Las Vegas Mooney CFI and rental?

[jmills]

Well, in my search to learn more about GA beyond the world of Cessnas, I wanted to see if anyone here knows of any Mooney CFI's and rentals in the greater Las Vegas area?  As I indicated in the INTRO thread, I've recently rejoined the world of flying. Being very low time, I never even entertained the notion of a Mooney before, figuring they are just out of my league after flying only 152s and 172s. But then again, it's worth asking to see if there are any such CFIs in Vegas with access to a Mooney for rent.

I figured, before I make any choices about buying an aircraft, perhaps it is more wise log time in various models first. And after posting on other GA forums about looking into a used 172, several folks mentioned Mooneys. So, here I am, seeking your sagely wisdom... and if I'm lucky, some leads to a CFI with Mooney experience in my neck of the woods!

Thanks!

[DonMuncy]

Welcome Jason. In my opinion, your first real question is whether you have the sustained interest in flying. If so, your next question is what kind of plane you want and can afford. Why spend money renting different planes when you can concentrate your learning on flying your choice of planes. I can't imagine why anyone would not pick a Mooney, although I admit to some bias.  I think the costs of a Mooney may be some higher than a 172, but probably in line with other retractables. The nice part is that you can get a Mooney at virtually any price level. You can be flying Mooney speeds and enjoy ownership of the best, while learning. The folks on this forum can provide virtually any information you need to help make your decision.

Don 

[KLRDMD]

Quote: jmills

Well, in my search to learn more about GA beyond the world of Cessnas, I wanted to see if anyone here knows of any Mooney CFI's and rentals in the greater Las Vegas area?  As I indicated in the INTRO thread, I've recently rejoined the world of flying. Being very low time, I never even entertained the notion of a Mooney before, figuring they are just out of my league after flying only 152s and 172s. But then again, it's worth asking to see if there are any such CFIs in Vegas with access to a Mooney for rent.

I figured, before I make any choices about buying an aircraft, perhaps it is more wise log time in various models first. And after posting on other GA forums about looking into a used 172, several folks mentioned Mooneys. So, here I am, seeking your sagely wisdom... and if I'm lucky, some leads to a CFI with Mooney experience in my neck of the woods!

[Buster1]

Welcome Jason,

I've asked that question before too as I am moving to Vegas in about a month.  No responses.  But Jeev on this forum lives there too and has a beautiful Mooney I've seen pics of.  PM him to see what he'd be willing to say or do.  See ya there soon.

[davidfreedman]

Jason/Buster1,

I don't know of any Mooney CFI's in Vegas but I know of a few very good instructors in Northern and Southern California.  You may consider a more intensive training regimine where you take some time off work and go 4-9 days straight (Not sure where you are in your training so I don't know what would be appropriate).  You could accomplish this by coming to CA or getting one of the guys out there and covering hotel/motel.  Let me know if that sounds palatable and I'll send their info along.

[Qwalton]

A school in my area has a '64 M20C that they rent, I'm sure they would be willing to do some sort of transition training/Mooney introduction for you.  I'd bet that there is at least one school a little closer to you that has a Mooney, though I don't know of any. 

[jmills]

[KLRDMD]

Quote: jmills

[jmills]

Quote: KLRDMD

[KLRDMD]

Quote: jmills

[Qwalton]

The school is Red Baron Aviation located on the field in sba.  Their website is www.redbaronav.com

[Jeev]

Quote: Buster1

Welcome Jason,

I've asked that question before too as I am moving to Vegas in about a month.  No responses.  But Jeev on this forum lives there too and has a beautiful Mooney I've seen pics of.  PM him to see what he'd be willing to say or do.  See ya there soon.

[jmills]

Quote: Jeev

 Hey Jason!  I have a J model that you can sit right seat in any time.  Also Erik Barron at Elite Aviation is a great instructor with a ton of Mooney experience.  He use to own a 252, I used him to go get my Int ticket and to pick up my J last august when I  bought it.  I had 0 Mooney time and he had me all set up in the aircraft in no time!  Both Erik and I are based at VGT, shoot me a PM with your # and we can go from there.

