I'm an A&P and a Pilot. I've never felt so engaged and enthralled about these two baby birds as when this Gent from across the puddle talks about them. Well done, sir. I'm now subscribed with ALL notifications. If only all people could talk about planes like this guy. He doesn't come across as pompous, he doesn't have a "Radio-voice" like so many do, I just enjoyed his presentation.
Thank you for noticing that I just talk normally. I really dislike the "news reporter" voice or talking differently because there is a camera. There is no need. I always wonder if the newscasters talk at dinner parties or at home to their partners like they do on camera. It is annoying to watch.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 nobody on the planet has a more formulaic News cadence as the people from Skynews Australia. You know what I'm talking about, it's the same pattern repeated over and over again.
I love presentation like this. I don't want to be sold. I just want someone who knows what they are talking about to tell me like we are having a conversation
I never watched any video for 30 minutes, let alone 47 minutes...until this one. First time I see your video and it will not be the last. Congratulations on a superbly made video and a well delivered, full of real knowledge, job. From Orlando, Florida...best wishes from a retired Science College Professor, who flies for fun.
I own a 75 Cardinal. It took me 3 months to decide between the Cardinal and a Mooney. The cabin and my wife's opinion made the decision. Never looked back. This was brilliant. Thanks.
I appreciate the entertaining video Mr. Mark and Mr. Don. I am planting corn tonight, and I listened to the whole presentation, and even caught a few glances because my tractor is on autopilot.
That is excellent, you have a video or at least a computer on internet in your automatic piloted tractor. Or your phone. Anyway, I'd like to see a video on that.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 I am using a Trimble TMX autopilot on my John Deere 8420. The Trimble autopilot recieves radio signals from stationary GPS base stations around my county that calculate GPS position corrections. The base stations broadcast that correction signal (over the air via radio) to the Trimble in the tractor. The Trimble uses the correction signal information to refine the GPS location of the tractor to within a fraction of an inch many times a second. The Trimble autopilot uses sensors (accelerometers, angle sensors, and gyros) mounted on the tractor to further refine the other variables: instantaneous heading, steering angle, and tilt of the machine (which moves the roof mounted GPS reciever). The autopilot compensates for all those variables in realtime and steers the tractor. Autopilot has many uses for the farm, but in a nutshell, it helps us reduce overlap, reduce chemical/fertilizer/fuel/seed waste, and increase productivity. It's nice to have something that makes it easier on the operator, saves money, and helps the environment a little too! How rare is that?!
Outstanding, thorough review. I’ve owned my fixed gear Cardinal for 10 years. I have a few things to add: The Cardinal fuel system is stone simple: Left/Right/Both. Mine lives in Both 99% of the time. The prop clearance on the Cardinal is greater than the Mooney’s, something to consider for grass field ops. Cardinals come with 3 point shoulder harnesses. I retrofitted mine with the B.A.S. 4 point, inertia reel system. Not sure if shoulder harnesses are an option for Mooneys. The Cardinal Flyers Online, the type club for Cardinals, is one of the best run, informative, and active groups out there, despite the relatively small fleet size. As a result, there are many after market mods available for Cardinals. One of the most popular is the tuned exhaust by Powerflow. The Powerflow exhaust adds “bolt on” horsepower, which is most noticeable on takeoff and climb, but will also add a couple of knots in cruise. My fixed gear Cardinal has several additional speed mods and I typically see true airspeeds between 130-135 knots (150-155 mph) at 10.4 -10.8 GPH between 6000-8000 feet, 75% power. Not bad for an airplane built in 1970 with the gear down and welded. The Cardinal’s front seats adjust fore/aft, up/down, and the seat back angle can be adjusted. The up/down feature is great for shorter pilots/pax. No need for cushions or phone books (millennials & younger may need to Google that 😜). In the end, both are excellent airplanes. Having to choose between them is a very 1st world problem. I’m a lucky man to be the caretaker of my Cardinal. I plan to leave it better than I found it.
Mark is a great guy. When I was shopping for a Mooney I called him up to talk financing. Mark had a beautiful little M20C for sale that I was eyeing. Mark steered me in the right direction for financing and while I didn’t end up buying him C I ended up going with an M20J with another broker. 10 years later I still love my Mooney but I always appreciated Mark’s help by talking to me and his excellent customer service.
One of the best side-by-side comparisons I've seen. You have a knack for this. I've never flown a Mooney, but have quite a few hours in a 177 identical to that one, & I loved flying it. Thx for doing the video.
two wings each! Who would have guessed!! Thanks for the video brings back great memories. My dad had a 76 177 RG, loved flying in it! Great visibility in the 177 and easy to get in and out of may be the only advantages for me
Started in Cessna 172's, then went to Cherokee Warriors. Love them both but always longed for a Mooney. I picked up a low time 68 M20C that needed a lot of TLC and a restore job. Its almost done and can't wait to fly it. Your Video and the flight in your Mooney was very inspiring and helpful. Thanks!
I came this close to getting my complex endorsement in a Mooney. My flight school had one on the line, but no instructors were checked out yet in it. Soon the Mooney moved away. Maybe because no one flew it? In any case, the Mooney with the manual retractable landing gear is at the top of my airplane shopping list for when that magical time arrives. The 177RG however is in the number two slot. Now, on with the show!
Another comprehensive and very enjoyable video. If I had my choice I’m not certain which I would choose. I have flown the RG years ago during flight training and it was a joy to fly. I loved the sleek appearance. It just looked fast. Great access through the doors and the visibility through that big windshield.
Very nice Mark.. my instructor was a Mooney advocate.. Reinhard Jarshke.. if I remember his story correctly, he ferryed the first Mooneys to Germany.. 6 aircraft in total I believe. And yes, he was biased.. but his instruction was first rate, as tho he owned the Piper and Cessna we used. Thanks for your objective comparison. Always a pleasure watching.
