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I ought to know better than to take your rhetorical questions seriously but... As a matter of fact my vacuum AI gave up the ghost a few months ago. We sent it off for overhaul. It had been overhauled or replaced about 10 years earlier. (In my 1st year of ownership of this E, before replacing most of the panel, I had to also have the Stormscope and the KNS80 overhauled. The Narco HSI needed work but there was no one who worked on it anymore. And three avionics shops had not been able to make the KNS80 play nice with the STEC50 unless you think steering away from the needle in NAV mode is nice.) Gullible? Name calling doesn't pass for logic in this league. An Aspen may replace an 20 year old HSI but it is almost infinitely more capable. Likewise a GTN750 vs. a KNS80. Choosing greater single pilot IFR situational awareness is being gullible? Dependability? I'm not at all sure your claims for the unmatchable mean time between failure for the legacy instruments is supportable by the facts. There is a whole industry devoted to rebuilding legacy instruments. Someone is experiencing failure of those miraculous old workhorses. Hopefully not at a critical moment. As to the effect the Part 23 rewrite will have, we'll see. I'm not holding my breath. (By comparison, I expect to continue to get an old fashion Class III Airman's Physical every other year even with the much ballyhooed change in that area.) Headed to the airport to put access panels back on someone else's Mooney. Y'all be kind to each other in my absence.

I would think that you guys would know by now that I would never pay somebody to do something that I can take ten times as long and probably spend the same amount of money doing myself. [emoji13] Besides, where would I learn all my new cuss words if I did that?

Can the new forum be renamed "Hell," since it will be? Then when someone makes an inappropriate post, we can chime in with "go to Hell" and a link to take them there!!

I like to fly with my cat Barney.Unfortuately I don't have a cute photos to share because he refuses to be photographed.Come to think of it ,there aren't very many things that cat will do!..I mean he acts like I tried to run him over!Wont come when I call and basically ignore me!His "aim"when he in the litter box isn't great,and he's got bad breath!Last time I took him flying ,I got his carrier out ,opened it and than forgot to feed him for a few days.Than I put some fresh tuna in his carrier...would you believe it ,it took three more days till he would go in there and I could slam the door shut!The drive to the airport was pleasant except while stopped at a redlight ,the car next to me complained about all the noise coming from my backseat.Ive been kinda deaf since the late eightys so it didn't bother me.I get to hanger ,open it up and pull out the plane and preflight.Next I get Barney and put him in the back seat ..I gotta admit,he's not looking so good..kinda crazy eyed and frothing at the mouth.I guess he forgot how much he enjoys flying with me!Anyway I've got him secured to the seat belt so can't jump out and chase birds like last time.Barney likes to do slow flight and stalls and mild acrobatics like steep banks and chandells.Any way after an hour or so he tends to get a little antsy..so I land at an airstrip 20 or 30 miles from my house to give Barney a breather.Wouldnt you know it ..Barney did what he did last time..bolted for the door and took off running like there was no tomorrow.I guess it will be a couple weeks till Barney comes dragging himself home!That cat sure loves to chase birds and to fly!

Remind me again, how long have those "legacy instruments" been there working quietly? How did we aircraft owners become so gullible? Is 4 years such a big accomplishment? What are our expectations of these ovetpriced vga boxes if they want to replace legacy instruments that are 20 or 30 or more years old and running? They've got some big shoes to fill! That's for sure! There are two sides to this severely lopsided equation that I see: price and dependability measured in years in service. They'll never compete with legacy in years. But if price comes down to earth it offsets if it has to be replaced sooner. So far we've been fed bs that TSO certification is a must to safety and some of us have paid thousands for boxes that are no where near as dependable as the instruments they aspired to replace. It has been very dissapointing. We've been told that there have been no accidents attributed to certified imstrument failure and we've believed it! Newsflash: there have been no accidents attributed to non-certified instrument failure either! The market with these overpriced boxes is cold due to part 23 rewrite. We'll finally see a major correction in the price part of the equation. At least 50% would be my estimation. More options to choose from as well.

