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I get the Cirrus owner stereo types. Its a newer company and the folks that are associated with them have been scrutinized heavily. I think they are fine airplanes. I am not a fan of the fuel tank design, but it will remain, as a redesign is akin to admitting liability for all of charred Cirri that have melted down over the years. I do think they attract new folks to GA that maybe previously would have passed. That's been good for GA even if some of the stand outs in the Cirrus community seem a bit douche baggy, there are a 100 more that are not. We have our own as well... As does every other make. I can stereotype Beech (especially Bonanza) pilots...they often seem to carry themselves as though think that they (and their airplanes) are crème of the GA crop. Having been fortunate enough to ride in the back of a kerosene burner on someone else's dime, I know who the crème is and it's not anyone behind a recip (unless it has 12cyl or more).

The term Comancehee is racist and offensive. Surrender your aircraft to me immediately.

Finally got around to activating the XM Weather on my Garmin 496 today. Well actually I tried to do it 2 days ago, I'll spare you the details, but after 2 hours (not exagerating I checked the phone logs) on the phone over 2 days they finally figured out why the weather wasn't working. The guy put me on a plan that isn't even available for the 496, and would be useless for me if it were. After another 45min I finally got something hooked up. Here's the tip for the guys in the CB club like me. I had heard from various people that the marine weather still provided aviation services, so I signed up for the cheapest Marine weather package, which is $9.95 a month, I figured if it didn't have what I needed I could always change/upgrade. Well once it finally linked up I found that it does in fact show you nexrad radar and METARs for every airport. I haven't had time to go through everything and figure out what else is there, but for less than a third the price of the cheapest aviation package I'm happy so far. Even after adding a music package so I can rock out on the long XC flights I'm still paying $12/month less than the basic aviator plan. Oh, and the activation fee for Marine was only $15 instead of the $75 they charge for Aviation.

I finally started doing some Pilots N Paws flights recently and yesterday was one that just made you smile. On Friday I saw an urgent posting about a Boxer in one of the LA shelters that was on the kill list because of the expected overcrowding due to the 4th of July. He's an older boy and had some veterinary needs, but the people at the shelter loved him and wanted to get him out before he got put down. I already had plans to do a pleasure flight with one of my friends and her boyfriend and since I knew she loved dogs and we didn't have a destination nailed down yet I went ahead and committed to helping to save this guy. It ended up being a very overcast morning so I got to do my first true IFR departure without an instructor on board. The usual heavy socal marine layer, we were up and on top in just a couple minutes. We then flew up to KWHP and did an approach in to meet the woman who got him out of the shelter. He turned out to just be the sweetest dog, and so well behaved it's obvious someone trained him. It kills me to think that someone would spend the time to train a dog so well, then abandon him. He's not the prettiest thing at the moment but the folks at NorCal Boxer rescue are gonna get him some proper vet care and clean him up right. The flight up to Oakland was as smooth as glass and our boy Sam snuggled right up in the back seat with my friend, and they both promptly passed out. When we got there the folks at Kaiser Air were all ready for us and had brought the rescue folks out to the ramp with their car. They treated us great and had a crew car for us to get lunch with as well, and were kind enough to waive all the fees. Guess they love dogs too The trip home took a bit longer with a bit of a headwind, and we ended up having to shoot the ILS back into Palomar right at sunset which was beautiful as they descended us right to the top of the layer before catching the glide slope. Best part of the day was getting home to check my email and finding this link from the woman who dropped Sam off with us. Burned a lot of time and AVGas today, but this made it worth it. https://youtu.be/sWmFviZgp5Q I couldn't resist snapping some pics of the flight either. Dallas

Came across this amazing video this morning. It's a time lapse simulation of 24 hours of air traffic at London's 5 major airports. It was put together by England's ATC. Pretty cool. See it here.

Consider this scenario with a vintage manual gear Mooney with no recurrent ad's except the gear lube/preload AD. The annual is done in the owners hanger using all the necessary Mooney specific tools, manuals and mooney checklist furnished by the owner. The IA has been doing this plane for several years and already has all the AD compliance information stored in his AD software. He arrives in his truck bringing himself and his knowledge. The owner already has all panels removed, Oil drained, filter removed and cut open, plugs removed, filters changed and muffler heat muff lowered . Airplane has been cleaned and is on jacks, the lubing of airframe and prop has been done, wheel bearings repacked and the tools for checking the gear rigging, timing and bore-scope set out ready to use. How long does the actual inspection take in this scenario? A cheap annual doesn't necessarily mean you are getting a paper annual, it just means means you have done everything possible yourself and minimized the time it takes your IA to do what he is required to do.

