A Mooney Mite in Central America

This article was submitted by Salvador Sanlley of Miami, FL. We regret that the Mite cannot be identified, but we think it could be one of the missing ones in the N3xxM series. Any other guesses?

Salvador A. Sanlley during 1962 at General Aviation Hangars (in front of 08-26 runway) at Ilopango International Airport, San Salvador, El Salvador, Central America.

"Going through my old photo albums, I found this picture that I wanted to send you guys a long time ago. I mentioned in a previous guest book entry.

"The owner at that time was the late Carlos Viaud (aka El Bebe), outstanding crop duster pilot, member of a well known French family established in El Salvador during 19th Century and uncle of my present wife Jazmine. He used the Mite as transportation to and from the runways used to spray crops (cotton, sugar cane, etc.). He told me the plane performed flawlessly, and it was relatively fast and economical. He used it between 1959 and 1964. He sold the aircraft to a Honduran to buy a 1960 Champion 7EC-150 hp. The Champion allowed him to take with him his mechanic to the work locations. We do not know the whereabouts of the beautiful Mooney Mite.

"As well as being my friend, Carlos ended up being my instructor in 1974 when I obtained my Private Pilot’s license.

"Since then, I have been hooked on the Mooney Mite. I have followed the history of this little “classic” over the years and was very glad I found you guys in the Internet.

"I grounded myself in 2003, after a couple of serious episodes of “atrial fibrillation”. I had accumulated 2,740 hours as PIC with a Single Engine Land license. As of today, I plan to re-gain my license next year since my medical condition has not worsened and is under control."

Salvador A. Sanlley, BSEE, MSEE, MBA

2008-07-05