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Here is a quick video from the air:

I’m not a big fan of long posts, so I apologize in advance for this long, three-part thread. ========================= AGL Review "Go to AGL", he* said... "You gotta go to AGL", he* said... "@AGL Aviation is where you have to bring your plane to", he* said, again and again and again (more on 'he' later). You've seen the threads and posts..... Well, I brought my plane to AGL for her first annual since I've owned her, but NOT because he* said it over and over and over. I did so because they are a local-ish shop to me here in NC, a recent mooney service center, and I wanted to start building a long term relationship with people I could trust to keep my plane in the best condition possible. Also, they did the pre-purchase and I felt like I had a good experience with them for that. Well it's done and I had the first 51nm 'test' flight back home. And she purrrrrred, as she did pre-anual. During the annual I had the Whelen Orion 650's put on and those look great. The only delays we had were 1) weather and 2) had to order a part for the exhaust, which had a crack in it. Otherwise they pounded it out pretty darn quickly. The morning I dropped her off, I couldn't get a ride back until late afternoon, so I got to see Lynn, Nathan and Ron attack my plane like a bunch of fire ants who just had their ant hill poked with a stick. It was both impressive and scary, being a new owner and not liking ANYONE touching my plane, to see her in pieces that quickly. If I had to guess, I think they would have had everything done in 2.5 days if we didn't need to wait on parts. So I guess this write-up is both a follow up to my video, which was just meant to show how anxious and nervous I was as a first time owner going through the first annual, as well as to give AGL the shoutout they deserve. I really don't have anyone else to compare an annual to, but I'm happy with their work and service. Tamara is so responsive with any/all questions and oh yeah, her dogs didn't bite me so that's another positive. Also, we had a great pizza lunch the day I was there. I mean, who else is gonna do that? Don't get me wrong, it's not part of the annual service, so don't tell them "but eman said you'd order pizza!". Anyways, here's my shoutout to AGL and the great service they provided. Honestly I think if you were looking for a place to get some work done, you'd be foolish not to take them up on their October discount and give them a shot. I think you'll be happy. a Famous Guy *Ok, moving on to 'he'. The he I'm referring to, in case you've been living under a mooneyspace rock for the last 6 years, is none other than the infamous @Bob_Belville. Bob made his way into the office and introduced himself, and we chatted for a while. Then I had the pleasure of checking out the world renowned E that sits in his hangar. Man lemme tell you, what a sweet looking plane that is. Much better to see it up close and personal. You can tell he's put a lot of thought and work into that plane, she's a real looker. It was really a pleasure to spend an hour or so with Bob, what a nice guy. It was nice to put a face behind the 'shameless promoter of AGL' who is mooneyspace's own Bob Belville Hope you made it out to Texas and looking forward to seeing you again soon! First year of ownership I've rambled enough, but I feel like I still need to give a shoutout to @oldn0tded, who is my plane's former owner (not sure if he comes around here anymore, but it's worth a shot). Also a real standup guy and I believe did his best to maintain this plane while he owned it. When you hear people mention to do a 'pre-buy' on the owner of the plane you're considering purchasing, I can't stress enough how important that really is. He was extremely helpful and also remained flexible during the purchase process and did his part to help make the purchase go as smooth as possible. I know when we swapped money for keys, I owned all issues with that plane from that point forward, but even though I felt horrible doing it, when I txt'd him a few times after the purchase to ask questions, he was more than willing to answer them in as much detail as he could. I really couldn't be happier with how everything worked out. So yeah, thanks John! He isn't too far away from me, and we've recently discussed the possibility of doing some IR training together. We shall see. As for the plane, this mooney continues to put a huge smile on my face EVERY time I get in and turn that key. Anyone on the fence about purchasing, I say short of getting yourself into a financial hole you can't dig yourself out of, find a way to make it happen, find a GOOD plane, and you will NOT be disappointed. OK thanks for listening to me ramble, bye.

Here is another from the backseat of my plane.

Kinda ironic since the number of mooneys that flew into ECP was actually down vs previous years.

I love this place. Where else can people argue over STICKS and CiES. I "survived" 26 years using a STICK, a timer and fuel flow. I did STICK it to myself a few times over those years by doing stupid STICK tricks like skydvrboy said (STICKing with a cruise fuel burn during a requested climb). Heck, I even read the STICK wrong once. The STICK is simple. But after flying with the CiES senders for a year, you get to appreciate the trust you have in the readings. If I see I need 20 gallons per side and I am at 10, the fuel pump is all I need to STICK money into. At least we aren't talking about STICKing valves.

