European Mooney Flying Experience
At the request of the European Mooney Pilot's and Owner's Association, I recently traveled to Donaueschingen, Germany, with a group of experienced American Mooney instructors. Our task was to share experiences flying the Mooney and operating its systems to include GPS, with 25 European pilots.
Embarking on my first European flying adventure, I was a bit uneasy. I knew that owners of Mooneys as early as an Executive to the latest Acclaim would be anxious to learn about their airplanes. I wondered — would the rules be much different than at home? Would language be a problem? What about all the landing and services fees? How would we handle poor weather? There was really no way to totally prepare and the next few days were going to be exciting.
I am pleased to report that the most difficult tasks were obtaining a rental car, figuring out how to put it into reverse and getting out of the parking ramp. I also learned that it isn't a good idea to follow someone into Munich without a detailed map of your own. All of these uncomfortable moments quickly faded when we met our hosts and settled into our hotel right on the Donaueschingen airport. Oh yes, I forgot, that at least for me, learning to properly pronounce our location will have to wait until we return next time. Autobahn speeds with a diesel rental car were kind of fun with one eye focused on the rear view mirror.
As Mooneys arrived in Donaueschingen, we were greeted with smiles and perfect English by owners from Germany, England, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and places in between. We enjoyed a fun and relaxing evening getting acquainted and visiting about their airplanes and flights into Donaueschinigen. During our entire time in Germany, I couldn't have been more impressed with our new European friends and their language skills. Everyone seemed as comfortable with English or Globe-ish, as I heard it described, as they were with their native languages.
Following a time of introductions, we spent the first day of the program in a classroom with presentations on engine management, GPS operations and decision making. Participants also learned about safety from the experiences of others and flying by those familiar Mooney numbers.
The following day, I had relaxed and was looking forward to a Mooney 201 air tour of Germany riding with Thomas and Robert, two of my new European pilot friends. Others were ready for a similar experience. Once we learned the importance of the local airport tower — which was primarily for documenting operations, collecting fees and issuing clearances — we departed into German airspace. I enjoyed observing well executed in-flight maneuvers demonstrated by both Thomas and Robert in their Mooney 201s, as well as the beautiful German countryside. I was rightfully cautioned about the importance of airspace since "the sky is the limit" may not mean the same in Germany as it does back home. I quickly learned that a Mooney flies just as well in Germany as it does in Minnesota.
Thanks to the European Mooney Pilots Association, we enjoyed a wonderful Saturday evening six-course banquet at the local country club. Conversations inevitably turned to flying experiences, which was a fitting end to a truly unforgettable day.
Sunday morning started with drizzle, low ceilings and fog. By the time the tower opened at 9 a.m., weather had improved to GPS minimums and those with instrument ratings started to show us their skills. Riding right seat as an observer on actual instruments completing multiple approaches was fun and interesting. It was pleasing to see some of what was presented earlier in the classroom put into play. The ceilings cooperated perfectly, stabilizing right at minimums allowing each pilot a wonderful real weather experience. The importance of GPS approach certified equipment was quickly realized as there was no other way back into Donaueschingen.
Improved weather on Monday enabled us to have yet one more flight experience as we again rode along with those VFR-only pilots. At the end of the program, it was obvious that aviation safety had been enhanced by the interaction of our American group with our new European Mooney pilot friends. We exchanged email addresses, said our goodbyes and started making plans for another European Mooney experience. The mutual love for the Mooney aircraft created a bond of camaraderie that will endure.
During my airline flight back home, there were plenty of hours to reflect on our time in Germany. It was obvious that Mooney pilots are special people all over the world. Looking down on the Atlantic Ocean from 34,000 feet made me think about the reliability and strength of both the Mooney airplane and those who fly them. Much has changed from the days of Lindberg, but the Atlantic is still a vast amount of water to cross. I have much respect for so many of our new European friends that have made that trip by Mooney and would consider doing it again. From all of us Americans who participated, I want to thanks the European Mooney Pilot's and Owner's Association for sponsoring this event. We had a great experience and look forward to next time.
Fly Safe,
Bruce Jaeger