I have a G model Mooney and love it. It is almost impossible to get out of CG. One day I was playing around on foreflight to see what it would take and 120lbs in the baggage and two 250lb passengers in the back seat and only me up front is what it took to get it past the aft CG limit.
The first time I was allowed some stick time was on a Mooney m20e was my bosses when I was 16 loved it he used to say it seats 2.5 adults lol I went everywhere I could in it
Excellent “unbiased” overview. I have a 75 Cardinal RGII and you covered everything in a very factual manner. Thanks for the additional hot start technique. I will definitely be using that though I have the STC’d Lycoming IO390. I had done a prebuy on a 1980 Mooney M20K 231 model but there were too many squawks and it had been sitting out on tie down for a couple years in Maine coastal weather. Mooneys are great planes and the designers captured the essence of what pilots wanted in a true commuter plane. It is interesting that the popular RV aircraft use the same pushrod style controls and captured that crisp accurate responsiveness that you describe in your narrative.
Thanks. Yes, the early K model Mooneys (M20K-231) has the problematic IO-360 GB six cylinder Continental in them. Upgraded to the IO-360 LB1B which is a bit better.
I thought your video was superb. The footage was great. It was very informative and your narration did not seem pretentious or condescending. Thank you, my friend.I will be subscribing
Great comparison video on these two aircraft. I've flown the Cardinal a number of times when my friend owned one. He was working on his IFR rating at the time. We found it to be quite capable as an IFR platform. When I flew a Mooney years ago, it did well as an instrument ship and was fast too! Thanks for your informative content!
Great side by side comparison. Years ago when I was in university, we did a road trip down to Eugene, Ore with my Prof. who belonged to a flying club there. The 4 of us piled into a mooney and flew it back to YVR. I was 6’2” at the time, and very comfortable in the back seat..
Thanks. I try to make the videos not about sales, but I see your point. The exact equivalent Mooney would me a 1977 201 and as far as pricing goes, those two would be very similar. The E is older (1965) and therefore cheaper, but that does not make it go slower.
I’ve often wondered about this tendency to hyper focus on the “complex” part of transition which scared me to the point of procrastination to get it done. I finally confessed my anxiety, to my CFI and he understood. Think of it as a natural transition to a slightly more competent version of the plane you’ve already been flying. Maybe it’s only a constant prop. Then add some retractable gear to start.
Love the video. I owned a M20F from 2001-2016 and loved it. Looked at the M20E but I am 6'5" and needed additional seat travel. I did this exact comparison and I am so surprised how small people think Moonies are. In terms of legroom the Cessnas are terrible, the PA-28 are ok but the leg room in the Mooney is great. The Mooney was fast and strong. Great video.
Great adlib at the 10:09 minute mark with the alphabet soup fest ending in the vowels 😂! You sure do know your Mooney's and Cardinals but especially the Mooneys! Wow, 1st video of yours I've seen, kept me interested! Being so used to seeing struts on almost all the small cessnas it always makes me think id feel better looking down from 1 with the strut there! Theyre handy for hanging onto also, had 2 jumps from a 182 way back in the day! A cardil wouldnt work for that purpose i guess, but i sure love those big doors! Liked & subscribed!
Thanks for your evaluation. I have 700 hrs in the Cardinal RG from my flight instructing days. I owned a Mooney G for 20years. Obviously, my preference is the Mooney. The Cardinal will carry more with decent speed but the Mooney will fly faster, stronger, better economy and ramp appeal.
I flew a Mooney with extended range tanks for an 8 hour leg, followed by a 5 hour leg. I slept in the plane between legs. Never ever said Mooney's were too small or uncomfortable again. Ended up buying a Mooney for myself! - Don the Camera Guy.
Thanks for the tip on hot starts! I fly a Super Decathlon as a rental and I'm never quite sure how it's supposed to work (do a lot of cold starts but rarely hot start), it as an AEIO-360.
I love your presentations -- very interesting and informative. And the demo that follows is great too ! ! Will definitely be looking out for more -- Thanks
Great video! I have a 1968 M20G. Did you say your’s still has the Mooney Positive Control system? You should do a video on the P.C. system- the design and operation would really surprise and impress people. I used to fly an M20C that had it, and it worked fine-
I owned a "G" for about 10 years and loved it. Put on every speed mod available except the "J" cowl. Installed a Garmin 530/430 comm/nav combo plus JPI fuel flow and a few others for the panel. Fuel bladders and manual gear solved lots of issues/ADs. If there was a way to kill recurring inspections, it was done. I eventually sold her to a guy that really seemed to appreciate her. The Cardinal is a great aerial SUV but the Mooney is pure FUN.
Great video! I was torn between buying the Mooney, the Cardinal or the Arrow, when I flew with a salesman to look at a plane in his TR182. This year I will now have owned my TR182 for 20 years and love it more each and every year.
Many thanks for your bringing back my deep-seated nostalgia for Mooneys. I bought an M20A at the end of my AID tour in Chile and flew that baby back to DC, taking seven weeks to visit friends and sightsee en route, a trip of some 6,900 miles. What a fast, comfortable long-legged beauty that flying marvel was. Sniff, sniff...
6,900 miles but a wonderful adventure, taking 7 weeks, with 3 in Mexico. I am sorry, I didn't find your response 'tol just now. Great nostalgia...thanks
Lot's of jokes in this one. I always see you as a serious guy, so enjoyed all the humor! Thank you for the comparison. I am currently looking for a 210 to get a true 4-place aircraft that is high-wing and actually checked one you "had". I really want a 2-door and so rare to find a low-wing with 2 doors. Also, large people getting into a low-wing tend to "fall in" and then have to climb out. While getting into the high-wing is stepping up into it and stepping down out of it. Thank you for the new video Mark!
@@skywagonuniversity5023 I enjoy your depth of knowledge on the subtleties of the variations. Your video was long because it was full of information. I did not feel like there was anything else you could have speed up or trimmed as it seems the pace was very well done and there was no superfluous content. I think that people that don't like long videos are probably more turned off to that and not that it is "chocked full of" good content!
