Pre 201 Mooneys have lower window sills and feel quite a bit wider. 6'2" 235# here and had a 6'5" 275# passenger awhile back, although he turned sideways part of the time.... but it was doable. Very comfortable for the first two and tapers off quickly for each additional passenger.
I'm 5'4" 130 so whoever rides in the back always goes behind me lol. I have some friends 6'6" and they are comfortable. Only contact is when I go for the flaps, trim, or J Bar. But that's minor and because we get all sprawled out and comfortable.
My Bellanca Super Viking is pretty narrow but that doesn't bother me 1 bit as the people who I normally fly with are still comfy,especially in the back seats
If you measure the width inside the Mooney, it is quite similar to other aircraft. I think the reason it feels small is that you only have one door and, you’re sitting so close to the floor.
I have an M20E and cabin width is not an issue anymore than a Cessna 172. You can always stagger the seats if you need to anyway. I go with big guys (250 lbs) often and I’m not small (6 ft, 220 lbs). Lack of space jn Mooney is a myth. The back seat on the short body is tight on a C or E model but I just use that for baggage and kiddos and one adult can definitely sit comfortably back there. 4 adults would be a bit compressed with the limited back seat floor space. F and G models of the M20 are a foot longer for that back seat.
Definitely a deciding factor between our Comanche and the Mooney we were look at when looking to buy. That being said, we did have a need for usable back seats 😂
I have a E model (same body as the C) and I may upgrade to something larger someday but it’s frankly not worth the upgrade cost at this point. $50k more off a few more knots and a few more meet for a J model etc. I only have one kid so far so I don’t know if I’ll ever need more space except wife like# to shop and take trips w friends!
Kind of funny story. When I went to pickup my Mooney we took another C model across the lake to go get it. My 6’ 4” flight instructor sat in the back seat! He was a good sport about it.
I have flown and been a passenger in mooneys. I love the plane. But it is tight. Especially in the legs. That "sitting on the floor" feeling is what I get. The space is sort of like a Honda Civic to an Accord. If your good with the space in a Civic, Mooney is a great option. If you are not....then get another plane. Not sure why Mooney pilots defend the size. Mooney is fine on space. And it is a GREAT plane! But it is slightly more cramped all around.
@@MyTimeToFly i am very deliberate with how I get in and out of the trainer LOL. I would love a cardinal actually. An odd bird in some ways though the 177. Early ones supposedly a little underpowered. Retracts are fast but a fixed gear will insure easier. I’m about 2 years from being ready to buy. Plan plan plan plan. :)
@@azcoyote007 I did an insurance checkout for a guy who bought a cardinal the other day. Very nice plane, way overpriced. Fixed gear is nice for insurance but there’s so much more you can buy if you go retract, and for better prices. A Mooney is half the cost of a cardinal in some cases (mine was 1/3 what this guy paid for his cardinal and mine had far superior avionics ) and I go faster and have a better built plane. He has more rear pax space. That’s it.
@@gringoloco8576 Mooneys are definitely an amazing plane. Speed and economy embodied perfectly thanks to Lopresti. I’m just trying to plan for the best balance between keeping high wing and not complex. A lot can change in two years though. Who really knows?
Pre 201 Mooneys have lower window sills and feel quite a bit wider. 6'2" 235# here and had a 6'5" 275# passenger awhile back, although he turned sideways part of the time.... but it was doable. Very comfortable for the first two and tapers off quickly for each additional passenger.
I didn’t know a little the window sills, I’ll have to get in a 201 to compare!
@@MyTimeToFly Figured it out when I did the 201 windshield. Side windows come up to match the lines in the newer models. No more window armrest.
I'm 5'4" 130 so whoever rides in the back always goes behind me lol.
I have some friends 6'6" and they are comfortable.
Only contact is when I go for the flaps, trim, or J Bar. But that's minor and because we get all sprawled out and comfortable.
That's fantastic Tommy. Are you in a C model as well?
@@MyTimeToFly absolutely!
Right on man!
