Mooney M20, Piper Arrow, Beech Banonza or Sierra....complex decisions

Naithan Scott

Naithan Scott

Filing Flight Plan
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naithanscott
Hello everyone!
I hope everyone is looking forward to the day full of festivities with friends, family and guests this Independence day. As I get closer to my private pilot check ride, I have begun to look into complex aircraft training *For personal experience before advanced endorsements*. To be honest, I would love to sit right seat and learn a few things as a spectator before I start additional training. I find that watching Youtube does not do enough justice when watching an experienced pilot go through their workflow as they fly a complex A/C. What would you all encourage me to train in? Also, Is there anyone in the Bremerton Washington area flying on the 4th interested in having a newbie tag along?

**I have some flight experience in a Light Sport Remos, Cessna 172 and a Piper Cherokee 140
 
You will probably have limited opportunity to fly complex aircraft, not that many make it onto rental lines versus their trainer brethren. My guess is you should base your decision on which airframe is available to you.
 
If you would state where you live, somebody might take you up. Or, even better, show up at a PoA fly-in. ;)
 
My preference for training would be a tie between the Sierra and the Arrow. Then the Mooney, and then the Bonanza.

The first two are a bit slower, and forgiving, allowing you to not be too far behind the airplane when transitioning to complex. The Sierra is even more forgiving on landing, but I prefer how the Arrow handles in the air.

The Mooney will REALLY make you hit your airspeed, in pattern work but is a bit faster, and might lead to a bit of getting behind the plane, and be ready to floooooooaaaaaat if you don't hit your numbers dead on.

The Bo. I love most everything about it, but for training it's going to be pricier than the other 3.
 
Go with the Sierra for comfort,as you build time look for a Bonanza.
 
Naithan Scott said:
Hello everyone!
I hope everyone is looking forward to the day full of festivities with friends, family and guests this Independence day. As I get closer to my private pilot check ride, I have begun to look into complex aircraft training *For personal experience before advanced endorsements*. To be honest, I would love to sit right seat and learn a few things as a spectator before I start additional training. I find that watching Youtube does not do enough justice when watching an experienced pilot go through their workflow as they fly a complex A/C. What would you all encourage me to train in? Also, Is there anyone in the Bremerton Washington area flying on the 4th interested in having a newbie tag along?

**I have some flight experience in a Light Sport Remos, Cessna 172 and a Piper Cherokee 140
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Do you live in Bremerton or just visiting for the 4th. I fly up there every now and then for Fish n Chips. I have access to a Cardinal RG and could take you for a buzz around the Sound maybe. PM me with your email.
 
All my complex time is in the Arrow that our club used to have. Started out on my first flight review (club requires one every year, so I don't worry about the FAA). CFI said let's take the Arrow. Flight reviews are a great time to learn something new.

Have fun, whatever you fly. Club sold the Arrow, so I can't offer to take you up in it.
 
The Sierra was a plane that I was interested in flying, but my school sold it. (Multiple gear up landings)
So the Mooney and Bonanza have been on the list, since members of the BPA own them. However, the arrow is so similar to my current trainer. I will hop on whatever opportunity comes my direction. I appreciate the feedback! I'm always up for some learning opportunities, so I will keep this in mind as I press on!
 
They’re all pretty straightforward aircraft to fly. You would be fine learning in any of them.
 
Get into a HP Complex and forget the Arrow or the Sierra.
 
You say you're looking into complex aircraft training for personal experience before advanced endorsements. What does that mean? What advanced endorsements? And what does looking complex aircraft training mean?

Do you mean you're looking just trying to pick which particular flight school airplane you use to get some complex training? I've never seen a flight school that had a Bonanza available to rent. Very few will have a Mooney available.
 
What is the ultimate goal ?

Yes, training in a Bonanza is going to cost more than an Arrow, if the ultimate goal is to own a Bo (and who wouldn't want that), training in one is money well spent.
 
The Arrow and Sierra compete for the slowest retractable out there. I’ve flown an Arrow a lot, and it gets tiresome with the cramped quarters, to me.
 
Rgbeard said:
The Arrow and Sierra compete for the slowest retractable out there. I’ve flown an Arrow a lot, and it gets tiresome with the cramped quarters, to me.
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Don't forget the 172RG... well, actually, maybe forgetting it would be a good idea.
 
chartbundle said:
Don't forget the 172RG... well, actually, maybe forgetting it would be a good idea.
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I really enjoyed my hours in a 172rg. Then again maybe that’s because it was cheap and available. Everyone else seemed to want to fly the shiny new G1000 172 with GFC700.
 
skier said:
I really enjoyed my hours in a 172rg. Then again maybe that’s because it was cheap and available. Everyone else seemed to want to fly the shiny new G1000 172 with GFC700.
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I put about 20 hours on rented 172RGs when they were new in the 1980s. My wife and I and our two young boys flew in one on an extended vacation from SoCal to Victoria BC in 1983, and enjoyed it. It was no more than 8-10 knots faster than my current fixed-gear 180 hp 172N, and the interior is like any other 172, but the 62-gallon fuel capacity was welcome.
 
skier said:
I really enjoyed my hours in a 172rg. Then again maybe that’s because it was cheap and available. Everyone else seemed to want to fly the shiny
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Hey man watch yo mouth, my wife resembles that remark! :eek::D **checks six as I hit Post and bail for the gym**
 
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