YES! Thank you!!!!! I have an M20F which has 32Gal tanks on each side. This is EXACTLY What I was looking for in this thread. A measuring tape right next to a Gallon representation of what is actually in the tank and explanation of where to rest the wooden stick to measure. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Now since it is "my" thread I'll make a couple of soap-box comments: 1) Thank you all for posting, I love that I can come here with mooney specific questions and get a ton of advice. 2) I don't think the Fuelstik option will work for me because it only has the 27Gal per tank printable scale. :( 3) CIES is doing a great thing and makes a lot of sense! I mean, when I tell non-pilot people that I use a stick to measure a wet tank of fuel on my plane they think I am a caveman. When was the last time you saw anyone using a stick to measure a tank in their car at the gas station? exactly. Now do I want to pay the price of a used car to get that rocket-science technology? Its on the short list...but I'm hoping the cost will come down some how. (I know I know - low volume production in the aviation industry combined with FAA and insurance hurdles in a sue-happy society doesn't seem to allow for low-cost aviation products so we'll just hope for some change later down the line). 4) Why do people feel the need to be rude in this forum toward anyone? I mean, if CIES wants to put a plug in for a product that works for the aviation industry/mooney pilots whats wrong with that? If you don't like the post then don't get butt-hurt, just move on, don't whine, keep it to yourself and keep the conversation clean. We can all agree to disagree politely if need be. 5) For now, I will be measuring with this stick from Browncbr1, then adding fuel to accomodate my flight plus 1.5hrs - setting a personal minimum, if I need more fuel then I schedule a stop in my trip, that works since I have long legs and need to stretch anyway! In the future, I am hoping CIES or someone will be creating an accurate fuel sending system to replace my current system (which I don't trust) at a more manageable price than what is currently advertised. I am new to this industry but I am a control systems engineer so maybe I'll come up with one even. :)

Thanks very much for all the input! New G5 is on the way!

I simply post a picture of an app illustrating a different method with a comment of - "You still use a stick" There was no sales pitch or offer of any product just my logo, which is over on the left as well Can't we just get along.

As I read this thread I'm thinking.....What a great problem to have. A conference on safety to "Better the bread" so well attended the system takes notice. What a wonderful and worth while event. I would like to see the need for a published NOTAM to accommodate future activity! Thanks everyone for a great seminar!

Last Friday, I shipped all the covers that people PMed me about, and I still have some left. Let me know if you want any of these.

Some Mooney found escaping KECP. photo zoomed a maximum amount. The photo ship was not able match the speed / fuel burn of the Mooney speedster... Go iPhone photography! This could only be made better by converting it to a Bonal original! remove some of the reflection from the photo ship’s windows... Best regards, -a-

Here is my stick for 67 F without bladders. Just beginning to wet the bottom of the stick is 7 gallons. 25gallons is at the bottom of the tiny hole in the tab. Only intended to give approximate idea... always use conservative reserves.

With a successful Mooney Summit VI ending today, we will remind all that Mooney Summit VII will be held in Panama City Beach, Florida from Sept 27-29, 2019. We will continue to eveolve the format and hope you will join us. Please provide any suggestions and comments so that we can make this gathering the best possible to “better the breed.” We’ll continually update information regarding Mooney Summit VII as it becomes official. -Seth

This seems like an OWT is encouraging what may well be a (slightly but unnecessary) dangerous practice.

I had a great experience with my first annual at @AGL Aviation too! Great shop and very helpful for a first time owner. @Bob_Belville was instrumental in helping me get my '65 E from @DrBill and to AGL while I was still over seas, I cannot thank them enough. I have over 85 hours and my IFR add-on logged in just over 3 months of ownership.

The “I got to see Bobs plane and all I got was this lousy tee shirt” shirt?

Here is the plane that could not catch me.

Agreed with all. @AGL Aviation did the annual on the plane I just purchased. It was in annual when we did the contract and felt confident enough in their work I didn't need to do a separate pre-buy. Everyone there is great and their reputation is top notch along with the shop they run. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

Shhhh.... You'll give transport Canada ideas on how to make the great republic of canuckistan's pilots lives even more miserable

Ha! Pardon the reference to obscure old Steve Martin movies, but remember that scene in The Jerk where he is all excited because the phone books have been published and he can see his name in print? If you'll permit me a similar moment of pride, I am now a published aviation writer: https://airfactsjournal.com/2018/09/the-other-4-cs-of-aviation/ All that practice I've gotten at MooneySpace may finally start to bear fruit. Now all I need to do is figure out how to get paid for it!

I think you'll get a bunch of anecdotal evidence. I don't think anyone can say for sure which is better. I have bladders, and I'm a believer in them, but no way I'm going to say they hold up better to the elements than a new strip/reseal. I've read many times to keep tanks full, especially if outside. It makes since b/c the fuel could act as a heat sink, but whether it works or not could be an OWT.

