Medium-large pilot; will I fit in the M20F?

[MLeake]

Hello, I'm interested in acquiring my first plane next year.  Friends have recommended the Mooney M20F, but one or two have indicated I might find it too tight a fit.

I'm 6ft, but have a long torso.  Size 44 or 46 jacket.  Not fat, but reasonably thick.

My wife is a farmgirl / horsewoman, and is in good shape but she's not small.

I'm currently overseas, and can't just find a Mooney at an airport to hop into for size comparison, but I'm trying to do my research.  Are there any other pilots here who are in the same size range, who can comment on the M20F?

Thanks for the help,

M

[scottfromiowa]

You will fit fine.

[M016576]

I'm roughly your size and have no problems fitting in a mid-body mooney.  You won't have any issues... The front cockpit is actually pretty long, just slightly more snug than the brand c or p in the side by side department.

[flight2000]

M, where are you at overseas.  There are several M20J's running around over here so if you can find one of those, the F is the same size up front (as far as I know anyway). 

I think you'll be fine as well.  It's normally a perception problem with the folks that think it's to tight for anyone bigger than a mouse...   (and those are rumors usually spread by the ones that have never sat in a Mooney before...).

Brian

[MLeake]

Brian,

Thanks for the offer.  If I were in Germany, I'd take you up on it.

Unfortunately, I'm in Afghanistan, and I have not seen any Mooneys of any type over here.

Cheers,

M

[201er]

Quote: M016576

I'm roughly your size and have no problems fitting in a mid-body mooney.  You won't have any issues... The front cockpit is actually pretty long, just slightly more snug than the brand c or p in the side by side department.

[aviatoreb]

Quote: MLeake

Hello, I'm interested in acquiring my first plane next year.  Friends have recommended the Mooney M20F, but one or two have indicated I might find it too tight a fit.

I'm 6ft, but have a long torso.  Size 44 or 46 jacket.  Not fat, but reasonably thick.

My wife is a farmgirl / horsewoman, and is in good shape but she's not small.

I'm currently overseas, and can't just find a Mooney at an airport to hop into for size comparison, but I'm trying to do my research.  Are there any other pilots here who are in the same size range, who can comment on the M20F?

Thanks for the help,

M

[markeg1964]

I traded a C-170 for my M20B about a year ago.  I’m about your size – 5’11” with broad shoulders.  I measured both planes and believe the M20B is the same size or even an inch wider.  The M20 does feel smaller though.  There is less headroom in the M20B and because it has one door and you sit low it feels smaller.  It is harder to climb into and out of the M20B which also makes it feel smaller.  I’ve noticed most first time passengers comment on how small it feels when they get in but then realize once we start flying that is it actually roomy.  I think people think of Mooney’s as being a tight fitting airplane is due more too how you get into the plane then its actual size.  There is a real size issue though for people with short legs.  I have a friend with short legs who can’t apply full rudder even with the seat on the first stop.

[jetdriven]

I'm 5'10" and with the seat in the first stop had trouble applying full rudder and brake.  M20J.  3" Pedal extensiosn fixed that.

[flight2000]

Quote: MLeake

Brian,

Thanks for the offer.  If I were in Germany, I'd take you up on it.

Unfortunately, I'm in Afghanistan, and I have not seen any Mooneys of any type over here.

Cheers,

M

[M016576]

Quote: MLeake

Brian,

Thanks for the offer.  If I were in Germany, I'd take you up on it.

Unfortunately, I'm in Afghanistan, and I have not seen any Mooneys of any type over here.

Cheers,

M

[rbridges]

Just like Mike said, it's a tad wider than a piper, but it tapers in more near the shoulders.  For 2 broad shouldered people, it would be somewhat snug.  The beauty of the F model is that it has a longer fuselage.  This would let you "stagger" the front seats more so that you're not exactly side by side.

[triple8s]

Only things I find tight about a Mooney is getting in, and sometimes loading things in the luggage/cargo area. Other than that I havent had a problem, I am 6'1 and have always had plenty of room. I have given rides to people that are not dimensionally challenged and have always managed fine. I did give a ride to a female recently and we had a space issue, she was afraid of airplanes but had always asked for a ride hoping she had the nerve to actually go through with it. Well after we got in and buckled up I taxied over to the fuel farm to get fuel. When I shut the engine down I gave her the look like, "ok get out", she said I'm not getting out if I do I'll never get back in. I said "Well we arent going anywhere till I put in some fuel" she said "then that means you are going to climb over!" Now I am a married guy and this lady is not, and this lady also has on a shirt that is kind of low, and full, and WHAT DO I DO! Well I climbed over and thank goodness no one was around to witness it! The egress wasnt nearly as bad as the entry; I guess my point is, after that awkward situtation I have no doubts that there is enough room to put almost anyone in a Mooney and do almost anything. :-/