Another great comparison video, thank you. I was trained never to rest, lean on a prop or enter the arc, so I'm cringing the whole time there's a hand on it or body part in the prop arc.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 "How do you manage to attach a tow bar?" From the side. Saw the inside of a hangar where a woman walked through the prop arc of a cardinal. Bits of arm/shoulder along the floor / wall. Also been warned by 2 A&Ps who had experienced the "tick over" of a prop that was "just touched". So color me paranoid, but I take those circular meat cleavers seriously. Keep up the good videos!
still laughing a.e.i.o.u. are vowels and it must be dam early in the morning when mark does not know every rivet on a plane another great video thanks skywagon university 👍
I have a Mod Squad 63 M20C under restoration. Some advice if your looking for a Mooney make sure you inspect the tubing in the cabin structure for rust. Especially near windows & doors where water can leak in. Also those instrument inspection panels can leak if not sealed properly. Some Mooney's mostly later ones have poor paint adhesion on the tubing & are completely bare steel. Requires pulling the interior, hand sanding rust & painting with a brush to get to the blind side against the skin. If it's bad, tubing has to be cut out & new tube welded in. I was lucky with my bird someone had Dinitroled the whole airframe. The aluminum inside the wings was like a mirror, Dinitrol saved it from sitting outside for years. ACF & Boesheild don't last & are inferior products to Dinitrol. Make sure you get a mechanic thats a real expert on Mooney's for the prebuy. Alot of great pretenders out there.
Mark, great review as always! I owned two Mooney M20Cs (63 and 65) before buying my current 64 Cessna 210. The Mooneys are fantastic but I just got tired of crawling out of the Mooneys. I’m 6’3”, 220lbs and the Cessna is just easier to get in and out. The quality of the Mooney is higher but Cessnas are like GM cars. They’re everywhere, parts and mechanics are readily available and they’re easy to fly. I actually had a couple mechanics tell me they wouldn’t work on my Mooney because it was hard to access. But the efficiency and speed for given power is hard to beat. Great assessment of both planes.
Thanks for the tip re starting a hot IO-360. I have a slightly different technique with my Mooney M20J, but I'm going to try yours out tomorrow to see if she starts any quicker. My technique is to keep mixture out and throttle slightly cracked - works every time, but it does take 3-4 seconds of cranking.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 and you don't carry them to Telluride in August, to be sure, not without turbo-normalizing. Man, when I can scrape together enough rubles to buy an airplane, I'm coming to you. Even though you're out of my way, you're an absolute riot!
Bought my 76 Cardinal RGII in 1987 with 1600hrs on it for $18,000 ; )' It had sat for 4yrs without flying and had 3mths left on the annual. Changed the tires and battery when I bought it. It has been the perfect airplane for my family of 4 over the years. I still have it today and it has been the best investment I have ever made! Only a couple of minor unscheduled mx issues over 35yrs of ownership. I highly recommend the Cardinal to anyone still on the fence! They were made from 71 to 78 and the best models to get are the 76 and 77 the 78 is 24 volts.
This is easily the best Mooney video on the internet. To get the real Mooney measurements I had to find one and do it myself. I bought a Comanche but I still do have love for the Mooney.
Mark, First- great video. Very informative. But yeah- that width measurement turned me off a bit. You were kind enough to let me sit in a Mooney a few years ago.- I'm the 6'7" 320lbs SWA CKP that was really hoping I'd fit! At the waist level- I'd agree but at the shoulder level- the Mooney was far tighter than the 177. A solid 6-7 inches. I wish I fit better in the Mooney- I'm in love with them from a spec, speed and efficiency, but it didn't even feel like a lose weight scenario- my shoulders are tight if I lost 100lbs. I'm very comfortable in the Cardinal as is. Much more comfortable than a 182 as well. The only other GA airplane I fit as well in are the PA32s. I think unless you're this big, it's hard to really understand. :)
I really had hopes for going to Telluride in August with my anvils 🤣🤣. Seriously though, great video! Your knowledge of these airplanes is much appreciated .
Really appreciated the comparison! Have always wanted a Cardinal, mainly for the ease of entry and getting in and out of planes at my age has become a limiting factor. Just now getting checked out in an intercooled M-31. It is very comfortable once I'm in. Have to say I really like the way it flies and lands. I will be giving the owner instrument training.
Loved the comparison! One day a 177 FG is in my future. However, I have always been enamored with Mooney aircraft. Just not the best choice for me due to arthritic knees. Great presentation and comparative detail.
Ironically, I flew my 140 last Saturday, and I was behind a Cardinal on departure at my home airport. As he rounded the bend, I noticed how sleek the airframe was around the windscreen and thought how nice it looked. When I landed at my destination. A Mooney M20 (not sure of which model) landed after me and taxied in next to me. I got out and walked around it and thought... "I could see myself in one of these!! It's beautiful!!!" That is what landed me on your video. After seeing the review, I think the Mooney would be my choice because I just love the way low wing aircraft handle. I also like the sound of the rugged construction with the pushrods and the heavy wing spar, and I like the rubber pucks in the gear. Sure, you have to replace them once in a while, but I can't tell you how many times I have gone out to fly the Cherokee, and the damn struts have lost all of their nitrogen and I am stuck. Even after rebuilding them, they still leak!! I had a Musketeer with the bucks, and it landed beautifully! I am going to start looking at Mooneys!!
How about a Mooney vs Grumman Tiger comparison? I had a Tiger for a little over a year. Great little planes. Would love to see a comparison between the two!
177 RG, 1976 owner since 2008. Still in love. Best SEP aircraft handlingwise and very reasonable performance and economy in that power-range. Just a super aircraft.
Very good comparison , I am interested in the Cardinal love the big doors. I have a very fast 150 you would enjoy flying, but a bit limited with two seats.
