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Showing content with the highest reputation on 05/30/2020 in all areas

  1. Wife and I took our 11 week old first child on his first flight today. Filed for 5000, ended up cloud surfing the tops at 7000. Saw someone before me suggest taking out the right seat so my wife sitting back seat with our son would have plenty of leg room. Worked like a charm. Kid loved the flight. Can't wait to do lots more flying as the 3 of us. Wife wants another child sooner than later. Need Jimmy to find me a FIKI long body once or before the next one is here. But for now she was thrilled with how much leg room she had. Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
    11 points
  2. Hi everyone, first-time topic-starter....long-time lurker. I've been obsessively reading everything on here as I am looking to buy my first plane. I've put a deposit on one and I just wanted to crowd source some wisdom from this esteemed group. About me I started flying when I was 15. Today I'm a ~700 hour Commercial SEL, CFI/II and I will have my MEL and MEI finished by the end of the summer. I made big career moves about 2 years ago and started flying again after a 15-year hiatus. I got burned out in various business roles and decided I wanted to be a pilot (or do something in the aviation space) so I quit my job and finished all my ratings. I was ready to slug it out as a line instructor at American Flyers at ADS when an interesting opportunity came up at a big flight school in Arizona. More to that story, maybe I can share that some other time. The mission I want a capable cross-country performer that is relatively economical. I'm basically looking at the Mooney "billboard"--max speed, max efficiency. I also want something I can be proud of. I started looking at Cessna Cardinals, and I can't totally express it, but they're just sort of boring like a Cessna 172....or in the car world a Toyota Camry. A Camry is a fantastic car...I drive an overgrown Camry (Avalon)....but I don't pretend it's sexy. I wanted a little more sex appeal in my airplane. Reality set in, and I realize that 80% of my flying will probably be local, and with only 1 pax. It's just me and the wife. So there was a brief detour down the EAB route. I like RVs....I'd take an RV-6 through 8 any day. My 91 year-old grandfather-in-law is currently building his 5th RV in Florida (RV-7a). I have been watching, but I haven't found an RV that I love...and I have no time/interest in building one right now. I even considered an RV-12...performance of a 172, but half the operating costs. If a Cardinal = Camry, an RV-12 = BMW R1200. At the end of the day, an airplane is meant to go far, fast. If I just wanted a light local cruiser I would probably get into gyroplanes (which is of interest to me down the road). So, I'm back at the Mooney. As a native Texas son, it's a history I can get behind and I love the community I've seen here as well as the knowledge-base and support for what are now 60 year-old airplanes. I've looked at C's, E's, F's, J's...really any of them fit my mission pretty well. I don't put the premium on mid vs short, and I'm equally indifferent on carbureted, johnson bar, etc. The biggest deal for me is I want a nice clean plane that has a panel components from this millennium. Even though I learned to fly a six pack, I fly G1000 equipped Piper and Diamond products 20-30 hours a month...and it's hard to go back to steam gauges all the time. So, to summarize my requirements list: Clean mechanical, paint and interior...looks nice and is something I can feel proud of. I don't want a project right out of the gate, I want to fly an airplane. Avionics from this millennium, IFR capable As fast as possible (speed mods) within my sub-$100k budget Autopilot So, I've basically been looking for what everyone is looking for. There's a lot of nice stuff out there. Nothing is perfect, and even though we're in the midst of a pandemic, good stuff moves quickly. I have had a half-dozen emails, texts, phone calls that ended in "Sold yesterday!" Enter 26Q Perusing Mooneyspace, I fell in love with @David Lloyd 's M20C, but his wife had other plans for me ... He was kind enough to point me in a different direction. So, I looked at it and got intrigued. I reached out to the broker. "UNDER CONTRACT, I'LL LET YOU KNOW IF ANYTHING CHANGES." Ugh. Buying airplanes is hard. Well I'll be darned if the broker didn't email me yesterday and say that it was available. (Story goes: owner was trading this in on a Baron and the Baron deal fell through.) So, I've jumped on this one...the deposit is funded and the contract is