Finally. I believe that I’ve narrowed my search down to two. Mooney (long body) or Commander 114. My mission: KFME to KORL twice per month. 1/3 of those flights will include my wife (we are both 6’ +). I am positive that my decision will be impacted by my Wife’s likes/dislikes once she rides in both airframes. Seeking advice as I begin to navigate the highs and lows of ownership.
-
Welcome to the new Commander Owners Group Forums. Please bear with us as the kinks are worked out and things are tweaked. If you have any questions or issues with the new platform, please post them here.
Future Owner
- Thread starter smithrj33
- Start date
- Status
Nationwide
- Serial Number
- ALL
Re: Future Owner
Hi RJ; if you're back and forth fm Tipton and Orlando, we hv about a doz. Commanders owners in between. many are members here, some not; but if you'd like to see one "up close and personal" easy to help you make a connect.
Judi
Hi RJ; if you're back and forth fm Tipton and Orlando, we hv about a doz. Commanders owners in between. many are members here, some not; but if you'd like to see one "up close and personal" easy to help you make a connect.
Judi
atjudge
New member
Re: Future Owner
Hi RJ, Don't bother wasting your time trying to find a ride in both airplanes, it's a given the Commander is Hands down far more comfortable a plane than any Mooney every built. Unless want to hang around the hanger bragging about how fast your airplane is, then of course, the Mooney should be comsidered
Hi RJ, Don't bother wasting your time trying to find a ride in both airplanes, it's a given the Commander is Hands down far more comfortable a plane than any Mooney every built. Unless want to hang around the hanger bragging about how fast your airplane is, then of course, the Mooney should be comsidered
jukelemon
New member
Louisville, KY
- Aircraft Year
- 1977
- Aircraft Type
- 112B Hot Shot
- Reg Number
- N377SB
- Serial Number
- 526
Re: Future Owner
My .02 as I was in the exact same position as you in January of this year.
Personally, I don't find a Mooney uncomfortable or seemingly small. This is 100% likely because I have owned sports cars for the past 20+ years that have very similar seating characteristics and feel. It is beyond efficient and very well built. And if you can see yourself and your wife being OK with travelling a long distance in a Porsche, then choose a Mooney. Again....I used to daily drive a 993 and loved the feel an interior that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Mind you... I am also 5'10" and ~205.
Now, if your idea is taking a trip in a Suburban then choose a Commander. Without a doubt, it is much more comfortable in both perception, ease of access, and actual room. It simply feels/seems like an entirely different level (size) of aircraft. Of course, they are built extremely well too. But....alas...they are slower...much. But then again...you could stay in one likely much longer which then begs the question of speed.
Honestly, I would like to have both. And the new Mooney (WAYYYY over my pay grade) now has 2 doors. So maybe in 10 years....I can grab one of those
You will love a Commander. This I know. Both of you being 6' + .... I cannot imagine you choosing a Mooney over a Commander after taking a trip in one.
My .02 as I was in the exact same position as you in January of this year.
Personally, I don't find a Mooney uncomfortable or seemingly small. This is 100% likely because I have owned sports cars for the past 20+ years that have very similar seating characteristics and feel. It is beyond efficient and very well built. And if you can see yourself and your wife being OK with travelling a long distance in a Porsche, then choose a Mooney. Again....I used to daily drive a 993 and loved the feel an interior that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Mind you... I am also 5'10" and ~205.
Now, if your idea is taking a trip in a Suburban then choose a Commander. Without a doubt, it is much more comfortable in both perception, ease of access, and actual room. It simply feels/seems like an entirely different level (size) of aircraft. Of course, they are built extremely well too. But....alas...they are slower...much. But then again...you could stay in one likely much longer which then begs the question of speed.
Honestly, I would like to have both. And the new Mooney (WAYYYY over my pay grade) now has 2 doors. So maybe in 10 years....I can grab one of those
You will love a Commander. This I know. Both of you being 6' + .... I cannot imagine you choosing a Mooney over a Commander after taking a trip in one.
Last edited:
Long Island, NY (USA)
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 114
- Reg Number
- N127XY
- Serial Number
- 14039
Re: Future Owner
Zero wind, in a 114, that's about a 5 hour flight. I wouldn't recommend stretching your fuel that far (unless you're talking about a later model 114 with the 90 gallon tanks).