A Mooney M20E or F and a Cardinal RG both with the 200 HP are quite well matched. The Mooney is much faster than a fixed gear Cardinal but that is not a fair comparison.
Very nice video. I have a NAvion my friend has a Mooney, and another has an A36. We fly out to breakfast usually once a week from LOO and have a ball. Nice planes Mooneys...
@@skywagonuniversity5023 I've heard that once before, but you were the first I have seen with a measuring tape, proving it. I like the M20E Short body. It's that unique back window that gets me.
Hello! Tnaks a lot for a comprehensive analysis. I've got a question that bothers me since quite a bit. What's the purpose of putting antennas on the tail counterflow? Have seen it on some early Cessnas too.
There are two areas I had hoped you would compare but did not. The first is visibility. Does the Cardinal have a typical Cessna blind spot while in a bank, or does the forward location of the pilot seat eliminate this? Can you see the runway on a base to final turn in the Cardinal? Second, how do the planes handle? I’ve heard Mooneys are “sports cars” but that the controls are heavy, somewhat of an oxymoron, but what say you? I’ve flown 210s with a wing similar to the Cardinal and the control forces are heavy and the response is slow. Does the stabilator result in light pitch forces? Please comment on control forces and response rates about all three axes for both AC. I fly Tigers (a true two finger airplane) and Vikings (fighter like roll rate). Quick, responsive, and light controls are big in my book. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I thought I did mention the forward seating on the cardinal means that they have great visibility. Yes you can see the runway on base to final. Mooney is better though. No wing in the way at all in a turn. Mooney controls are not "heavy" they are right for the plane. They are no cub though.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Thanks for the reply. Good info. Are the Cardinal controls heavy or light? Please comment on roll rates / aileron response for both AC. Thanks!
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Bellanca Viking (fighter like roll rate), Grumman Tiger (a two finger AC), Piper Dakota (a station wagon), C210 (a truck). Please compare!
Excellent video Mark. Thank you for this. I was always a little nervous of the mooneys, figured high performance, p-51 like wing,, perhaps tricky to control. But something you said,,,,so I ask. Would saying your Mooney is as docile, forgiving as my pa-28-161 be an accurate statement? Set aside the gear and prop differences.
"A.E.I.O.U. are vowels" had me rolling. Love your presentations.
Thanks, I Fly Central!
And sometimes Y
And he totally missed: "E-I-E-I-O is, of course, MacDonald, and a farmer."
@waveydaveyav8r442 That would of been giid too!
@@anthonydelrosario1718 The new
As someone said when comparing a high wing vs. a low wing, "it depends on if you want to bang your head or your shine." Nice video.
I'm an A&P and a Pilot. I've never felt so engaged and enthralled about these two baby birds as when this Gent from across the puddle talks about them. Well done, sir. I'm now subscribed with ALL notifications. If only all people could talk about planes like this guy. He doesn't come across as pompous, he doesn't have a "Radio-voice" like so many do, I just enjoyed his presentation.
Thank you for noticing that I just talk normally. I really dislike the "news reporter" voice or talking differently because there is a camera. There is no need. I always wonder if the newscasters talk at dinner parties or at home to their partners like they do on camera. It is annoying to watch.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 nobody on the planet has a more formulaic News cadence as the people from Skynews Australia. You know what I'm talking about, it's the same pattern repeated over and over again.
I love presentation like this. I don't want to be sold. I just want someone who knows what they are talking about to tell me like we are having a conversation
'Gear on both planes... 3 wheels each, very similar'. Legend. Great comparison Mark, hope to see more in the future! Thank you for the video
Thanks.
I never watched any video for 30 minutes, let alone 47 minutes...until this one. First time I see your video and it will not be the last. Congratulations on a superbly made video and a well delivered, full of real knowledge, job. From Orlando, Florida...best wishes from a retired Science College Professor, who flies for fun.
We are humbly grateful for the high praise. We know you are looking down the barrel of Hurricane Ian right now. Stay safe!
I own a 75 Cardinal. It took me 3 months to decide between the Cardinal and a Mooney. The cabin and my wife's opinion made the decision. Never looked back. This was brilliant. Thanks.
Thanks
I appreciate the entertaining video Mr. Mark and Mr. Don. I am planting corn tonight, and I listened to the whole presentation, and even caught a few glances because my tractor is on autopilot.
That is excellent, you have a video or at least a computer on internet in your automatic piloted tractor. Or your phone. Anyway, I'd like to see a video on that.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 I am using a Trimble TMX autopilot on my John Deere 8420. The Trimble autopilot recieves radio signals from stationary GPS base stations around my county that calculate GPS position corrections. The base stations broadcast that correction signal (over the air via radio) to the Trimble in the tractor. The Trimble uses the correction signal information to refine the GPS location of the tractor to within a fraction of an inch many times a second.
The Trimble autopilot uses sensors (accelerometers, angle sensors, and gyros) mounted on the tractor to further refine the other variables: instantaneous heading, steering angle, and tilt of the machine (which moves the roof mounted GPS reciever). The autopilot compensates for all those variables in realtime and steers the tractor.
Autopilot has many uses for the farm, but in a nutshell, it helps us reduce overlap, reduce chemical/fertilizer/fuel/seed waste, and increase productivity. It's nice to have something that makes it easier on the operator, saves money, and helps the environment a little too! How rare is that?!
@@chester8420 I need that tractor in my life!
Outstanding, thorough review. I’ve owned my fixed gear Cardinal for 10 years. I have a few things to add:
The Cardinal fuel system is stone simple: Left/Right/Both. Mine lives in Both 99% of the time.
The prop clearance on the Cardinal is greater than the Mooney’s, something to consider for grass field ops.
Cardinals come with 3 point shoulder harnesses. I retrofitted mine with the B.A.S. 4 point, inertia reel system. Not sure if shoulder harnesses are an option for Mooneys.