under review. Positives 200HP engine (Lasar STC) on the M20C airframe. Aspen PFD/MFD, Garmin 650, ADSB Nice interior, clean paint. Lots of other LASAR upgrades Flown 50-100 hours per year over the last decade (100/yr in the last 2-3 years) Negatives Mid-time engine (1316 SMOH) with an older overhaul (1995) Paint isn't what I would pick, but it's growing on me in a retro 90s, tie-dye t-shirt sort of way. Brittain Autopilot....but hey, what can ya do. At least it works (per broker). Can't find anything about Cornerstone....the broker is associated with the current maintainer, JB Aviation Maintenance...both out of IL. But the broker has been pleasant and responsive to work with so far... @gsxrpilot are they on your list? What happens next? I know the popular refrain...MSC PPI, check for corrosion, @Parker_Woodruff is working on my insurance quote, etc. Now I'm looking for other feedback as I have the weekend to get my ducks in a row: Does anyone know this airplane or broker? What is the closest/bestest MSC to Chicago/C77? Anybody see anything that makes you go "hmm"? Why has this one been sitting since March? Is the price too high? Is the paint too ugly? Is Johnson Bar LG better than electric LG??? (Just kidding. We don't need another thread about this...) I really appreciate the help and feedback!
    6 points
  3. Congratulations America!!! We so needed this !!!!!!
    4 points
  4. Well, fwiw, *I* own Mooney N3555N now, and after fixing a bunch of squawks, and a very thorough annual, she's a great plane. @BobW if your dad is still around, please let him know his bird is getting the love an attention she deserves after a few years of neglect. The attached photo is from last night, I parked at KFTT (Fulton, MO) over night, and spotted a '67 M20F on the ramp. I live in Michigan, and she's hangared at KARB (Ann Arbor). I'm flying her about 350 hours a year.
    4 points
  5. Finding the a&p that will let me do the work in Caddo Mills is the main problem — that and I run my own business so taking the time is the other. Since I’d rather fly than rebuild ‘another’ plane again (been there done that), I’m going to accept this outcome. Maybe 10 years ago I would for sure but, after all the things I’ve had to deal with recently, I’d rather fly. Appreciate the input! -Don
    3 points
  6. I don't know either the broker or the shop. Not on my "list" A few interesting things about this airplane. It is certainly a heavily upgraded C. It looks like 1996 was the year to do some major upgrades. I didn't find everything in the logs, but May 1996 is when the engine was converted from the O360 to the IO360 and got a new prop as well. So it's a 200 HP fuel injected C. That basically makes it an E. It's also got a late model panel layout. The panel appears to be from a '80's model Mooney. It probably came out of a J or a K. It's got the angled section on the far right with engine instruments mounted there. Just like in my K. The back seats also got a major upgrade. At some point when they did the interior, they replace the entire back seat assembly with one out of a 1983 or later Mooney. These are the same removable back seats that are in my 252. That is a super nice option. The back seats are easily removable and the frame of the seat backs, folds down into the floor. The black leavers you see below the back seats are to recline the rear seat backs. My 252 has the same. I also like all the speed mods on the outside. The windshield, gap seals, cowl, etc are all very nice to see and are expensive as well. The negatives I see are the lack of autopilot. I know C's with an autopilot are rare, but I'm on record as saying I wouldn't buy one without one. I know there are autopilots that will be available at some point, but we've been hearing that for years. Having said that, I might make an exception for this C/E. The back seat upgrade is worth a lot IMO. I would check the Useful Load. All the upgrades might have made this one a bit heavy. I don't know for sure, but I'd check. I think the price is high for a C without an autopilot. But if we call it an E without an autopilot then the price is a little better. If I were buying this plane, I'd finish the upgrade by getting both Aspens upgraded to MAX and removing all the round instruments. I'd also add a primary engine monitor like an EDM-900 and remove the factory engine instruments. Finally, I'd pay someone to go through the logs with a fine tooth comb to make sure all the upgrades are one with appropriate approvals, sign-off's, etc. And order the 337 records from the FAA. All the mods should be listed there. It's a nice C... ur E... that just needs an autopilot.
