Justin’s Pilot Reports (PIREP)

A huge grin describes it best. Voicemail from my friend Brad Marcum. Words like “let’s go flying” and “Mooney”.

Brad obtained flight privileges to a 1980 Mooney M201. When I met Brad at Security Airpark at the San Antonio Intl Airport the anticipation was high. This would be my second flight in a Mooney - my first was a few years ago with another friend and his gorgeous Mooney M-20J (which he subsequently sold to a lucky guy in South Texas).

I soon remembered why I love high-wing airplanes. Entering and exiting the Mooney required a degree of flexibility that was somewhat challenging. Once inside, however, I was soon reminded why so many folks love this “sports car” of aviation.

Our mission was to fly south and do some pattern work at Stinson Municipal Airport. We were instructed to taxi to Runway 21 - a rare event - which involved taxing halfway across the airport. The winds were steady, gusty at times but nothing to write home about.

Before long we were full throttle and rolling. Rotate. Gear up (cool!). The Mooney and its new pilot Brad seemed to work as one well-oiled machine. I snapped a few photos as we raced past downtown San Antonio before being cleared for the option to land on Stinson’s Runway 14.

Brad’s first landing was very nice. It was soon eclipsed by three more - each of which seemed to be smoother and more impressive.

It’s a learning experience for me to fly with other pilots. I was seeing real skill and proficiency at work. Mooney and pilot, working together. Why was I surprised? After all, this was the same guy that cleaned up my own landings as my CFII during my instrument training.

After his last landing at Stinson, Brad turned the Mooney over to me and I did some flying from the right seat. I quickly learned that the awkwardness of being on the right side made it very easy to get totally fixated on the instruments. The Mooney was a joy to fly. Very responsive with minimal control inputs necessary. In fact, the range of the yoke is quite limited - a sign that it doesn’t take much yoke travel to get the plane going the direction you want it.

Unfortunately, all great flights must come to an end and this one was no exception. We landed back at SA Intl and with some TLC, returned the Mooney to its hangar.

Thanks Brad…it was an awesome flight!