The Cardinal Flyers Online, the type club for Cardinals, is one of the best run, informative, and active groups out there, despite the relatively small fleet size. As a result, there are many after market mods available for Cardinals. One of the most popular is the tuned exhaust by Powerflow. The Powerflow exhaust adds “bolt on” horsepower, which is most noticeable on takeoff and climb, but will also add a couple of knots in cruise. My fixed gear Cardinal has several additional speed mods and I typically see true airspeeds between 130-135 knots (150-155 mph) at 10.4 -10.8 GPH between 6000-8000 feet, 75% power. Not bad for an airplane built in 1970 with the gear down and welded.
The Cardinal’s front seats adjust fore/aft, up/down, and the seat back angle can be adjusted. The up/down feature is great for shorter pilots/pax. No need for cushions or phone books (millennials & younger may need to Google that 😜).
In the end, both are excellent airplanes. Having to choose between them is a very 1st world problem. I’m a lucky man to be the caretaker of my Cardinal. I plan to leave it better than I found it.
Thanks for the input from a long time owner.
Yes, you can retrofit retract shoulder harnesses on a Mooney.
Mark is a great guy. When I was shopping for a Mooney I called him up to talk financing. Mark had a beautiful little M20C for sale that I was eyeing. Mark steered me in the right direction for financing and while I didn’t end up buying him C I ended up going with an M20J with another broker. 10 years later I still love my Mooney but I always appreciated Mark’s help by talking to me and his excellent customer service.
Thanks Steve.
Without a doubt the best narration of these two planes, thank you Mark.
Excellent. Thanks.
Can I eat my lunch first?
Hunter is on his way out here to pick me up to go play golf
Great video! I really enjoyed the “vowel” joke too
Thanks.
One of the best side-by-side comparisons I've seen. You have a knack for this. I've never flown a Mooney, but have quite a few hours in a 177 identical to that one, & I loved flying it. Thx for doing the video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Terrific! How can you make an airplane comparison so informative and funny at the same time! Best I have seen!
Thanks.
two wings each! Who would have guessed!! Thanks for the video brings back great memories. My dad had a 76 177 RG, loved flying in it! Great visibility in the 177 and easy to get in and out of may be the only advantages for me
Glad you enjoyed it
Started in Cessna 172's, then went to Cherokee Warriors. Love them both but always longed for a Mooney. I picked up a low time 68 M20C that needed a lot of TLC and a restore job. Its almost done and can't wait to fly it. Your Video and the flight in your Mooney was very inspiring and helpful. Thanks!
I came this close to getting my complex endorsement in a Mooney. My flight school had one on the line, but no instructors were checked out yet in it. Soon the Mooney moved away. Maybe because no one flew it?
In any case, the Mooney with the manual retractable landing gear is at the top of my airplane shopping list for when that magical time arrives. The 177RG however is in the number two slot.
Now, on with the show!
Either plane will serve you well.
I got my complex and instrument rating in a Mooney M20E at a flight school in Florida. I now own a Mooney M20K 252
Daywm
Excellent video with so much knowledge. Thanks for sharing. Well done.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic video Mark - again!!!
Glad you enjoyed it
Another comprehensive and very enjoyable video. If I had my choice I’m not certain which I would choose. I have flown the RG years ago during flight training and it was a joy to fly. I loved the sleek appearance. It just looked fast. Great access through the doors and the visibility through that big windshield.
Very nice Mark.. my instructor was a Mooney advocate.. Reinhard Jarshke.. if I remember his story correctly, he ferryed the first Mooneys to Germany.. 6 aircraft in total I believe. And yes, he was biased.. but his instruction was first rate, as tho he owned the Piper and Cessna we used.
Thanks for your objective comparison. Always a pleasure watching.
Thanks. All planes are excellent.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 yes they are!
Thank you Mr. Mark. Very informative. Mooney is my favorite too.
I have a G model Mooney and love it. It is almost impossible to get out of CG. One day I was playing around on foreflight to see what it would take and 120lbs in the baggage and two 250lb passengers in the back seat and only me up front is what it took to get it past the aft CG limit.
The first time I was allowed some stick time was on a Mooney m20e was my bosses when I was 16 loved it he used to say it seats 2.5 adults lol I went everywhere I could in it
Excellent overview that I enjoyed vicariously as I'm not current right now 🙂
Outstanding Mark. Greetings from San Antonio, Texas
Glad you enjoyed it
"A.E.I.O.U. are vowels" had me rolling. Love your presentations.. "A.E.I.O.U. are vowels" had me rolling. Love your presentations..
Glad you enjoyed it. You must be as easily amused as I am.
This comparison was top of my wish list. It’s like you guys can see into my head. Thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Excellent “unbiased” overview. I have a 75 Cardinal RGII and you covered everything in a very factual manner. Thanks for the additional hot start technique. I will definitely be using that though I have the STC’d Lycoming IO390. I had done a prebuy on a 1980 Mooney M20K 231 model but there were too many squawks and it had been sitting out on tie down for a couple years in Maine coastal weather. Mooneys are great planes and the designers captured the essence of what pilots wanted in a true commuter plane. It is interesting that the popular RV aircraft use the same pushrod style controls and captured that crisp accurate responsiveness that you describe in your narrative.
Thanks. Yes, the early K model Mooneys (M20K-231) has the problematic IO-360 GB six cylinder Continental in them. Upgraded to the IO-360 LB1B which is a bit better.
Thank you for an excellent comparison.
Glad you liked it!
Another great video and great source of information! Thanks Mark!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
The throttle quadrant of the M20F executive is beautiful. It is set up so nicely.
I thought your video was superb. The footage was great.
It was very informative
and your narration did not seem pretentious or condescending. Thank you, my friend.I will be subscribing
Glad you liked it!
