Any Mooney drivers in the Houston area?

[Schwartz]

I'm in the market for my first plane and I've pretty much settled on a Mooney after much deliberation unless I hit the lottery and step up to a Bonanza.

I was hoping that someone in the area would be up for letting me take a peek at their bird.  And by bird I mean plane!

I don't really need a flight (although I wouldn't turn one down and I'd obviously cover the costs.)  I mainly just want to get an up close look at the interior room and take a closer look around the gear systems, etc.  If I am going to make a decision sight unseen, I would just go straight for an F model.  I hear horror stories about how cramped the rear seat is on the E's but not ever having actually seen the available room in person, I don't know if the F is necessary.  I'm 5'9" 155 lbs.  My wife is only 5'4".  The overwhelming majority of my flying would be with us 2 adults and the dog in the back seat.  Occasionaly my dad would come along (same size as me) and that would put my wife in the back seat with the dog (75 lbs of slobbering and farting English Bulldog.)  I'm seeing a lot more of the short bodies available for sale and they are cheaper so I don't want to discount them completely even though I'm %95 sure I should stick to the F on the off chance that I actually need to carry 4 people at some point.

I'd also like to get some input on the local mechanic situation.  The CFI I trained with for my PPASEL also happens to be the flight school's mechanic and he owns an E model that's currently torn apart.  I think he's familiar enough with them that I would trust his judgement but I also know that he doesn't work on many of them so it would be nice if there was someone local that had more rounded experience.  I know there are places just short flights from here that do good work too if there doesn't happen to be a Houston based "expert."

So, if anyone is up for showing a newbie around their plane, please let me know.  I'll be happy to compensate through beer or food or whatever for your time.  C,E,F, or even J models would do for just a quick look.

Alternatively, does anyone know of a place that rents Mooney's around here? 

[Parker_Woodruff]

I am up here in Waco and would be happy to show you around.  There's also a chance I'll be down in Houston in late December once my panel upgrades are done.  I'd be flying into West Houston (KIWS).

It's going in the shop here for panel upgrades most likely within 2 wks.

You could also rent my plane through 2/12/2010, but then it's going to be used exclusively by myself and one or two pilots from the NBAA.

[Schwartz]

Thanks Parker.  If I haven't made a move by then, I'll definatley take you up on the offer. IWS is an easy drive from where I'm at.

 

[HRM]

Quote: Schwartz

I'm in the market for my first plane and I've pretty much settled on a Mooney after much deliberation unless I hit the lottery and step up to a Bonanza.

I was hoping that someone in the area would be up for letting me take a peek at their bird.  And by bird I mean plane!

[Schwartz]

Thanks for hte offer Harley.  I may take you up on that when my schedule clears up a little.  I was in Baton Rouge for T-giving and we are headed to Breaux Bridge for another family obligation this weekend...

Perhaps that weekend of the 12th would work out though.

[howardld]

My plane is located at KLVJ (Pearland). You can give me a call 713-231-8600.

[docket]

I am at Hobby and I would be happy to show you around.  There are three other Mooneys in my hangar.

[Schwartz]

Ah, that's more like it!  I was hoping someone a little closer would find this thread.

Howard/Docket.  I'll be in touch later this week.  I have an anniversary dinner and my mother in law is in town but I should have some free time Thurs. and Fri.  I'm also trying to cancel my weekend plans in La.

I really appreciate the offers and I promise not to take up too much of your time!