My Bellanca Super Viking is pretty narrow but that doesn't bother me 1 bit as the people who I normally fly with are still comfy,especially in the back seats
Heck yea, most people are just excited to get into an airplane!!! Keep them smiling!
If you measure the width inside the Mooney, it is quite similar to other aircraft. I think the reason it feels small is that you only have one door and, you’re sitting so close to the floor.
Seems like a reasonable rationale, it is definitely a different seating position.
I have an M20E and cabin width is not an issue anymore than a Cessna 172. You can always stagger the seats if you need to anyway. I go with big guys (250 lbs) often and I’m not small (6 ft, 220 lbs). Lack of space jn Mooney is a myth. The back seat on the short body is tight on a C or E model but I just use that for baggage and kiddos and one adult can definitely sit comfortably back there. 4 adults would be a bit compressed with the limited back seat floor space. F and G models of the M20 are a foot longer for that back seat.
Staggering the seats, I can’t say I would have figured that one out. Thanks for the great strategy!
Never had any issues even when I was 275lbs. I’m only 5’9”. I weigh 184 now 😁 I find I can take virtually anyone now😂
Wow Daniel, that's fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing!
Definitely a deciding factor between our Comanche and the Mooney we were look at when looking to buy. That being said, we did have a need for usable back seats 😂
The M20C has the shorter body, but the F+ Mooneys have pretty decent seating for adults.
Mine work perfectly for the time being, but when my girls get older that could certainly change.
Exactly why the "J" model is so sought after!
I have a E model (same body as the C) and I may upgrade to something larger someday but it’s frankly not worth the upgrade cost at this point. $50k more off a few more knots and a few more meet for a J model etc. I only have one kid so far so I don’t know if I’ll ever need more space except wife like# to shop and take trips w friends!
I’m 6’4” and I’ve been in the plane with Cory and I didn’t feel any more cramped than a 172.
That was a fun flight!
It looks small and it feels cozy, but I've had enough room in mine too. Ain't nobody sitting behind me though.
Kind of funny story. When I went to pickup my Mooney we took another C model across the lake to go get it. My 6’ 4” flight instructor sat in the back seat! He was a good sport about it.
@@MyTimeToFly Damn! I feel sorry for that guy. I'm 5'11" and I sit with the seat all the way back to the back seat.
He was compensated well for it! He’s a glutton for punishment anyway!
I have flown and been a passenger in mooneys. I love the plane. But it is tight. Especially in the legs. That "sitting on the floor" feeling is what I get. The space is sort of like a Honda Civic to an Accord. If your good with the space in a Civic, Mooney is a great option. If you are not....then get another plane. Not sure why Mooney pilots defend the size. Mooney is fine on space. And it is a GREAT plane! But it is slightly more cramped all around.
Good analogy with the Civic. I daily drive a Civic, so I guess that's why I like the Mooney.
Enjoy freind
Thank you
6’4” and 270 in a 172. I’m sure there is nothing but more space out there after I move to a different plane.
I hear the Cardinal is a great option if you’re looking to stay in a high wing!
@@MyTimeToFly i am very deliberate with how I get in and out of the trainer LOL. I would love a cardinal actually. An odd bird in some ways though the 177. Early ones supposedly a little underpowered. Retracts are fast but a fixed gear will insure easier. I’m about 2 years from being ready to buy. Plan plan plan plan. :)
I love it!!! The planning will pay off in a huge way for you!
@@azcoyote007 I did an insurance checkout for a guy who bought a cardinal the other day. Very nice plane, way overpriced. Fixed gear is nice for insurance but there’s so much more you can buy if you go retract, and for better prices. A Mooney is half the cost of a cardinal in some cases (mine was 1/3 what this guy paid for his cardinal and mine had far superior avionics ) and I go faster and have a better built plane. He has more rear pax space. That’s it.
@@gringoloco8576 Mooneys are definitely an amazing plane. Speed and economy embodied perfectly thanks to Lopresti. I’m just trying to plan for the best balance between keeping high wing and not complex. A lot can change in two years though. Who really knows?