What difference does the processor make, if they can perform the functions as advertised with intel 8086, that's the only thing that counts. And ditto for the screen, it's not like you will be watching movies. You need graphics that convey the information, precisely and with no ambiguity, that's it. Oh, by the way, those screens have to be readable in direct sunlight, and not overheat, and it needs to be supported for the next 30 years. Try calling Apple about a product they built in the 1990s and You want it upgraded, like Garmin did by upgrading 430 units to WAAS. oh, and they only going to sell a 100,000 units, max, over it's lifetime, as oppose to Apple that sells millions of iPhones and expects them to be upgraded after 3 years. I think some of y'all expectations are completely devoid of realities of certified, low volume units that you expect to be supported till end of time.

1) It is a challenge to behave appropriately even when we are all on the same team. 2) we have important topics to cover for mooney related topics, and aviation related topics. 3) as soon as we get outside these narrow topics the wheels fall off and the thread gets shut down. 4) It is challenging to not be misunderstood. 5) It is challenging when somebody writes something accidently hurtful. 6) There are several places I go for the non-aviation stuff. Why would I want to go here for that? 7) We get several new people each week joining us here to learn something about Mooney ownership. For this we are special. Are we looking to increase our membership with non-aviation, non-mooney interests? 8) We have enough hurdles to get over as we are from different parts of the world, different countries, different orientations, different age groups, different economics... why would we want to add more stress to an already stressful situation? 9) What is the upside to adding this section? The Timmy thread made us all look like neanderthals. Even those that didn't take part in it. Guilty by association... 10) Maybe I misunderstood something. But it sounds like a couple of guys sitting around a table deciding that New Coke could easily replace the standard old Coke. Only this time the company has asked the customers how they feel about the situation... I'm still a fan of the old Coke. As of yesterday, I have kept up reading every post put up here. The only things I have not clicked on are the endless photo streams that appear when people post their photos. This change would give me the opportunity to do something else... Some wise person once said, all good things must come to an end... On that note, I voted to stay the same old MooneySpace we were yesterday. Different than all the other places available on the web. Best regards, -a-

Had some ratchets that needed to be rebuilt for 5 years. Some of my grandfathers screwdrivers got some new blades. And I bought a new #2 phillps. $20.00 Was driving out I-10 and saw him at a shop. Had to make it happen, was only several minutes late to the meeting

Alrightly. I will take down the forum More that 90% of you not in favor of this tells me it is a bad idea.

oh, we're posting panel pics?

Update: ArtCraft is providing door prizes for our little event. 1. One complimentary aircraft detail job for your Mooney will be given away. 2. One set of custom propeller socks [covers they could be called I guess] with your N number printed on them will be given away. Also, we have a very special guest you will be honored to meet and visit with. Stand by for that announcement.

No. I didn't think "Little Timmy" helped me with my Mooney at all, but it did make me dislike some of the posters. Who needs it?

Probably won't have a choice except to rip it all out and install steam gauges...

Bob quotes $2400 to OH a KI256 and align with the KAP. I had to have my "fine swiss watch" KI256 overhauled for the second time in less than 600 hours since new a couple of weeks ago. The J I fly had to have its' KI258 overhauled in Dec by Bob for $2400. Bob is a great guy, but these POS king AI's are making him a very wealthy man

there are many things going on and economics is a very powerful driving force. Purely speculation here but if a basic Nav/Com like an SL30 could be had new for $1k plus installation and the CDI would be say $250 you might see people upgrading the KX170 radios that still work and you might see people upgrading them more often regardless. I bit the bullet and replaced my GPS with an IFD540 and few other gadgets $20amus by the time I was done. It didn't hurt as bad since I purchased the 540 before they were certified. Do I like the new box yes I do and I'm glad I did it. I still feel that the FAA should let up and allow us to put avionics in our planes that we feel would best suit our mission and goals regardless of TSOs STC and any other alphabet soup you can come up with specifically for personal private use.

For those who own a WX-500, it will display on the MFD or the third screen. If you look at my MFD, in the lower left hand corner is the WX-500 cell/strike counter. Bob - with the MFD, you get a second HSI, not a CDI. At my home airport served by a VOR approach, I keep the GPS overlay on one HSI and tune the VOR in on the second HSI. That way I am legally flying the VOR indication but have the GPS overlay as a cross reference. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Full is at the base of the pipe or fill tube. Above the base of the fill tube is for expansion. But yes you can keep filling above "Full" but you should be at rated capacity at the base. You should empty each tank and actually measure it as many Mooney owners have done since many have found they have less than than rated capacity. One reason for this is if sealant was applied to vent holes in the top of the rib, then the inside bay will not be able to vent the air and won't fill on its own. Before you count on gallons you may or may not have its a good idea to measure your capacity and calibrate your own dip stick for measuring partially filled tanks. It will also ensure you have an accurate weight for any fill level you decide to use. if you have the little fuel gauges on the top of the tank you can also verify their accuracy. They are usually pretty good.