Great comparison video on these two aircraft. I've flown the Cardinal a number of times when my friend owned one. He was working on his IFR rating at the time. We found it to be quite capable as an IFR platform. When I flew a Mooney years ago, it did well as an instrument ship and was fast too! Thanks for your informative content!
Thanks.
Great side by side comparison. Years ago when I was in university, we did a road trip down to Eugene, Ore with my Prof. who belonged to a flying club there. The 4 of us piled into a mooney and flew it back to YVR. I was 6’2” at the time, and very comfortable in the back seat..
See, It's true.....
Very informative. First time I got to learn about the elevator trim on the moonie. Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it, Lee!
Greatly enjoyed the level of detail you brought to this video. You know your Mooney very well! Excellent comparison detail as well. Well done sir!
We are glad you enjoyed it, Ed!
A cost to purchase comparison would be nice. Love your videos always entertaining and educational.
Thanks. I try to make the videos not about sales, but I see your point. The exact equivalent Mooney would me a 1977 201 and as far as pricing goes, those two would be very similar. The E is older (1965) and therefore cheaper, but that does not make it go slower.
I’ve often wondered about this tendency to hyper focus on the “complex” part of transition which scared me to the point of procrastination to get it done. I finally confessed my anxiety, to my CFI and he understood. Think of it as a natural transition to a slightly more competent version of the plane you’ve already been flying. Maybe it’s only a constant prop. Then add some retractable gear to start.
Excellent class!
Thank you for your outstanding summary!
I appreciate it.
Love the video. I owned a M20F from 2001-2016 and loved it. Looked at the M20E but I am 6'5" and needed additional seat travel. I did this exact comparison and I am so surprised how small people think Moonies are. In terms of legroom the Cessnas are terrible, the PA-28 are ok but the leg room in the Mooney is great. The Mooney was fast and strong. Great video.
Mooney's are surprisingly good for tall people.
Great adlib at the 10:09 minute mark with the alphabet soup fest ending in the vowels 😂!
You sure do know your Mooney's and Cardinals but especially the Mooneys! Wow, 1st video of yours I've seen, kept me interested!
Being so used to seeing struts on almost all the small cessnas it always makes me think id feel better looking down from 1 with the strut there! Theyre handy for hanging onto also, had 2 jumps from a 182 way back in the day! A cardil wouldnt work for that purpose i guess, but i sure love those big doors!
Liked & subscribed!
Thank you.
Thanks for your evaluation. I have 700 hrs in the Cardinal RG from my flight instructing days. I owned a Mooney G for 20years. Obviously, my preference is the Mooney. The Cardinal will carry more with decent speed but the Mooney will fly faster, stronger, better economy and ramp appeal.
Great video! Always informative and broad in coverage and the presentation style makes it a pleasure to watch. The humor is an added bonus too!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Nice video and great drone shot! Definitely want to add Placerville to one of the airports for time building, to check out some cool planes!
Superb. I’ve been looking at a share in a Mooney and this video was so informative. Thanks!
I flew a Mooney with extended range tanks for an 8 hour leg, followed by a 5 hour leg. I slept in the plane between legs. Never ever said Mooney's were too small or uncomfortable again. Ended up buying a Mooney for myself! - Don the Camera Guy.
Thanks for the tip on hot starts! I fly a Super Decathlon as a rental and I'm never quite sure how it's supposed to work (do a lot of cold starts but rarely hot start), it as an AEIO-360.
I love your presentations -- very interesting and informative. And the demo that follows is great too ! ! Will definitely be looking out for more -- Thanks
Awesome, thank you!
I love your presentation style. This was informative, thanks!
Glad you liked it!
Wow! Very cool information on the Mooney E !
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for the review. Great insights.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! I have a 1968 M20G. Did you say your’s still has the Mooney Positive Control system? You should do a video on the P.C. system- the design and operation would really surprise and impress people. I used to fly an M20C that had it, and it worked fine-
Agreed, would love to know more about the PC.
Yes, It will be a shorty, but yes, I have the PC and it works. I'll do a video about it.
I owned a "G" for about 10 years and loved it. Put on every speed mod available except the "J" cowl. Installed a Garmin 530/430 comm/nav combo plus JPI fuel flow and a few others for the panel. Fuel bladders and manual gear solved lots of issues/ADs. If there was a way to kill recurring inspections, it was done. I eventually sold her to a guy that really seemed to appreciate her. The Cardinal is a great aerial SUV but the Mooney is pure FUN.
Great video! I was torn between buying the Mooney, the Cardinal or the Arrow, when I flew with a salesman to look at a plane in his TR182. This year I will now have owned my TR182 for 20 years and love it more each and every year.
Those are great planes.
Well done Mark.
Thanks, Mac!
Many thanks for your bringing back my deep-seated nostalgia for Mooneys. I bought
an M20A at the end of my AID tour in Chile and flew that baby back to DC, taking seven weeks to visit friends and sightsee en route, a trip of some 6,900 miles. What a fast, comfortable long-legged beauty that flying marvel was. Sniff, sniff...
That was a long trip from Chile.
6,900 miles but a wonderful adventure, taking 7 weeks, with 3 in Mexico. I am sorry, I didn't find your response 'tol just now. Great nostalgia...thanks
Lot's of jokes in this one. I always see you as a serious guy, so enjoyed all the humor!
Thank you for the comparison.
I am currently looking for a 210 to get a true 4-place aircraft that is high-wing and actually checked one you "had". I really want a 2-door and so rare to find a low-wing with 2 doors. Also, large people getting into a low-wing tend to "fall in" and then have to climb out. While getting into the high-wing is stepping up into it and stepping down out of it.
Thank you for the new video Mark!
It was a long one too. Not sure we meant it to be that long but it worked.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 I enjoy your depth of knowledge on the subtleties of the variations. Your video was long because it was full of information. I did not feel like there was anything else you could have speed up or trimmed as it seems the pace was very well done and there was no superfluous content. I think that people that don't like long videos are probably more turned off to that and not that it is "chocked full of" good content!
