neilpilot

I've used seat belts, but only rarely if outside and weather is expected. Usually in hanger. I'd be reluctant to tie anything to Johnson bar

Hi Urs, I do agree that you want caps that seal properly, but I also find it somewhat surprising that you attribute a leaking fuel cap to the accumulation of a gallon of water. If you leave the cap completely off, that results in an opening of approximately 3.5" diameter (maybe a bit more). Not doubting your data, but it would require a 24" column of rain to pass 1 gallon through a 3.5" opening. Please check my math on this. Have your fuel tanks ever been repaired, or do you have bladders? If, for example, fuel equalization holes in the wing ribs are blocked with sealer during repair or relining, as I understand it water is not free to drain toward the wing sump and a surprising amount of water can accumulate in the wings over time. This could present a real problem irrespective of the condition of your caps.

He cancelled (sick)....rescheduled tonight's topic for May. EAA sent an email earlier today

Appreciate the lecture on Isopropyl alcohol. Before I retired last year, I used to make about 120,000 lb/year of IPA. It was a byproduct, and we burned it in our steam boiler as a supplemental fuel. But suffice it to say I understand IPA packaging and handling.

Actually, common IPA found at Walgreens, CVS, etc is 91% alcohol. For a fuel additive to prevent ice crystals in 100LL, I use iso-HEET (red bottle), which is 100% IPA.

check that your exterior lighting works

An insurance quote might put your Mooney trainer is perspective....

Another data point, for a non-MSC. http://www.jewellaviation.com/maintenance.htm

I've had Jewell at KTKX do 19 of my last 20 Mooney annuals (M20E & M20C). Obviously I'm happy with their work, since I keep coming back.

My daughter just moved from NYC to Scottsdale to take a position with the Phoenix Suns. I can see a Mooney trip out there sometime in 2016. My wife flew out commercial (Allegiant to Mesa) last week, and I stayed home to install a hardwood floor. I'll be interested in what you report back.

During my last annual, we asked my non-MSC shop to touch up the paint. Our primary problem was erosion on both wing leading edges. They ended up painting the entire wings, and if I recall correctly it cost less less than $1k. The majority of that was the cost of paint.. Very good paint match, and they did a fantastic job. My shop isn't near CT, but my point is that you may be able to get a decent touchup from a regular shop, and not need to go to a paint shop. Just don't go back to your shop! On the other hand, my typical annuals (not including repairs, mag overhauls, etc) run under $1k. Have used them for 20 years. After 6 years, I took it to a MSC for an annual because I also had Mooney-specific mods installed, and the MSC didn't find any real deficiencies that the non-MSC shop had missed or induced over those years. Maybe a trip to KTKX for your last annual would be cost-effective?

Have you asked Top Gun?

Agree that you should decide on C/E/F based on overall factors (price, maintenance history, mods). I owned an E for 23 years, have had my C for 3. I really can't say that I miss those few extra horses. Even though I had a good starting technique down pat, I don't miss starting the IO360. A fuel injection issue in my E eventually resulted in an off-field landing (that's why I have the C now). Unless something has recently changed, you should note that the cylinder & overhaul cost for the IO360 will be significantly more since Lycoming is the only game in town for new cylinders.

2 failures each, vacuum and electrical. Both vacuum failures were in VFR, and never used Precise backup vacuum since sTec made them a non-event. One of the electrical failures was on STAR into Dallas Love in actual. I carry a handheld radio with external antennae connection and PTT accessory, and that saved the day getting into KDAL.

Seattle Avionics is offering 2 years of data for the price of one Monday. Maybe a good deal if you use FlyQ, as I do.

I reviewed this product's SDS, and it would appear it's safe for use on aluminum. I can't vouch for the paint, though. I would recommend using eye protection, and keep it away from acrylic (i.e. your windows).

In industry, a close call that does not result in an injury or loss is called a "near miss". Since it actually "missed" being an accident, should it be called a "near hit"?

Hi Bob, we will sleep in and leave Memphis around 9am. Don't get to KEPC too early, or you may get there before the fog lifts

Of course! Since I last tried to connect, I downloaded FlyQ 2.1 and IOS 9.0.1

Went flying today as safety pilot while my partner did 3 approaches in mostly actual IFR. To my surprise the Stratux was working in FlyQ with the stratux SSID and no program change. In the 1 hour flight, at 500'-3000' AGL, I was receiving 3-4 ADS-B ground stations. Here's some initial observations: [1] radar depiction is nice on the iPad's big screen, but different from the GNS430's XM. I plan to fly behind the Stratux for many months before I even consider dropping XM service, if I ever do. [2] I really like the METAR depiction, and I think it will be much easier getting this info off the iPad than from the GNS-430/XM interface [3] I have no traffic info on my panel. Even though the ADS-B in traffic isn't perfect, I welcome this additional info. [4] This was a short flight, but it seems my iPad was putting out more heat than normal. I already use a bluetooth BadElf, and suspect that the additional power to maintain WiFi will be a significant drawn on my iPad's battery (but probably no more than if I was using a Stratus at 10x or more the price). [5] The BadElf connection, which has always been rock-solid, seemed not as reliable. FlyQ lost GPS from BadElf a few times, which I presume is related to the Stratux connection. If I later modify the Stratux for GPS this should become a non-issue. I'll have much more time behind the Stratux when I fly down to Panama City this Thursday.

Actual, that's not true. I've attached info I was able to find on how to make the change. Just that I'm not sure I can actually do this correctly..... stratux.doc

I have a challenge with our Stratux. While Foreflight connects with no issue, my FlyQ (which connects to many more commercial ADS-B in units than Foreflight) does not connect. I'm told that I need to change the SSID to "Stratus12345" (or something like that), but not sure how this is done. Is this done in the Stratux code?