Zero wind, in a 114, that's about a 5 hour flight. I wouldn't recommend stretching your fuel that far (unless you're talking about a later model 114 with the 90 gallon tanks).
Lawrence Massachu$etts
- Aircraft Year
- 1975
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- N1226J
- Serial Number
- 226
Re: Future Owner
On all but the brand new models, only one door on a Mooney. Even if I could fit in one (I'm 6' 3"), only having a single door would be a deal breaker. Aside from practicality reasons, there are safety reasons that make having 2 doors important to me.
On all but the brand new models, only one door on a Mooney. Even if I could fit in one (I'm 6' 3"), only having a single door would be a deal breaker. Aside from practicality reasons, there are safety reasons that make having 2 doors important to me.
Tyler, TX
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 112TC
- Reg Number
- N4533W
- Serial Number
- 13042
Re: Future Owner
An Actual Experience -
At an AOPA Annual Fly-In in 2004-5 in Tampa, Florida, a Couple of NFL Size Football Lineman were scouting the field of displays for potential rides and after sliding their hulk into a Commander 114 rather than being fitted into the other displays (Mooney) like a can of Sardines, said that the Commander was hands down the only plane they could easily step into, sit spaciously and fly a great distance without smelling armpits.
Enough said !
I would take Judi up on her offer/available Commander visitations / rides in Florida.
The visit time won't be long because the decision will be easy.
p.s. You should know that a current owner/Commercial rated pilot/flyer of a Boeing 707 that is parked in his back yard and movie star of GREASE owned a Commander that still is still flown today.
And how about Bob Hoovers film strip. Hope you have seen it.
I could say more but you need to leave to see Judi and her Commander owners in Florida.
Have a Happy during your search for a Commander since there is nothing better.
An Actual Experience -
At an AOPA Annual Fly-In in 2004-5 in Tampa, Florida, a Couple of NFL Size Football Lineman were scouting the field of displays for potential rides and after sliding their hulk into a Commander 114 rather than being fitted into the other displays (Mooney) like a can of Sardines, said that the Commander was hands down the only plane they could easily step into, sit spaciously and fly a great distance without smelling armpits.
Enough said !
I would take Judi up on her offer/available Commander visitations / rides in Florida.
The visit time won't be long because the decision will be easy.
p.s. You should know that a current owner/Commercial rated pilot/flyer of a Boeing 707 that is parked in his back yard and movie star of GREASE owned a Commander that still is still flown today.
And how about Bob Hoovers film strip. Hope you have seen it.
I could say more but you need to leave to see Judi and her Commander owners in Florida.
Have a Happy during your search for a Commander since there is nothing better.
Pat
Guest
Sturgis, MI
- Aircraft Year
- 1993
- Aircraft Type
- 114B/115
- Reg Number
- N374JW
- Serial Number
- 14595
Re: Future Owner
The increased size in the cockpit and the second door is very noticeable. But after flying in the Commander, it is very obvious when you get into a Mooney later. Ask the guys that move from a Mooney to a Commander and they say they would never go back.
We seldom fly friends in the back seat but is possible in a Commander. And we have done it. My wife will not give up the front seat to a non-pilot but on one leg of the flight she will let the pilot up front. The thing that my wife likes in the rear seat is she can see the panel and forward out of the plane. Try that in a Mooney or Bonanza.
The increased size in the cockpit and the second door is very noticeable. But after flying in the Commander, it is very obvious when you get into a Mooney later. Ask the guys that move from a Mooney to a Commander and they say they would never go back.
We seldom fly friends in the back seat but is possible in a Commander. And we have done it. My wife will not give up the front seat to a non-pilot but on one leg of the flight she will let the pilot up front. The thing that my wife likes in the rear seat is she can see the panel and forward out of the plane. Try that in a Mooney or Bonanza.
Jamesdub
New member
Enterprise, AL
- Aircraft Year
- 1978
- Aircraft Type
- 114
- Reg Number
- N114JA
- Serial Number
- 14365
Re: Future Owner
I completed my bi-annual in a Mooney just before acquiring 114JA. The owner and I are both over 6' and are big guys. We did the seat staggered thing and made out okay. I still recall being a bit claustrophobic without the door on the left side and ceiling panel seemed a bit lower. Though we remained local for the checkout, I did not perform any long-range flight planning, so I can't speak for the Mooney's range.