Great idea to compare these ! Comparing the operators was always interesting too :)
Agreed!
Excellent Mark. Very informative!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Another great comparison video, thank you. I was trained never to rest, lean on a prop or enter the arc, so I'm cringing the whole time there's a hand on it or body part in the prop arc.
How do you manage to attach a tow bar? And, we're glad you liked the video.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 "How do you manage to attach a tow bar?" From the side. Saw the inside of a hangar where a woman walked through the prop arc of a cardinal. Bits of arm/shoulder along the floor / wall. Also been warned by 2 A&Ps who had experienced the "tick over" of a prop that was "just touched". So color me paranoid, but I take those circular meat cleavers seriously. Keep up the good videos!
Appreciate the grovelling under the bellies - great vid!
Our pleasure!
still laughing a.e.i.o.u. are vowels and it must be dam early in the morning when mark does not know every rivet on a plane another great video thanks skywagon university 👍
I slightly amused myself with that. It just came out.
I have a Mod Squad 63 M20C under restoration. Some advice if your looking for a Mooney make sure you inspect the tubing in the cabin structure for rust. Especially near windows & doors where water can leak in. Also those instrument inspection panels can leak if not sealed properly. Some Mooney's mostly later ones have poor paint adhesion on the tubing & are completely bare steel. Requires pulling the interior, hand sanding rust & painting with a brush to get to the blind side against the skin. If it's bad, tubing has to be cut out & new tube welded in. I was lucky with my bird someone had Dinitroled the whole airframe. The aluminum inside the wings was like a mirror, Dinitrol saved it from sitting outside for years. ACF & Boesheild don't last & are inferior products to Dinitrol. Make sure you get a mechanic thats a real expert on Mooney's for the prebuy. Alot of great pretenders out there.
All very true. Check your steel frame in a pre-buy if it has lived in a damp climate. .
Absolutely excellent video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Superb instructional and comedy too!
You must be as easily amused as I am.
Excellent, balanced review of the two aircraft. Thanks! Wayne (DA40, also an IO360, KSBA)
Glad you enjoyed it!
First time watching your channel. Well done you have a lot of needed information for the Mooney owner thank you !
Glad it was helpful!
Mark, great review as always! I owned two Mooney M20Cs (63 and 65) before buying my current 64 Cessna 210. The Mooneys are fantastic but I just got tired of crawling out of the Mooneys. I’m 6’3”, 220lbs and the Cessna is just easier to get in and out. The quality of the Mooney is higher but Cessnas are like GM cars. They’re everywhere, parts and mechanics are readily available and they’re easy to fly. I actually had a couple mechanics tell me they wouldn’t work on my Mooney because it was hard to access. But the efficiency and speed for given power is hard to beat. Great assessment of both planes.
Picky mechanics. But, the 210 is much easier to get in and out of, for sure.
Great video as always!
Glad you enjoyed!
Thanks for the tip re starting a hot IO-360. I have a slightly different technique with my Mooney M20J, but I'm going to try yours out tomorrow to see if she starts any quicker. My technique is to keep mixture out and throttle slightly cracked - works every time, but it does take 3-4 seconds of cranking.
Slight variations work. The bottom line is "no extra fuel"
OMG.... "...So you might not want to go to Telluride in August with your Anvils." I totally rofl-coptered!
Yes, my Anvil delivery program is only kept with Turbo 206's etc. Not Mooneys and cardinals. ;-)
@@skywagonuniversity5023 and you don't carry them to Telluride in August, to be sure, not without turbo-normalizing. Man, when I can scrape together enough rubles to buy an airplane, I'm coming to you. Even though you're out of my way, you're an absolute riot!
Bought my 76 Cardinal RGII in 1987 with 1600hrs on it for $18,000 ; )' It had sat for 4yrs without flying and had 3mths left on the annual. Changed the tires and battery when I bought it. It has been the perfect airplane for my family of 4 over the years. I still have it today and it has been the best investment I have ever made! Only a couple of minor unscheduled mx issues over 35yrs of ownership. I highly recommend the Cardinal to anyone still on the fence! They were made from 71 to 78 and the best models to get are the 76 and 77 the 78 is 24 volts.
Excellent. Long term owner. Thanks.
This is easily the best Mooney video on the internet. To get the real Mooney measurements I had to find one and do it myself. I bought a Comanche but I still do have love for the Mooney.
Wow, thanks!
Not sure about your cabin width measurement, because the Cardinal is 48" at the shoulder. I wanted a Mooney, when I was younger and more flexible!
Hi Steve! Not sure what to tell you. We dragged the tape measure across from the same point in both videos and that was what we found.
Mark, First- great video. Very informative. But yeah- that width measurement turned me off a bit.
You were kind enough to let me sit in a Mooney a few years ago.- I'm the 6'7" 320lbs SWA CKP that was really hoping I'd fit!
At the waist level- I'd agree but at the shoulder level- the Mooney was far tighter than the 177. A solid 6-7 inches.
I wish I fit better in the Mooney- I'm in love with them from a spec, speed and efficiency, but it didn't even feel like a lose weight scenario- my shoulders are tight if I lost 100lbs. I'm very comfortable in the Cardinal as is. Much more comfortable than a 182 as well. The only other GA airplane I fit as well in are the PA32s. I think unless you're this big, it's hard to really understand. :)
Beautiful landing with the Cessna!!!
Get lucky every now and then
I really had hopes for going to Telluride in August with my anvils 🤣🤣. Seriously though, great video! Your knowledge of these airplanes is much appreciated
.
Thanks. Go in September with only one anvil......
Really appreciated the comparison! Have always wanted a Cardinal, mainly for the ease of entry and getting in and out of planes at my age has become a limiting factor. Just now getting checked out in an intercooled M-31. It is very comfortable once I'm in. Have to say I really like the way it flies and lands. I will be giving the owner instrument training.
