Tall Pilot in Portland looking for a test fit!!

[gregplatt]

Hi,

  My name is Greg and i live in the Portland OR Vancouver WA area.  I just registered here and I'm excited to learn more about Mooney's.  Well i'm sure everyone has heard this a number of times, I'm tall at 6'8" and decently built around 275#.  I had my hopes up about a commander 112/114 but they just aren't big enough for me to fly comfortably for any time.  My question is this I'm wondering if anyone in the area would be kind enough to let me sit in there m20f or J to see if it works for me?  

  I've done a lot of research over the years due to my size and everyone says the mooneys are great for tall people.  When i see one on the ramp though they look so small, I'm assuming this is an optical illusion.

 

  Looking for any tips or ideas, open to all ideas etc...  

 

Thanks again and excited to be part of the site.

Greg

[Cruiser]

urban legend is so hard to break............. sigh

 

 

we have a couple of members here from the Portland/Seattle area I am sure they will be along shortly to help.

[gregplatt]

Cruiser,

  There is so much both ways on the net.  I'm assuming that getting in might be tough but im hoping that once i'm in i'd fit?

[Cruiser]

Well, your doing the right thing. Try it on yourself to see how it fits.

 

As for getting in and out, I find it is much easier to back in. In other words stand on the wing facing away from the cabin and step backwards with one foot/leg into the cockpit floor on the pilot's side, kneel on the seat and then turn your body forward the slide into the pilot's seat.

 

On exit, lean out over the passenger seat turning your body and kneel on the seat then reach out on the wing with your hands and the rest of your body follows thru the door, knee on the wing and stand up.

[Marauder]

Greg -- you'll fit both in width and length. But I agree you should test fit just in case you are one of those guys with a 34" in seam and a 46" torso. I am 6'4" and at one time weighed 292 lbs. I fit. If you ever drove a Vette, you will know the feeling once you are inside.

[aviatoreb]

I bet you will like it.

 

I am 6'4'' and 215 w a 36'' inseam (so short waste) and I still don't have it all the way back.

[gregplatt]

Funny thing, my leg is two long to drive a vette, it jams between the console and the steering wheel!  I get what you mean though, I have my fingers crossed.  I may be stuck with a Cessna.

[gregplatt]

I just checked for fun, from a sitting position the top of my head is 38", I'm not sure what that means but maybe that will help someone in the future after I figure out if it will work or not.

[M016576]

I'm in Klamath Falls. I can fly up and meet you at troutdale, might be a few weeks though

[gregplatt]

Wow thanks for the offer, it's not that pressing though.  That's to much to ask.

Thanks

[Marauder]

Funny thing, my leg is two long to drive a vette, it jams between the console and the steering wheel! I get what you mean though, I have my fingers crossed. I may be stuck with a Cessna.

The seats in the Mooney go back a lot further than a Vette. You'll should be fine but I see you have a test fit offer.

[M016576]

Wow thanks for the offer, it's not that pressing though.  That's to much to ask.

Thanks

No hassle at all, I'm up there about once a month anyway: my wife has a thing for the two story IKEA near PDX... I don't get it, but it gives me a great excuse to fly up there!

[Will W]

I'm 6'8" and I recommend the M20R Ovation. It will fit better compared to a E or J.

[gregplatt]

Thanks for the tip, a little out of my price range though.  I'm down to a couple plane options for me, the 182 and 210 fit me.  I have yet to try a 33 Debonair or Mooney.

[Yetti]

Greg   I have your issue.  I am 6' 9"  250.   39" inseam.   I had a chance to sit in a short body and medium body Rocket.   And I fit.   I also had a c5 vette and fit, but bumped my head every morning getting in.    The short body Mooney was with the seat all the way back.   The Rocket would probably be most comfortable with the seat rails drilled about 4 inches back from the last stop.   Someone posted a drawing that would allow the seat rails to be drilled.  Once I save some more pennies, I will probably end up with a F or a J.   I defiantly would like to fly one for awhile before buying.   Maybe I can hire a CFI with a Mooney to do my complex training.

[Epiphyte]

I'm 6'3" 201 lbs. I fit with a few stops remaining, unlike a lot of other aircraft. The tail gives ramp illusion of being shorter. My brother is 6'6" 225 lbs, he fits in the passenger seat without issue. One thing you may want to consider is how much room you want for the passenger behind you. Best of luck.

[KSMooniac]

I feel short at 6'1" after reading this thread, but I think you're on the right track.  First step is to try one on of course, but keep in mind there are variances through the production line with the seat architecture so the fit can be a bit different between earlier models and later models.  The latest models (not sure what year they start) came with vertically adjustable seats, which were likely aimed at shorter pilots vs. taller pilots.  Regardless, those seats might help you a bit and they can be retrofitted into any Mooney.  The problem is that they are very hard to source on the used/salvage market since everyone wants them.  Mooney can build a new one, but it ain't cheap.  However, buying a Mooney in your budget + one expensive new seat might be less than other plane options that fit you, especially when operating costs are factored.

 

Another option would be getting the pilot seat rebuilt with less (and higher quality) seat foam in the base to lower your seating position.