Whatever one you go with - this HAS GOT TO TOP IT OFF. https://www.stlfinder.com/model/mooney-fuel-dipstick-topper-DsjK83TP/8072068

I was more surprised that the number of planes was as high as it was, with the weather problems.

Unfortunately you have your tax time, I've got my annual strategic & operation planning as well as the fiscal year close during this time of year. Maybe if I retire that might solve this problem. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Chris, Pure glass, and no moving parts...all digital, for the digits.... Everything has gone touch screens nowadays... Best regards, -a-

Yes, myself and at least one other Mooney I heard on-freq got an impassioned plea from someone who described himself as the manager of the Tyndall Approach Control center, asking that we stagger departures so as to not put so much load on their system all at once. I think the problem was exacerbated by how quickly the weather came in after lunch...probably some that would have flown VFR chose to file IFR instead. My reply was “Roger that...I’ll pass it along. I think the weather caught everyone by surprise a little bit.” He thanked me and then passed me to Tallahassee Approach. So there...@Seth, one more thing to think about as you consider expanding for next year!

Thanks for sharing some photos. Especially for those us who couldn't attend. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Musings from the Summit

After Summit IV, leaving KECP around 1330 headed north, I heard Cairns Control complaining about the number of Mooneys. So I've been alerting them in advance, so the tower is properly staffed and they know what will come their way Friday and Sunday. May need to add Tyndall to the list . . . . If I can find a phone number.

Mooney fly over Waking up to the Mooney summit

I would bet a lot that the problem is the valve pictured. Open the panel on the side of the plane and have someone move the selector valve while you watch the valve on the tank to confirm the cable (wire) operates it properly.

Hey Lee nice meeting you and your bride, hopefully it was uneventful going back to Chesapeake Dan

Actually the 25W halogen specs out at about 500 lumens, maybe a little less. Pretty much any modern 5W LED should beat it easily.

Clearly I need to refine my design! Lol

No need to worry Coco is ready for you 24/7 on the water or on the beach. José

I fully understand!

Chris- Put it on your calendar now - Sept 27-29 2019!! We’d love to see you there. -Seth

You aren't off your rocker, but someone sure is. I am still trying to figure out how you can pull a vacuum AI and install a standalone G5 AI. Yet, an Aspen with a second battery backup AI, driven by a gyro is. And what exactly make a Sandia Quattro legit and the ESI-500 not? Both are AHRS driving units with battery backups. Yeah, yeah, I know. Governmental bureaucracy. Same people who let you a guy with health issues drive a 70,000 rig down the highway, but a pilot with an ingrown toenail needs to be deferred. Hopefully, the madness will subside for the next generation. I'm kinda hoping this nuttiness subsides sooner rather than later. I am starting to develop a taste for real IFR and have an avionics install scheduled. My vac pump and vac-driven AI are a little long in the tooth and replacing/overhauling seems absurd when there are technologically superior options. Upgrading the Aspen pfd to the Max version seems like a no brainer. The max mfd becomes a lot of money though, particularly if you need the extended battery (seems pointless since the battery life is 2+ hours without it?) plus the charts subscription plus the unlock fee to get ads-b in and on and on. The ESI-500 was a serious contender (backup NAV, synth vision) but now that's out too. Looks like it's gonna be the Sandia. I kinda want to put in a questionably legal G5 and call it a day. I'm sure there will be a great, reasonably priced solution the day the install is complete.

If that means reservation slots, you know you have arrived into the big leagues.

https://www.aviationsurvival.com/Winslow-Life-Raft--4-6-Super-Light-Island-Flyer-Light-PN46GASTL_p_186.html Not cheap bastard approved, pretty sure that's worth more than my car... But 29lbs and in terms of life insurance for a cold winter's ditching ... That's not terribly bad, I own PPE that cost more than this...

We started with the Aerospace Logic FL202 with the legacy floats. Worked well for awhile but became so unreliable that we decided to get the Cies floats. They are deadly accurate. The only time we've had problems is when one of our ground wires was not securely attached. Same gauge, different floats.

https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4147179/technical_documents/service_instructions/sim20-58.pdf?t=1536939446395

I'll throw one more maybe minor benefit in FF's favor for me. They're based in Austin and I'm friends with and fly with several of the guys who work there. There are a few features/improvements that I pointed out to my friends over beers after flying... that pretty quickly showed up in the product. It's a relationship worth supporting for me.

Strong message Clarence but I agree: Risking $100K of repairs by using a wobbly $5 bottle jack seems at best ill-considered. Get a jack with adequate strength, good stability, locking collars ... and be careful.

The bottom line is are you more interested in restoring or flying? If you want to fly, buy a cheap flying C for low $20k and fly. If you love restoring, then get a basket case and enjoy the process.