I can offer that in my setup with 70 gal's you would have to have extremely favorable winds to make your mission. But we (wife and I) generally limit our legs to the 3.5hr limit outside a (long fly-in) ha ha. Most of our flights are < 2 hrs.
From a biased AC11 owner;
- If you can swing it I'd recommend a 114B.
I absolutely love my 1978 but find myself trying to modify it to B standards whenever the opportunity arises.
-TC's will offer a bit more speed and get you above the wx but at a bit more operating cost. TC's 90 gal's "may" give you the range you need??
- Fla ops = AC, you'll want air conditioning.
- AC11's are awesome Instrument platforms.
Miss Judi's been helping us forever; she aligned a local static checkout for me and the rest is history. Judi, though not brokering my purchase, setup the escrow / title service to include recommending an out of state pre-buy shop. Her personal knowledge of our fleet is priceless.
Good luck with your search!
John
I completed my bi-annual in a Mooney just before acquiring 114JA. The owner and I are both over 6' and are big guys. We did the seat staggered thing and made out okay. I still recall being a bit claustrophobic without the door on the left side and ceiling panel seemed a bit lower. Though we remained local for the checkout, I did not perform any long-range flight planning, so I can't speak for the Mooney's range.
I can offer that in my setup with 70 gal's you would have to have extremely favorable winds to make your mission. But we (wife and I) generally limit our legs to the 3.5hr limit outside a (long fly-in) ha ha. Most of our flights are < 2 hrs.
From a biased AC11 owner;
- If you can swing it I'd recommend a 114B.
I absolutely love my 1978 but find myself trying to modify it to B standards whenever the opportunity arises.
-TC's will offer a bit more speed and get you above the wx but at a bit more operating cost. TC's 90 gal's "may" give you the range you need??
- Fla ops = AC, you'll want air conditioning.
- AC11's are awesome Instrument platforms.
Miss Judi's been helping us forever; she aligned a local static checkout for me and the rest is history. Judi, though not brokering my purchase, setup the escrow / title service to include recommending an out of state pre-buy shop. Her personal knowledge of our fleet is priceless.
Good luck with your search!
John
N4843W
New member
SE MI
- Aircraft Year
- 1977
- Aircraft Type
- 114
- Reg Number
- N4843W
- Serial Number
- 14173
Re: Future Owner
My mechanic says the first thing you do when you buy a Mooney is then buy your mechanic a high quality power screw-driver and 2 extra batteries. He will spend the first day just removing screws.
If you have to personal biological capacity to do it ...you absolutely can fly 5 hours with reserve ... IF you fly LOP. To do that, you need a good JPI, GEM or other that shows individual CHTs.
(Truthfully, I am not even sure what that stands for, LOP, but it makes you look cool and knowledgeable so I thought I'd throw that in.)
My mechanic says the first thing you do when you buy a Mooney is then buy your mechanic a high quality power screw-driver and 2 extra batteries. He will spend the first day just removing screws.
If you have to personal biological capacity to do it ...you absolutely can fly 5 hours with reserve ... IF you fly LOP. To do that, you need a good JPI, GEM or other that shows individual CHTs.
(Truthfully, I am not even sure what that stands for, LOP, but it makes you look cool and knowledgeable so I thought I'd throw that in.)
Re: Future Owner
I met with Allen Nicholls and had the chance to experience the 114B. Totally impressed! Allen was a great Ambassador, providing needed information on performance, maintenance, and costs. He also added some sound advice during my visit. Oh, did I mention he took me up for a flight? Please refer to my initial impression. Thanks to Judi and Allen for coordination and support.
I met with Allen Nicholls and had the chance to experience the 114B. Totally impressed! Allen was a great Ambassador, providing needed information on performance, maintenance, and costs. He also added some sound advice during my visit. Oh, did I mention he took me up for a flight? Please refer to my initial impression. Thanks to Judi and Allen for coordination and support.
Toronto, Ontario
- Aircraft Year
- 1998
- Aircraft Type
- 114B/115
- Reg Number
- C-GODZ
- Serial Number
- 14659
Re: Future Owner
I'm sure that you come to appreciate that Mooney's and Commander's are entirely different birds. Personally, I find the comfort factor of the Commander much better.
Good luck on finding your bird.
I'm sure that you come to appreciate that Mooney's and Commander's are entirely different birds. Personally, I find the comfort factor of the Commander much better.
Good luck on finding your bird.
- Status