Loved the comparison! One day a 177 FG is in my future. However, I have always been enamored with Mooney aircraft. Just not the best choice for me due to arthritic knees. Great presentation and comparative detail.
Ironically, I flew my 140 last Saturday, and I was behind a Cardinal on departure at my home airport. As he rounded the bend, I noticed how sleek the airframe was around the windscreen and thought how nice it looked. When I landed at my destination. A Mooney M20 (not sure of which model) landed after me and taxied in next to me. I got out and walked around it and thought... "I could see myself in one of these!! It's beautiful!!!" That is what landed me on your video. After seeing the review, I think the Mooney would be my choice because I just love the way low wing aircraft handle. I also like the sound of the rugged construction with the pushrods and the heavy wing spar, and I like the rubber pucks in the gear. Sure, you have to replace them once in a while, but I can't tell you how many times I have gone out to fly the Cherokee, and the damn struts have lost all of their nitrogen and I am stuck. Even after rebuilding them, they still leak!! I had a Musketeer with the bucks, and it landed beautifully! I am going to start looking at Mooneys!!
Thanks. It's good to point out the benefits and shortfalls of the various planes.
Cost to purchase comparison?
Great video. Congratulations for your Mooney it's a real good looking airplane.
Greetings from Argentina.
Thank you
I must say i really enjoy your videos as an owner of a mooney E i love the mooney videos keep up the good work.
Thanks.
Excellent! Your best video of all.
Wow, thanks!
Superlative video, informative, entertaining, and great host.
Glad you enjoyed it!
How about a Mooney vs Grumman Tiger comparison? I had a Tiger for a little over a year. Great little planes. Would love to see a comparison between the two!
I'd love to, but I'd need a Tiger.
177 RG, 1976 owner since 2008. Still in love. Best SEP aircraft handlingwise and very reasonable performance and economy in that power-range. Just a super aircraft.
They are great planes.
Very good comparison , I am interested in the Cardinal love the big doors. I have a very fast 150 you would enjoy flying, but a bit limited with two seats.
I learned in a great 76 150. N63237. I remember it's N number from 30 years ago.
Great presentation. I just don’t understand, with the same engine why the Mooney isn’t so much faster than the Cessna?
A Mooney M20E or F and a Cardinal RG both with the 200 HP are quite well matched. The Mooney is much faster than a fixed gear Cardinal but that is not a fair comparison.
Very nice video. I have a NAvion my friend has a Mooney, and another has an A36. We fly out to breakfast usually once a week from LOO and have a ball. Nice planes Mooneys...
Thanks for watching.
This has to be the best comparison I have ever watched. LOTS of myths about both planes are debunked.
Thanks. Surprising about the width wasn't it?
@@skywagonuniversity5023 I've heard that once before, but you were the first I have seen with a measuring tape, proving it. I like the M20E Short body. It's that unique back window that gets me.
Hello! Tnaks a lot for a comprehensive analysis.
I've got a question that bothers me since quite a bit. What's the purpose of putting antennas on the tail counterflow? Have seen it on some early Cessnas too.
The Mooney door wraps around the top of the fuselage making it actually quite large with alot of headroom getting in and out. Just a note.
Mooney's are surprisingly good for tall people but not so much for wider people.
@skywagonuniversity5023 lol. Well if their too wide you're automatically down to a 2 or 3 place airplane anyway.🤣🤣
The first time I landed at Placerville it was a dirt strip. That was a lot of years ago. 80 Octain was selling for 45 cents a gallon.
That must have been in the sixties.
My uncle had a new Mooney, back in the 60's, and he loved it.
I'd like to have had one new back then too.
Fantastic video! Loved it!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Mark, I have '67 M20E. You were using knots for speed. My speeds are always in miles per hour but seem about the same as you were saying?
My M20E at 24 and 2400 does about 140Kts on 11 GPH. Is that about what you see?
There are two areas I had hoped you would compare but did not. The first is visibility. Does the Cardinal have a typical Cessna blind spot while in a bank, or does the forward location of the pilot seat eliminate this? Can you see the runway on a base to final turn in the Cardinal? Second, how do the planes handle? I’ve heard Mooneys are “sports cars” but that the controls are heavy, somewhat of an oxymoron, but what say you? I’ve flown 210s with a wing similar to the Cardinal and the control forces are heavy and the response is slow. Does the stabilator result in light pitch forces? Please comment on control forces and response rates about all three axes for both AC. I fly Tigers (a true two finger airplane) and Vikings (fighter like roll rate). Quick, responsive, and light controls are big in my book. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I thought I did mention the forward seating on the cardinal means that they have great visibility. Yes you can see the runway on base to final. Mooney is better though. No wing in the way at all in a turn. Mooney controls are not "heavy" they are right for the plane. They are no cub though.
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Thanks for the reply. Good info. Are the Cardinal controls heavy or light? Please comment on roll rates / aileron response for both AC. Thanks!
@@glenwoodriverresidentsgrou136 What are you used to flying so I can compare?
@@skywagonuniversity5023 Bellanca Viking (fighter like roll rate), Grumman Tiger (a two finger AC), Piper Dakota (a station wagon), C210 (a truck). Please compare!
Enjoyed the Mooney info. I hope to one day be able to afford one. Working on my pilots license now.
Best of luck!
Ditto on vowels. Great set up. Cracked me up.
Thanks!
Hello, Can you land your mooney on a gravel runway? Love your knowledgeable and informative videos!
It would land on gravel as long as it was flat and not deep.
Excellent video Mark. Thank you for this. I was always a little nervous of the mooneys, figured high performance, p-51 like wing,, perhaps tricky to control. But something you said,,,,so I ask.
Would saying your Mooney is as docile, forgiving as my pa-28-161 be an accurate statement? Set aside the gear and prop differences.
The early Mooney's C, E, G, F and the J's are all basically sporty Arrows and are very docile and easy to fly.