Rather than buying an Arrow, perhaps you'd want to look at a Mooney.
I've had both and like the Mooney better hands down. The Mooney has a
MUCH simpler gear system with less headaches. The cabin width is the
same. The cabin length is the same (both Mooney and Piper added an
extra 10 inches in the late 60's early 70's). If you compare Arrows to
Mooneys of the same year, the only difference is the Mooney is going 15
knots faster and can fly higher. You're flying behind the same O-360 or
IO-360 engine, same prop etc. The Mooney has a stronger airframe but
still usually gives you around 1000 lbs of useful load (don't talk
about full fuel, its not Mooney's fault that they can carry extra
fuel).
All the silly stories you hear about the Mooney turn out to be false.
They are not harder to fly. They are *NOT* harder for tall pilots (I'm
6'4" and actually think I have more leg room in the Mooney). The back
seat size is 100% the same (comparing same years). I've had 4 large
guys in my plane, and even sat in the back and its doable (although
tight). All in all the Mooney is just a bit better, kinda like a
Cherokee is a bit better than a 172. The Mooney can come down the ILS
at 737 speeds when necessary for busy airports too (I actually had to
slow for one once!!).
-Robert, CFI
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