Hello - New member

[Santi]

Friends,

Greetings from the Dallas area. New member here.

I'm not sure if this is the right forum for introductions, but here it goes...

I have about 450 hours flying Cessna 182 and 206. I'm currently studying for my IFR written test at this time, as I believe the IFR rating will make me a better and safer pilot.

I fly between 10 and 30 hours per month depending on work. My employer owns the Cessna planes.

I don't have a Mooney yet...but, I have been looking at this site and trying to learn as much as I can about these planes because I really want one. Not a Cessna, not a Bonanza, not a Piper...a Mooney. One kid in college right now prevents me from buying at this time (She knows to buy dad a Mooney after she graduates and gets a job...to say how much she appreciates dad's efforts, etc, etc, etc). :-)

I hope you don't mind if I stick around...

[aaronk25]

Glad to have you aboard, maybe a local mooneyspacer will take you for a spin! I was I'm your shoes, being a perspective buyer, and I also choose the mooney after considering the other brands!

Welcome!

[Skywarrior]

My daughter passed the Bar two years ago... I'm still waiting...

[mooneygirl]

Welcome to MooneySpace. I would suggest joining MAPA [Mooney Aircraft Pilots Assn] at www.Mooneypilots.com   You will get the MAPA Log magazine and access to email forums.  I also think it would be super cool for you to attend the MAPA Homecoming at Kerrville, TX [home of Mooney] April 10-12. You will get an up close look at nearly any Mooney model.

 

Again, welcome to the Mooney family. The best airplane in the world in my opinion.

[rainman]

Welcome, consider taking a look at the vintage Mooney group website and then go to the south central (mostly Texas) area. Lots of good Mooney owners in your area. www.vintagemooneygroup.com. Ray

[FAST FLIGHT OPTIONS LLC]

In the interest of full disclosure there are also other mooney specific outlets which offer similar benefits w/o the costs associated with MAPA. You found one of them already. In addition, check out the Mooney Flyer which is published on a monthly basis. It's free and is actually pretty informative and worth a look IMHO.

[PTK]

Welcome Santi!

[Mooneymite]

Welcome, Santi.

Have you got much (any?) Mooneytime yet?

As you probably know by now, Mooney's aren't for everyone.

Besides just wanting the best designed travelling plane ever built, what are your mission requirements?

Oh, have you noticed that Mooney owners are very modest?

[Santi]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I will check out the other sites, associations as suggested.

Most of my hours are in Cessna, including 182 with retractable gear...but no Mooney time.

One of the reasons why I am considering a Mooney is its construction. I haven't found anything out there indicating that a Mooney had any sudden structural failures during flight. I'm also impressed by its speed and fuel economy when compared to other airplanes of the same class. Plus...(and I don't need to tell you this...) they are pretty damn sexy looking planes. I also think you get more plane for the money... I believe that I could buy a given model and maintain it for less than say a Bonanza. Cessna are great planes but I feel like I'm traveling in a very expensive minivan with wings.

My mission will be cross country traveling.... Mostly me and wife. The good news, regarding a future purchase, is that she has already given me her blessing and is looking forward to it.

I figure, in the meantime, I learn as much as I can about Mooneys. I appreciate reading some of your posts where you guys know every detail about its construction, landing gear, etc...that's what I'm talking about. Not only you own them and fly them, but you also understand them. Pretty cool...

[BigTex]

Where in the Dallas area do you live? Also, any thoughts on which model your leaning toward? I bet we can connect you with someone near where you live that has that model.

[Santi]

Gary,

I live in McKinney, Tx.

Most of my attention has been aimed at the C model. I can see there are some out there very competitively priced.... It has enough room for two adults plus luggage. A bigger model would be nice, but in reality, not needed. With the kids going away to college, and having their own lives, it leaves me and the wife ready to do some traveling...

[KSMooniac]

Welcome!  I grew up in McKinney and learned to fly at Aero Country.  My dad used to co-own a '65 C and kept it there after Dallas North closed in the early 80s.  Unfortunately he sold it about 18 months before I started training, but at least the bug bit me.  I still travel down there regularly to visit friends and family, but usually park at KTKI.  