I have done 5 owner assisted annuals so far on my Mooney. 24 hours of shop time to do an annual on a Mooney is not that far out the box. I will spend the better part of a day opening up the plane for the annual removing inspection covers belly pans, seats, cowling etc. 8 hours of inspection, cleaning, changing filters, lubricating, applying corrosion X etc. a few hours on the log books and 8 hours to reassemble if you are quick. Most mechanics will charge several hundred dollars more for the first annual they do on a plane since it is new to them and they have more research to do. My actual annual cost in $ has been low because of my involvement but I generally spend about 20 to 30 hours of my time as well so if I add that time in to the mix the annuals are quiet expensive. However, I do like to be involved because that lets me know what was done how it was done and how it was put back together.

To that base you have to add 30 to 50 hours of your own time, and a least 1 to 4 AMUs in parts to complete a routine annual on a "C" model. I agree with the 30 - 50 hours of your own time, but how do you get 1 to 4 AMU's for parts given that an annual is an "inspection" and there may be routine parts needed to be replaced, but certainly to 1 - 4 AMU's. Anything above the annual inspection is in the realm of repairs. John Breda

Uber... Love it... we used to use it on the weekends to go out and not worry about having a glass of wine at dinner, but that was before I had my own designated driver for about 9 months... end of August we'll need a baby sitter and an Uber car . We've had awesome experiences with Uber. A few problems, but it's so much easier than dealing with a smelly cab. Just request a driver and then get out of the car. Sure- they're not all great, but they're a lot better than a cab. Sitting here in front of my computer, I can't think of a single ride that was truly terrible.

You are now a member of the C.S.O.B. club (Cheap son of a beech)...

I don't want beech talks sloppy seconds.

Was this a stealth C150 that the military could not detect?. After all these billions spent on stealth technology a $20K C150 can do the job? José

Significant? Depends on the Mooney. A normally aspirated 4 banger with manual gear should only add a few hours to an inspection over a 172. It takes all of ten minutes to check the gear preloads once the plane is jacked (I put together a power point presentation for a fellow mooney spacer if you want it). Lubricating a hartzel prop might take an hour and 85% of the work is R&Ring the spinner, many A&Ps are dubious about the benefits as am I. One thing is for sure, if you "over service" the hub with grease you'll herniate the seals and create a mess. That is one way to make an annual significantly more expensive than a 172. The reality is, Mooneys have more inspection panels to remove than just about any other plane of comparable size. You can blow through nearly 4 hours of shop time just in R&R of panels. That's $300-$400 just to open things up.

AOPA and the Air Safety Institute are following developments closely. As the NTSB works through the investigative process, If there are lessons learned that can prevent this sort of accident from happening again, we will do everything in our power to help pass that information along to the pilot community. http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2015/July/08/Tragedy-over-South-Carolina

An annual is a signature in a book, there are guys who will pencil whip one for $200-500. The advantage at a reputed MSC is that you are going to get a bundle of services that are clearly defined by an expert on Mooney's with that signature. In addition a reputed MSC is going to have a track record of not over charging and communicating any expenses outside of the base price prior to doing that work. All annuals are the same (a signature to be legal) but what comes with that signature and at what price is very different. It amazes me with resources like this forum and other internet sources how many people end up with bad experiences.

I just wish the year wouldn't pass so damn fast

our last one was 120 hours, hah. But they found some issues. Nothing major, but a hundred bucks here, 10 hours there all adds up. I'm not bitter at all.

I think the base rate for the MSC at Troutdale (TTD) near Portland Oregon is about $2200 or so. Then add on any repairs they have to do. Our last annual was about $3200. Seems to me Top Gun is pretty much in line with that. Bob

I do the same. My IA charges me his flat rate (22 hours) and then gives me credit for my hours @ his shop rate. My last annual was $536 net, plus my time, my oil, filter, lubes, etc. Over the years I've accumulated tools, lubricants etc. The A&P has the gear load tool.