    3 points
  7. David, May I ask why you felt the need to respond to -a- in the manner you did on his response to Craig after Craig replied to -a- on his post about his experience with a similar failure due to a radio antenna blocking his GPS signal? I do not see where he addressed his comment to you, and, like you, he was sharing a failure mode he experienced in flight. From my perspective, I did not see -a- devaluing your contribution in the least but rather sharing his different experience, which is something many of us have. It left me confused as to the reason behind your response. Looking at your signature line, it is apparent you likely have had experience and situations many of us here will never encounter. I believe many of us are interested to hear how those of you flying for a living handled them in the hope we can learn from you. I hope you continue to share them with us. Regards, John
    3 points
  8. I pulled the interior out for refurbishment and noticed some minor surface corrosion. This surprised me since the later models have the epoxy primer coated tubes and closed cell foam insulation and the windows don't leak and the airplane has always been hangared. The problem is that the primer only works if it is applied to all the bare metal and the factory obviously missed spraying it into the gusseted areas. I cleaned it up and brush applied three coats of epoxy primer. Below are photos and a drawing showing where I found the corrosion. Areas along the tubes outside the gussets that appear stained just have glue residue from the interior installation - no rust. Skip tubular structure_20200530_0001.pdf
    2 points
  9. To answer the original question, no I don't. It never rains in Seattle.
    2 points
  10. Are you sure rain was causing the performance hit? It could just be the downflow caused by the participation. Whenever you are flying in a sinking air, you are essentially climbing to maintain altitude. If rain in and of itself was the issue, it would be included in the performance charts.
    2 points
  11. Right....the system is nice when it's working properly, but if you get a leaky servo or a remote gyro acting up, look out. Ask me how I know! While working on my Instrument ticket, it was like having a little guy under the panel with a different plan than me. Usually seemed like right during short final. Not cool.
    2 points
  12. I was doing some IFR training a few years ago with a CFI/I who was not familiar with Mooneys. He had me doing all sorts of (VFR) maneuvers and then commented "You have incredible rudder skills!". Yeah, me and my PC, I rarely touch the rudder pedals
    2 points
  13. Have you considered something like X-Plane and actually going through the motions as you were in a real plane? I know the two do not compare, but to me saying "Gas - check; Undercarriage - check" and so on does help in forming a habit. At least I hope it does. Quite possible I am burning in some bad habits at the same time, but I'd be doing that in N1H as well.
    2 points
  14. Way to go WTW! Get it locked down... Don’t drag your feet... PPI is all about saving your wallet... verify all the upgrades are done properly... (legal paperwork) TT is all about saving your bacon... few quirks come with different planes, learn them using hands on training... Nice to see the 65C has paint... Looks like this bird was somebody’s forever-plane... Also looks like you are buying an expensive panel and getting a free plane with that... The PPI should go smoothly... Do all the homework, no short cuts... No matter how good things look on the outside... Avoid surprises... surprises can be expensive... A 200 HP M20C makes a great basis for a forever-plane... PP thoughts only, -a-
    2 points
  15. I wish the N number slanted forward instead of backwards. Anybody else? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
    2 points
  16. Indeed, but all valves are not the same. IIRC Lycoming exhaust valves use the sodium pellet to get more heat away from the head, whereas Conti use a straight solid (friction welded?) assembly
    2 points
  17. Well this saga is coming to an end. She is officially totaled. I was able to get most of the avionics covered so that hurts a bit less. The lien holders we so kind as they worked with me to get a lien release. They reduced the lien low enough so that was especially nice. Now I’m just waiting on the claims adjuster to finish up and do the settlement. I’ll be Saving up for my next Mooney. Got news from the FAA on my medical and the board meets end of June. The gentleman from the FAA medical branch said it was a great sign so fingers crossed. Now to do some flying just for fun with my CFI in the F for a bit while the wheels turn... -Don
    2 points
  18. 22nm after take off, mid point between Charlton Park(Private) & Fairoaks (London) the baggage hatch blow off which then could caught & wrapped it’s self firmly around the right hand tail elevator. We immediately lost lift and declared an emergency with ATC who had us on a basic service, lucky we were within distance of a 770m grass / gravel strip between some solar panel farms. Other than the damage to the elevator and hatch looks like we were extremely lucky to walk away unharmed. (3:52) in the video