Have fun and welcome to the Mooney world!

[Jeev]

I may be getting a little ahead of myself but if you like the Mooney after your flights check these out:

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20J-201/1979-MOONEY-M20J-201/1168412.htm

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20J-201/1979-MOONEY-M20J-201/1165928.htm

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20J-201/1981-MOONEY-M20J-201/1159324.htm

 

[Buster1]

Quote: Jeev

[KLRDMD]

Quote: Buster1

[jmills]

Quote: Jeev

I may be getting a little ahead of myself but if you like the Mooney after your flights check these out:

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20J-201/1979-MOONEY-M20J-201/1168412.htm

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20J-201/1979-MOONEY-M20J-201/1165928.htm

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20J-201/1981-MOONEY-M20J-201/1159324.htm

 

[allens]

Hello all,

I'm about 2 weeks from getting my private ticket, and am shopping for a plane to use after that. I'm a 52 year old software guy in Northern CA (Santa Rosa), and plan to use my private ticket to fly for both business and pleasure. My typical mission will be to SoCal and the Pacific Northwest, with trips to the Texas and midwest regions including Colorado. I plan to start locally, i.e. CA, AZ WA, OR, until I gain enough experience to go longer. I also plan to start on my instrument rating soon after i get my private (need it here for the winters).

So, since I'm flying 172's all the time now, I have spent lots, and lots of time researching what to actually purchase. The debate centers on something like a DA 40XLS as an easy plane to get around in, to a Cessna 182, to a Cirrus (non turbo), to my personal first choice a Mooney Ovation 2 GX (can be used but withn 4 years old). Price is a consideration but not the final determining factor. I'd like to get something that will work for me as I go through ratings, and get into longer range trips.

That being said, I guess I'm looking for opinions on a low time pilot in an Ovation. Practical? Crazy? Too hard to handle even to learn in? I had planned on getting some Mooney specific training (maybe in Kerrville) of locally for as long as it takes to get and feel confident. I have the time and resources to put into this, and absolutley love to be in the air, but am looking forward to going on 'missions' in my bird.

Please feel free to be brtually honest in your responses. I have not flown a Mooney, but will be test flying everything I can as soon as I get signed off. That may decide it right then.

Thakns for you time, and FYI this is a great place to get Mooney specific info which is a lot harder to find that info on Cessna or Diamonds...

[KLRDMD]

Quote: allens

I'm looking for opinions on a low time pilot in an Ovation. Practical? Crazy? Too hard to handle even to learn in? I had planned on getting some Mooney specific training (maybe in Kerrville) of locally for as long as it takes to get and feel confident. I have the time and resources to put into this, and absolutley love to be in the air, but am looking forward to going on 'missions' in my bird.

[jmills]

Quote: allens

Hello all,

I'm about 2 weeks from getting my private ticket, and am shopping for a plane to use after that. I'm a 52 year old software guy in Northern CA (Santa Rosa), and plan to use my private ticket to fly for both business and pleasure. My typical mission will be to SoCal and the Pacific Northwest, with trips to the Texas and midwest regions including Colorado. I plan to start locally, i.e. CA, AZ WA, OR, until I gain enough experience to go longer. I also plan to start on my instrument rating soon after i get my private (need it here for the winters).

So, since I'm flying 172's all the time now, I have spent lots, and lots of time researching what to actually purchase. The debate centers on something like a DA 40XLS as an easy plane to get around in, to a Cessna 182, to a Cirrus (non turbo), to my personal first choice a Mooney Ovation 2 GX (can be used but withn 4 years old). Price is a consideration but not the final determining factor. I'd like to get something that will work for me as I go through ratings, and get into longer range trips.

That being said, I guess I'm looking for opinions on a low time pilot in an Ovation. Practical? Crazy? Too hard to handle even to learn in? I had planned on getting some Mooney specific training (maybe in Kerrville) of locally for as long as it takes to get and feel confident. I have the time and resources to put into this, and absolutley love to be in the air, but am looking forward to going on 'missions' in my bird.

Please feel free to be brtually honest in your responses. I have not flown a Mooney, but will be test flying everything I can as soon as I get signed off. That may decide it right then.