2 or 3 years ago I would have most likely bought an aspen at near half price if it were. But now I think the promise of a part 23 rewrite allowing more modern avionics and at cheaper prices "soon" is freezing the current market for current 10 year old technology certified equipment. The idea of a 25k ten year old g500 is not appealing. For 25k I want a screen and processor that is competitive technology to my iphone. For 3k yeah maybe I would be happy with vga. Sort of. Meanwhile - I have steam guage. But I sort of think these rube-goldberg swiss-watch grade mechanical instruments are just plane neat. I wear an analogue watch.

I might just take them up on the offer- my guess is declining sales, though... like you said. They would move twice the units if they were half the price- maybe they are finally figuring that out....

This is one of those times where, instead of selling your strengths (where you make money), you may be required to buy your stated weakness (lack of expertise and tools) to do it for you. Like this. The unfortunate consequence of this action is complete and utter loss of any standing in the CB club. Sorry.

The 4th Annual Mooney Caravan Formation Flying Clinic is back at KHYI on March 31 to April 2, 2017. FBO: Redbird Skyport at KHYI: (512) 878-6670 Contact: Bucko Strehlow 8 Corby Lane San Antonio, TX 78218 (210) 887-0144 bucko.strehlow@gmail.com Purpose: Train pilots to safely perform formation flying using classroom briefings and actual aircraft in actual conditions. The clinics provide a professional learning format, with pre and post flight briefings, along with skilled observer pilots helping to conduct the clinic and riding in the training aircraft. The Mooney Caravan organization is dedicated to facilitating a safe and enjoyable formation mass arrival flight into AirVenture Oshkosh each year, as well as developing opportunities (such as these clinics) throughout the year to get together and fly our fantastic airplanes. Our participants share a strong sense of camaraderie and the friendship’s born via our common interests in aviation and Mooney aircraft, spanning the continent and the entire year between Oshkosh Caravan flights. The enjoyment and enthusiasm which we all experience at AirVenture doesn’t wear off; we keep it going throughout the year! Why you should do it (Check all that may apply): 1. Because IT WILL BE A LOT OF FUN !!! 2. To learn new skills and make yourself a better pilot. 3. To be able to fly into Oshkosh in an organized group (with the Mooney Caravan), and with more safely than using the FISK arrival. (Note: this is totally optional. A lot of you may not even be going to KOSH this year, but this will hopefully plant the seed and you can join us in the future.) 4. See #1 above- IT IS A LOT OF FUN DOING THIS TYPE OF FLYING. Sign Up Deadline: Friday, March 17, 2017, which is two (2) weeks before the actual clinic. This is to allow us to get enough Observer/ Safety Pilots for the course. These pilots may be coming from California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas, and we need time to organize how many are required. Also, please note that attendance may be limited, so it is best to SIGN UP EARLY. Also, if Safety pilots are limited, some preference may be given to pilots planning to fly in this year's Caravan. Cost: $ 100. This is due at Sign Up. This covers dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. It will also be used to buy beer and sodas for the dinners. Hotel: Still deciding. (Negotiations on room rates are presently ongoing.) You will pay for your own hotel room, and are free to either stay with the group or to make your own arrangements. A list of participants will be provided about a week before each clinic so that you may make arrangements to share rooms, if you wish. Transportation: You fly there and we will get you back and forth on the ground. Anyone getting a rental or having a personal car available would be appreciated and pressed into service. Homework: Download and read the "Mooney Caravan Formation Guide" prior to attending the clinic. It can be downloaded from the mooneycaravan.com website from a link in the "Training" section. Newbies: Watch the Video of the ground training (filmed at an earlier San Marcos/ KHYI Clinic) also in the training section of the website. I know: there is a lot of information there. The important items will be reviewed at the Basic Formation Ground School on Friday morning, but you need to have read the Guide so that the information presented at the briefing will be somewhat familiar to you. Note: If you have not read the Guide prior to coming to the clinic, you may not fly in the clinic. So, sign up if you are coming by sending your $ 100 to me at the above contact address, along with your email and phone information. Also include your ratings (SEL, IFR, Comm'l, etc), approximate flying hours, Mooney Model, home base, and whether you'll be flying with the Caravan into KOSH this year or in the future. If you are like me, I originally was going to go to Oshkosh years ago but was planning on landing at a satellite airfield because I did not enjoy the VFR/ FISK arrival. Having done multiple Formation Flying Clinics in Yuma, AZ, El Paso, TX, Kerrville, TX, and San Marcos, TX, I have now flown with the Mooney Caravan and arrived in style and safety for the past three (3) years. Warning: This type of flying is very addicting: I have flown over 100 formation hours in 2016 alone, and almost 30 hours so far this year (2017) as part of multiple formation elements (2 ships, 3 ships, and 4 ships). Texas has a lot of people interested in this and a lot of opportunities abound to fly together. Tailwinds and High Speed; Bucko M20-E