[kortopates]

Quote: triple8s

Only things I find tight about a Mooney is getting in, and sometimes loading things in the luggage/cargo area. Other than that I havent had a problem, I am 6'1 and have always had plenty of room. I have given rides to people that are not dimensionally challenged and have always managed fine. I did give a ride to a female recently and we had a space issue, she was afraid of airplanes but had always asked for a ride hoping she had the nerve to actually go through with it. Well after we got in and buckled up I taxied over to the fuel farm to get fuel. When I shut the engine down I gave her the look like, "ok get out", she said I'm not getting out if I do I'll never get back in. I said "Well we arent going anywhere till I put in some fuel" she said "then that means you are going to climb over!" Now I am a married guy and this lady is not, and this lady also has on a shirt that is kind of low, and full, and WHAT DO I DO! Well I climbed over and thank goodness no one was around to witness it! The egress wasnt nearly as bad as the entry; I guess my point is, after that awkward situtation I have no doubts that there is enough room to put almost anyone in a Mooney and do almost anything. :-/

[triple8s]

Actually this lady has been asking for a ride for along time, I just thought she'd never actually go because I know she was afraid of flying. She works at a place my company does business, and I was there picking up some parts that had came in, she asks again when I was going to take her up, so I like a big dumbie said "Right Now By Golly!" MISTAKE lol Her Dad owns the business and she said "Daddy I am gonna leave for a little while." I was thinking (Oh Sh_T) well the rest is history, but after the ride she has asked me where to take lessons and if there are many female pilots. I wouldnt be suprised if she starts with lessons. Who knows maybe she'll be burnin up some 100LL like the rest of us.

[PilotDerek]

Quote: triple8s

 I was thinking (Oh Sh_T) well the rest is history, but after the ride she has asked me where to take lessons and if there are many female pilots. I wouldnt be suprised if she starts with lessons. Who knows maybe she'll be burnin up some 100LL like the rest of us.

[201er]

Quote: jetdriven

I'm 5'10" and with the seat in the first stop had trouble applying full rudder and brake.  M20J.  3" Pedal extensiosn fixed that.

[Jeff_S]

short legs.  I was actually surprised when i first flew it.  I didnt like sitting that close to the panel either, especially since it had no shoulder harnesses.  Pedal extensions and shoulder harnesses fixed that.

[jetdriven]

that was me sorry ^

[Skywarrior]

Quote: MLeake

Hello, I'm interested in acquiring my first plane next year.  Friends have recommended the Mooney M20F, but one or two have indicated I might find it too tight a fit.

I'm 6ft, but have a long torso.  Size 44 or 46 jacket.  Not fat, but reasonably thick.

My wife is a farmgirl / horsewoman, and is in good shape but she's not small.

I'm currently overseas, and can't just find a Mooney at an airport to hop into for size comparison, but I'm trying to do my research.  Are there any other pilots here who are in the same size range, who can comment on the M20F?

Thanks for the help,

M

[PilotDerek]

Where are you stationed in the States? I'm sure one of us with an F model would be willing to take you for a flight. Size 44 jacket. I am more comfortable in my Mooney than the C-172 I used to rent especially with the leg room up front.

[jetdriven]

I actually am not near as comfortable in the 201 as I am in a PA28, Bonanza, Cessna 172-177-182-210.  Even a Tomahawk.  The leg area is cramped and the shoulder room is tighter. The other planes you can put your legs in a lot more positions.  And there is more cabin room.  Of course, in a 172 it would take 10 hours to OSH instead of 6, so it works pretty good.  I bought one.

[N33GG]

I am 6'0" and have short legs and long torso.  Big problem for me in lots of aircraft, and cars for that matter, but not the Mooney.  I have to slide the seat all the way up to reach the pedals (rear seat pax appreciate that), but the headroom is fine, even with headsets.  Good luck and be safe!

[SkyPilot]

I find the M20F super-comfortable. It fits like a glove. I am a bit claustophobic (I'm also afraid of heights), but I find the Mooney has enough glass to keep me happy. I am 5' 11.5", 109 kilos (240 lbs.) have 28" inseam, tall torso, and wear a size 48 jacket. Put two of me side by side, and you might have a problem, but my wife is a lot skinnier than me. No trouble reaching the pedals but I do have to put my seat up.  And the heat is awesome, just gotta put a cup holder by the outlet to keep my coffee warm.

Paul