Phill C – on paper, the Mooney does it all so why does it have such a bad reuputation for being cramped? I’m 6ft 1in, so would I comfortably fit into it? Is it because the height and width of the cabin are ok but the shape is very curved, such that hitting one’s head is a definite possibility?
Backpacker – We currently go 3 or 4 times a year but would go much more if we had the means to do so. Yes, flying commercially is an answer, but it means getting to the airport at stupid o’clock to catch a decent flight, getting kids and baggage all the way through check in etc and the humiliation of taking clothing off etc. when going through security. Call me a snob (and I know I am!) but one of the reasons that I got into flying in the first place was to “go places” so that I didn’t need to sit next to some old dear going on about her bunions and piles!
Miserlou – Cardinal 177RG = high wing, no thanks.
A and C – have considered a Robin previously but looked at it as more of a sideways step? Cost of purchase wise though, aren’t there more Pipers etc, out there?
No-one has mentioned Saratoga, Lance, Malibu? Are they just not worth considering?