Look at it in time spent, not cost. I'm not sure what LASAR charges as a shop rate. In my neck of the woods, A&Ps are less than auto mechanics $85 vs $95-$100. My last annual cost me $500 of credentialed labor, 2 days of my time and about $450 in parts. Keep in mind that I have my own MX manuals, jacks, rigging tools and a full allotment of tools, lubes, filters. My IA shows up to jacked up aircraft with the inspection panels removed. He brings a mirror and a flashlight... With my time off, I'm not reallly saving money on the inspection, but I want to be there to see and do everything I can.

I think it's not merely the shop rate, there are a lot of a&ps who don't know Mooney specific items and learn on our airplanes, while a knowledgeable mechanic may take 5 hours on something an experienced Mooney tech. May take 2-3 hours who knows, also which one has the skill,education,experience know how to do the work properly. There are a lot of non MSC tech. Out there that are very good, so I assume it's merely finding them. Those of you who have the skill to help with the annual are also much more informed and better off. There have been numerous threads re. This subject that can be easily researched..also it seems the variance in costs of maintenance is so extreme you'd wish there was a cost manual that was in use and available to us.

You can count me in for that. I might be a little close for a 2 leg transport to make sense though

Unit is going back to JPI for the manifold pressure issue and waiting for them to figure out what to do with the squelch opening issue. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yeah, I wish they would come out with foreflight for Android & Windows tablets though. I hate being forced to buy an iPad just for Foreflight. And no, Garmin Pilot (especially on Android) does not compare to Foreflight.

Can't we all just get along

Yeah, I was generalizing and exaggerating. I do think they are tremendous airplanes that have invigorated GA in ways a tired old C-172 (or my 50 year old M20C) could never have. And yes, I do know Cirrus owners who aren't morons or douche bags. But I stand by my assertion that their area at Oshkosh is annoying.

Does it work with the bluetooth remote? If not then you're better off with one of the other GoPro models that does. Nothing worse than wasting half your battery and memory card on the taxi and runup, then having nothing there for half the trip. Also at that price point I really cant find a good justification for it on the plane. I use older gopros all the time and there's no noticeable effect on the airplane and the only vibration I get is from the engine and that's not gonna be solved with a smaller camera.

What you just described is a taxi cab. Read my post again. If nobody is available you know right now and you call a cab or get a rental car. You're not left sitting there waiting thinking you have a ride, you know immediately. Then you get to hope that the cab you call decides to show up, which in my experience is a crap shoot at best. You're good at making yourself sound high and mighty and that your time is so valuable, but when it comes to this topic you're obviously quite ignorant. Try deflating the ego a little and educating yourself on which you speak. Also stop comparing to Uship, they aren't the same company and it's not even the same service. Uber: Click button on phone. If ride is accepted you can track the car up to the curb. If ride isn't accepted you know in a matter of seconds. Cab: You call, then you wait. Maybe they come, maybe they dont. You wont know until they either show up or they dont. Which one sounds more like the waste of time and failure rate you described? I know which one has failed more often for me, and it's not Uber.

Who would have thunk that a product like this even had a use, but those guys found a niche that nobody had ever thought of before. It's companies like this that make America great and why the best years are still ahead of us, as opposed to what many of our countrymen seem to think. As long as America continues to innovate, we'll be just fine.

I also have one just taken out. Put in my Lynx NGT 9000. Has the tray as well. But won't undercut the offer by kmyf20. It is for sale, same price for anyone else. This price is about $100 less than the going average I see with on line sellers. Get kmyfm20s's deal, anyone else need one?

My name is Alan , and I am a Bonanzaholic............

Backward tail envy is not pretty...

Digging up this old thread. I just purchased a KT74, $2500. It does indeed require a certified GPS input to enable ADSB out. It's easy to configure and installation could not be more simple. Good looking unit. Mine says made in the UK.

Peevee where do you hangar? I'm at ZPH.