    1 point
  19. The picture with your kid smiling is just the best. Enjoy every minute of it!
    1 point
  20. This Mooney is ours. Accountants said I could have a business plane (probably a long body) once I open our 3rd office, coming this year. I'm hoping a turbo prop can be purchased by the business when we get to 5 offices. Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
    1 point
  21. Poor little guy doesn’t have QT Halos yet..... just kidding. Congratulations! Perhaps a cabin class TP is in your future. You know, for the inevitable potty break.
    1 point
  22. From my experience, the GTN never performed as well as my old King 170B, MX-170B or even the Narco 12D+. I would make sure the shop did a SWR on it with the new cable and existing antenna. This will eliminate a poorly made up BNC connector. Yes, I had one of those issues when I had new RG400 installed on the Nav side. Also, verify they install RG400 instead of putting in more RG58. Also, not sure if you remember, but when the GTN units first came out they had a lot of open squelch issues. They did several firmware updates as well as having shops adjust the squelch setting. I would verify those updates are current. To be honest, I think the GTNs are a bit more susceptible to interference and I believed they played around with the firmware and squelch settings to get this issue controlled and it may resulted in decreased range. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    1 point
  23. 1 point
  24. The paint shop. I guess I can live with it, as long as it doesn’t get worse.
    1 point
  25. Just ordered my Starman hoodie...............so cool! And what about those cool kneeboards and wrist pads the astronauts are wearing? https://shop.spacex.com/products/starman-pullover-hoodie
    1 point
  26. Your CFI/I probably pulled a hose
    1 point
  27. The Al Mooney Story by Gordon Baxter. It used to be available from MAPA. Those Remarkable Mooneys by Larry Ball. No longer in print, but generally available off eBay (for a price). A video called "Boots on the Ground" made about 10-15 years ago about the Mooney factory. There is a lady here @mooneygirl who used to have a handle on them.
    1 point
  28. Yeah, there moving along finally. I’m looking at B-Fs. Just seeing what is out there. Once the settlement is done, I’ll see what I have saved and what I can ‘spend’ per the ‘boss’ ;o) -Don
    1 point
  29. If the hangar rent went up 1.9% because the 2019 CPI went up 1.9%, ask if the hangar rent will decline next year on the same basis. Or will there be some other bs reason?
    1 point
  30. Just to be clear the “down block” is the one under the panel which is Gear Down, if this is the one replaced then yes it needs rigging AFTER it’s replaced
    1 point
  31. It looks like a nice plane and fast just sitting on the ground. I actually like the paint and it looks to be in good condition. Enjoy!
    1 point
  32. Being critical, I would like to see lower engine time, a full color engine monitor, a better auto-pilot, and a paint job that doesn't look like a 1990's jet ski. That said, I don't see the seller being all that flexible on price considering this is set up pretty well. It has a dual Aspen and Garmin 650... Also, why does it have a 48 gallon capacity? My 1965 C holds 52 gallons.
