A36 Bonanza Vs. Monney M201J

[JETPILOT]

Can any one tell me what it is like to fly an A36 Bonanza (Interior room, performance, power) compared to the Mooney M201J. My FBO has each for rent and would like to get peoples thoughts on which to get checked out in.

The Beach is my dream. But the Mooney has alot going for it as far as speed and economy.

Any thoughts on either would be appreciated.

Larry

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[AApilot]

I prefer the Bonanza for looks and performance. It's a roomy, stable machine that gets you where you're going in style. The Mooney in my opinion is very stylish looking on the outside and performs quite well, however, the cockpit and passenger compartment are not as roomy and comfortable as the Bonanza. Just my opinion......

[djschaut]

>>Ditto. You can't go wrong with the Beech Bonanza. Not only are they roomy, powerful and fast, they're a dream to fly--very stable. In the Mooney you'll have a 4cyl engine. It's a slippery airframe, but underpowered. It's a little squirrely to land--it doesn't want to. You have to just reach stall speed as you touch down--they tend to float in ground effect. Earlier Mooneys are very cramped--you are shoulder to shoulder to fuselage in the cockpit. They are very efficient, though. They usually came well-equipped with avionics. That model makes a good plane for a pilot and passenger with briefcases and/or luggage to shoot around in. My 231 never met POH performance specifications. Many Mooneys have had prop-strikes from pilots landing too fast, applying the brakes to avoid the end of the runway, and 'dolphining' up and down. That's why it's best to stall it onto the runway. That takes some practice, though. No question they are efficient--if you keep the payload down. They have a one-piece wing spar which makes the wing almost indestructible. Your flying skills will be challenged more in the Mooney.

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DJSchaut