 

You couldn't pick a more economical and efficient plane for XC work than any Mooney!  They're hell-for-stout and don't breakup in flight unless flown into thunderstorms, and even then some have survived such an encounter with permanent deformations, but were still in one piece.  The steel cage around the cabin area is also the best construction for survivability in the event of a crash landing too.  One long day in a Mooney from McKinney could put you on either coast!

[Mooneymite]

Gary,

I live in McKinney, Tx.

Most of my attention has been aimed at the C model....

 

Excellent choice!

 

Since you and I both see the benefits of a C model, you are certainly a smart fellow.  

 

The 201-folk are sure to jump on you for choosing such a slow Mooney, but they just don't get to enjoy their Mooneys as long as we 'C-folk' do.

 

We've had our C for almost 15 years now.  As far as we're concerned, it is the perfect mix of speed and economy; its simplicity yields reliability.  If we need to be somewhere quicker, we just leave five minutes earlier.  Oh, and the C engine starts on the second blade hot, or cold!  (Take that, you E-folk!)

 

However, you probably already know....not all C's are created equal.  There are a lot of differences between the various years of production.

[Htwjr]

Welcome aboard.  I am a new pilot and did a good bit of research before buying a M20c a couple of months ago.  I wanted a plane that was fast, efficient, and inexpensive and as my research revealed, I don't see how Mooney could be beat.  Jump on in the water is fine.   

[BigTex]

I keep my 1965 C model over at Denton Airport. So anytime you'd like to check it out, let me know. There's not much I'd rather do than talk/fly Mooney's.

[Santi]

Hah,

I thought the C model would provide a balance between the airplane that I get and the money I'm willing to pay for it, based on my needs. I know there are faster models out there.... Also, most of my trips will be to the east coast, away from the big mountains of the west. It was just suggested that I go to Mooneyland and download a couple of books regarding Mooneys and steps to follow before purchasing one.... I will do that tonight. The more info I can gather the better!!!!!

I live less than 10 mins from TKI, Scott. Feel free to Give me a shout next time you visit.

[Santi]

Thanks Gary,

I may take you up on that.... I appreciate the invite !

[Hector]

Welcome aboard Santi! It sounds like you have your mission figured out which is the first step in selecting the right model Mooney. I'm sure there is a Mooney out there that fits your needs exactly. I'm a relatively new Mooney owner myself having purchased a 67 C a year ago. As you read the posts here you will see the common theme, regardless of which model you select, do your homework first, get a good pre-buy by someone WHO KNOWS Mooneys, and feel free to come back here for questions. Over the last year I have flown my 67C over 100 hours and she has been a complete Joy, extremely reliable and economical. It has been a great buying experience for me, largely because I found the right airplane, maintained meticulously by the previous owner, and with the updated IFR panel that I needed (the glass panel I "want" is a different story but in my list of future updates). If you take the time to find the right one, you are going to be looking forward to every weekend for a long time to come.

[Santi]

Thanks Hector.

That's the idea...do as much research as I can so when I'm ready to buy, I can ask smart questions and look for the right things when I find the "right" airplane. It will definitely be a Mooney. I'm not looking for any other type....

Talking about buying something that was meticulously maintained by the previous owner.... A couple of years ago, I bought a used motorcycle. When I showed up at the seller's home to look at it, he had next to it in the garage, a notebook documenting every update, every oil change, every tire change, etc since the bike was new. It took me about one nanosecond to figure out that he really had taken good care of it.... I bought it right there! Im on my seventh motorcycle and that was the best buy ever. Somebody is taking good care of my future Mooney.....somewhere.

[Hector]

Santi, good point......likewise, look for complete logbooks that show a complete history with documentation for all maintenance and modifications done to the aircraft and compliance with ADs. If you don't know what to look for in the logbooks get some help.

[Santi]

Indeed, Hector. I work with a buddy who used to own a Mooney C. When the time comes, I will be dragging him over to whatever airport and get his opinion. In the meantime...I continue to add hours in the Cessna.

[Oscar Avalle]

Welcome onboard!!!