Thakns for you time, and FYI this is a great place to get Mooney specific info which is a lot harder to find that info on Cessna or Diamonds...

[allens]

Thanks to both quick responses. Fortunately, it was as I suspected, it is just an airplane, just have to learn to fly it. Heck, 6 months ago I couldn't fly a Cessna... Working through all the financing now, but will happily report my first flight in one.

[mooneygirl]

Welcome to the world of Mooney Airplanes!  We are a small, but close-knit family.  A year ago, we purchased a 1994 Ovation, after having an F for many many years, and we still have my E model.  I think that you will be very happy with the instrumentation, design, safety features and Mooney SPEED.

Don Kaye is an excellent choice for instruction and is in your "neck of the woods."

Please feel free to ask questions on this board, post photos, be involved.  We are very friendly and eager to tell you everything we know about our wonderful airplanes.

IF you ever want a tour in Kerrville, let me know, or go to the Mooney Ambassador site.  We have an invitation for a personal tour. http://www.MooneyAmbassadors.com

 

Again, welcome!

[carusoam]

Quote: allens

... I have the time and resources to put into this, and absolutley love to be in the air..

[byrdflyr]

GET A MOONEY. You can fly it, and will regret flying (much less buying) anything else.  I trained in 152/172, and bought a M20C with about 87 hours TT.

I purchased N957MA for about $45k in 2006, when times were very good, from a CFII (MD-11 instructor), who agreed to do my initial complex training (he very generously got me through the first 10 or so hours and we did emergency gear extensions while flying (not just on jacks) and most importantly practiced approach speeds, and "turn to final" stalls at a safe altitude).  I've put about 250 hours on the Mooney in the past 3 years, installed some new avionics (see my photos), got my instrument rating, and now think little of taking my 1966 "C" model on a 600 mile run from Memphis to St. Augustine to visit my Dad. 

At sub-100 hours, I found the Mooney EASIER to fly than the 172 because it is more "solid" feeling and landing it is really no problem (the gear is wide and ground effect actually softens the touchdown, I find). Gear, prop and cowling controls are not a difficult adjustment. And things don't really happen that much faster.

Buy a C, E or F model with an updated panel, and do not be intimated by legend or lore.  These are Everyman (and Everywoman) airplanes that will do more, faster, safer and with more efficiency and style than anything else you could pick up for sub $50-60k.  They are not difficult to land.

Spend more (on a Mooney) if you have it. I'd like to upgrade to a M20K 252, Bravo or Ovation soon.

Of the several reasons to upgrade to a mid- or long-body Mooney, watching a tall person get into my back seat the first time isn't pretty, but once inside, everyone in the back seat can be reasonable comfortable.  I'm 5'11", 200, and my dad is 6'2", 230, and we do just fine side by side. I've had my friend Gary on board at 6'4", 230, and he's also comfortable in the front.  I've carried 4 full-sized adults in reasonable comfort for several hours. There's a surprising amount of room inside, although it doesn't look like it.  

Given all the pros and cons, I don't know why anyone would buy anything else.  ABB

[allens]

I'm relieved (though not real surprised) to find that I should be able to get up to speed (pun intended) with a little effort. Being new you hear stories... all exciting, but I guess it would be boring to just say, got in, flew fast, landed, got out, repeat...

 

My reason for a less than 5 year old is because of the glass cockpit. I plan on keeping this a long time so gigure the investment up front in avonics will be worth it down the road. No problem with steam guages, and I'll have to spend some hours learning the glass, but it will transfer to any other future plane.

Also good to hear about the height/comfort. I'm 5' 11" 210, so once I master the fine art of getting in and out through one door gracefully, I'll have it made. Of course, all the new ones are long bodies.

Insurance is going to be high probably no matter what I fly for the first year, so I figure I migth as well enjoy myself. With any luck I'll be able to make it to the fly-in in Tahoe in June.

Last night we did the last of my 3 hours of night cross country with a flight to Oakland (STS - OAK). Absolutely indescribable the feeling of naviagting with the real airliners, on a crystal clear night, with lights everywhere. Just indescribable to anyone that has not done it.