cost will be... 

Second year cost is usually 1amu less...

Want to really drive your insurance cost down... get the IR.   It’s good for your health too... 

Best regards,

-a-