You don't have a 2nd battery by chance: Emergency Backup Battery, possibly for a glass avionics?

And you guys know how I feel about the looks of my woman! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

If you can only afford an airplane, or a hangar, go with the hangar. You will get far more utility out of the hangar. A side benefit is that it is more acceptable to drink beer in your hangar than in your airplane.

with the monroy tanks, god only knows.

Looking at your panel, that appears to be the only option. The integration of the WX-500 is done well. You can split the MFD page to a 2 or 3 page and put the WX-500 output on its own dedicated page. With the 3rd screen, you can also put the WX-500 output on it as well. I personally like the WX-500 on top of my Nav page on the MFD. it shows storm activity and my course line on the same display. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Bob - you'll still be stuck with the AI. The extended battery version of the MFD will replace the ASI & ALT only. The backup AI requirement won't allow the MFD 1000 to act as a backup, even if it is a 3 screen. What Aspen is offering is a great deal. The SVS and unlock code is work $3k or so. The 3rd screen is basically a display screen and doesn't have the AHRS or backup capabilities to the PFD or primary MFD1000. Either way, they still command a pretty penny for the third screen. You'll be able to put your GDL-88 FIS-B and TIS-B up on the displays. I really love my MFD, so much information. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Having gotten nowhere with Bendix King I spoke with Kelly who makes the RC Allen and was supposedly making the KI300 for King. Apparently they had a falling out and that's no longer the case. King is going on their own with the KI300. I read this to mean that availability status is uncertain. Kelly does have plans to introduce an AI with autopilot inputs similar to KI300.

That's not my problem...it's getting long in the tooth to be excited at 10k. So no sale to me.

I hope for your sake Barney's not related to Toonces. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It will be your choice, Raptor baby--buy some sheet metal work (took me two annuals' worth), or buy some new cylinders. Nothing personal, that's just how it is . . . .

You nailed it as "disconnect". They are labeled as DISC & NORM or ISOLATE and NORM. In the NORM position they provide backup power to the Aspen when need be, in Isolate or DISC the backup system is removed/isolated/disconnected. Here is diagram. I've never used one myself, just seen them in clients aircraft with multi-panel Aspen installations.

Certainly, and better to request the alternate missed approach procedure before accepting the clearance. And if lost comm before being cleared for the approach, pick one you have the equipment to fly.

Either a response to declining sales or trying to move current inventory in advance of a new product would be my guess.... maybe a little of both. There isn't anything new that directly competes with their single tube product, yet. I wouldn't be surprised if that changes this year.

It's sad that it would occur to anyone to use MS for any purpose than fixing and flying Mooneys. I've left other forums, even Facebook, to keep my day from being ruined by such rants. I fear that giving them their own rubber room will just encourage them.

Per www.godchecker.com, I think the correct deity is Kui-Xing, the Chinese God of Official Documents and Paperwork. I would ask if he has any sway with pushing Sabremech's STC paperwork through the FAA. Also tell him my engine burnt an exhaust valve for him recently as an offering

If you have 420+ deg F CHT temps in climbout (in the winter no less) there are some serious holes in your doghouse. Just sayin.......

This thread is just getting started! Wait 'til some of us get our new cowl and post pireps.

BTW, I can tell you from experience this is not the type of damage that is done by overheating the turbo.