    1 point
  33. Not much you can do about a collapse other than staying on top of your maintenance and really giving your gear a good look on your pre flight inspection. For me it's about priorities landing is secondary my main primary objective when approaching the airport and descending is to get the speed down to gear speed. In that I mean putting the gear down is my goal it's my objective every thing else is secondary. AWOS is already done monitoring traffic is on going primary goal is get the gear down, then shift gears to make the landing happen with additional checks to confirm gear is down.
    1 point
  34. It looks like the exhaust valve had carbon between the valve seat and valve. Valves in good shape. Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk
    1 point
  35. My GTN 650 also had a shorter range than my older Narco. When the Narco failed, I put in a 16W GNC 255B just to make sure I had the range. I finally was able to get better performance out of the GTN when I replaced the RG58 with new RG400. Night and day difference Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    1 point
  36. Something to do with locating it in a place with good weather and close to the equator. Weather never stopped the Apollo missions (except for maybe a jolt to Apollo 12), which as you know, started from that very spot.
    1 point
  37. My IA did an excellent job here at KSPG. http://skyaddictaviation.com/
    1 point
  38. Thanks all for the advice. I'm definitely trying to reconcile a bunch of different information from presumably very reliable sources. Reading John Deakin and Mike Busch then comparing that to what is said here on Mooneyspace and the POH (and the final confounder is my 10,000 hr CFII A&P/AI who has 2000 hrs in his 1998J) has proved challenging. I suspect if I was in quadruple digits for my flying hours I might have a different perspective but I'm still in the phase where I want to learn ravenously but keep it simple in the cockpit. Thanks so much for your guidance, it is incredibly appreciated!
    1 point
  39. Thankfully I rarely fly on airliners. Mostly I use my Mooney to go where I will.
    1 point
  40. I think you need RPM, MAP and OAT sensors IIRC.
    1 point
  41. They deliver it for free with. No install costs or buying an autopilot.
    1 point
  42. Wearing a mask isn't the issue its being forced to close your business because you were just unlucky that the government decided it's not essential. Or being let go because the company you worked for was also not essential. Being denied your first amendment right to freedom of religion freedom of assembly. And what about the persuit of happiness. We are never going to know what the true morbidly percentage of this vir Is because so many people have had the virus and were without symptoms and never tested. Also how many deaths were listed as covid that weren't actually caused by the virus I promise you that number will never be adjusted. I apologize for my misuse of some terminology but I'm sure you know my meaning. It's all fine if your one of the lucky ones that can work from home or are essential. Too bed for you if not but don't worry your unemployment checks will take care of you. For every example one can site about how bad the sickness is I can come up with at least three times the number of things associated with the cure that are worse starting with suicide spousal abusers child abusers.
    1 point
  43. Right....I'm looking forward to the new system. Even though bigger and better things keep coming down the line, this has been on my list and is pretty much the last piece of the puzzle. I've been waiting like everyone else for certification, and turns out I'm it....like you too.
    1 point
  44. I don't think anyone here is saying this isn't a serious medical problem but it seems the health care community and much of the media don't give a dam that over thirty million people have lost their jobs and or business some may never recover. They use words like unfortunate or really difficult times but they add a spoon full of sugar telling us what great little lemmings we all are for the good of the country. None of them are out of a job. I have read the declaration the constitution the bill of rights and nowhere does it say void if illness overruns our country. There is a lot more to the human condition than our physical condition.
    1 point
  45. Good deal....I'm the E Model going in next week. Everybody can get their happy pants on....short body cert is near.
    1 point
  46. I am curious how someone can become configured for landing approach speed without lowering the gear. It seems necessary for me to to lower the gear just to help get slowed down. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    1 point
  47. Missile is gonna be faster at those altitudes. the fuel flow difference will be negligible at best. Missile is a 190 knot plane at 10k. the a 231 with a 252 power plant is not.
    1 point
  48. Should you ever want to alter the earth’s rotation by applying full power with the tail tie-down still connected I’ve found that it doesn’t work. Confirmed by multiple witnesses.
    1 point
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