WE HAVE THE BEST CONTROLLERS WHEN WE NEED THEM THE MOST..THERE HELP IS UNMEASURABLE THANK YOU

No problem..just a long day flying from Kilg to Longview Tx alone..my point was that we all bitch about the controllers but on my trip they were more than helpful from W Va to Tx...we've had lots of discussions of were people fly in poor weather high, low 100 miles from storms etc..I feel there is no correct answer except what's there when you are..btw you've rapped about the worth of the skew t charts..I'm not totally stupid but I don't understand them, used some of the items you have previously mentioned ..foreflight has really upgraded there imagery and weather products which I feel are of utmost usefulness..just a lond day..I go back commercial in 10 days to pick up my plane then my wife and I will do an extended vacation on the way home..going wherever the plane points us..

Update: this video says it all, just change my word "sensor" to "indicator" in the video. No resolution thus far. http://youtu.be/C_I-OjGJI-U Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

As you should, nice looking Mooney, one of my favorites on MS

Do you offer any specials? Buy one get one free or half off? How about for unsatisfied customers? Full money back or store credit?

Gemini Aviation bought Dugosh and several of the crew stayed. They did my last annual....very thorough, and they still have the Dugosh name as well as Gemini. They moved to different hangars at Kerrville, but still at KERV.

Retired in April 2002 after selling my Adelaide (South Australia) based Engineering business I'd established in 1982 Employed 30 people when sold in 2002, Bought it back September 2013 with then 6 employees for less than 2 cents in the dollar, Built it back up to ~25 employees by Feb 2014 Retired (again) just last week - this time my son is running it. Treating myself to a trip to Oshkosh 2015 in Seat 1A as a retirement gift to myself.

Thanks Chuck! I just ordered a set and will have them in before the weekend. I'll post a pirep after I have some time with them.

Owning a plane is the best, isn't it? I'm anxious to start doing P-n-P flights as well. My wife and I just started volunteering at our local humane society and I'm looking forward to helping some their animals find a good home.

nice john! but we got you beat - my son and I once carried a dozen chihuahua on a pnp mission. I'll dig the picture out when I get home.

I’m the new owner of a 1991 Mooney M20M Bravo after a long search for a fast efficient plane. This is a great aircraft and the one that I purchased is low time with a relatively low time reman engine and prop with NDH. Two issues have shown up though since the purchase that puzzle me. The first is that the electric elevator trim switch on the yoke works well until I engage the autopilot. After the autopilot is disengaged, I have to manually trim the aircraft. I have noticed that this takes place every time I use the autopilot after the aircraft has been shut down. It seems almost like a clutch has not or will not disengage until power off. A question is “Would it be okay to pull the breaker on the autopilot (KFC150) after having been engaged and then disengaged in flight, then restoring power to the autopilot to see if the electric trim switch on the yoke begins to work again?” Second, the WX1000 stormscope worked perfectly on the first day that I flew the aircraft after signing the papers. Starting up the second day, the unit did not power up and has not since. Does anyone have any experience with the stormscope and this type of failure. Seems like a power issue but I wouldn’t know where to start. Both being avionics issues, can you recommend someone in the Alabama-Georgia area to look into these issues. They certainly don’t keep the plane grounded on a great VFR day but otherwise I’d like to solve both before having to deal with weather.

You did well. At the airlines we call it CRM (cockpit resource management). That means, the Captain (CA) uses all sources of information to make the decision. That includes other people. At the same time, the First Officer is not supposed to be shy about speaking up when the CA makes what he thinks is a mistake. CRM applies even when it isn't about your plane. You were providing the pilot with more information to make a proper decision. Its easy to say what you should/would have done in retrospect, but in the heat of the moment I think you did well. Looking back, if it had been me I might have done about what you did, then afterward I might wish that I had: 1. Taken the pilot aside and talked to him in private so as not to embarrass him. 2. If he was taking the plane to an airport to have the engine overhauled I might have let him go, but offered his wife a ride in my plane (especially if she was cute). Hey, I'm old, not dead! 3. If he was planning on flying the plane back home from his destination, in other words, planned on continuing to fly the plane; I might be willing to embarrass him in front of his wife by talking about the risks he was taking. After doing that, I would once again, offer his wife a ride. After that, any decision they made would be up to them. Bob

Do you think he was influenced by the presence of the parachute?

My sphincter tone has been hushed by my Bose headset. Get one. Clouds won't bother you anymore.

Apriav. Check your PMs.