PMcClure

I bought my F at 100 hours and it was the best aviation decision I ever made. Insurance was too bad, but it is something to check. Nothing like having your own airplane!

I owned his plane - N3794N 1968 M20F

I read that 80% of accidents happen within 5-10 miles of home. So I am moving!

Doesn't the Ovation have 2 batteries? I consider that my back up....

One of the funniest things I ever heard on the radio was on the DC center frequency. An airline captain came on and started talking about how he was going to retire this year, had been flying for over 30 years, starting with Vietnam era fighters, etc... told everyone to sit back and enjoy their flight, who the flight attendants were and everything else you can imagine. It seemed like it was over 10 minutes. This was on frequency.... after he was done, total silence for a few seconds then he caught rapid fire abuse from just about every pilot on frequency. Pilots can be relentless!

I have had a few instances of rude controllers at Orlando Executive. Nothing else serious but not a warm welcome.

Once, taking off from Orlando executive on an IFR flight plan in visual conditions, a controller told me to maintain @ or above 2000' on runway heading. If you know the area, you know that Orlando (MCO) arrivals are right over departures and arrivals from Orlando Executive. And I could clearly see the airliners descending overhead. I asked twice for him to clarify and the second time he flew off the handle. I responded with "unable". A few seconds later a 2nd controller came on and told me to remain at or below 2,000. I am sure the guy made a mistake and was probably having a bad day. But not much room or error in this area, especially had it been in IMC.

A little update and info for everyone. We just finally completed the installation of new engine and upgrade to 310HP. The process took nearly 12 months from decision to 1st flight with about 2.5 months downtime. We took the opportunity to replace everything including prop overhaul, new hoses, new exhaust, new clamps, etc.... Total cost was just shy of 6 figures ( I already had the prop) including an annual. All work was done at Gilmer Aviation in Pell City. Results were exciting - take off roll and initial climb out are excellent and top speed was 187 True (max power). A few things if anyone else is considering this: 1. Shop around for the STC. Prices range +/- $1000. We bought ours from JD @ Southwest Texas Aviation. He was excellent to work with. 2. We had a terrible time working with TCM and Air Power through the initial order process. It took months of calls and follow-ups to get the right quote. The people at Air Power were very knowledgeable and I feel the real issues were with TCM. However, 10 calls and no return is a problem. Once we wired the money to Airpower, we didn't hear from them again for 6 months until the engine shipped. After it shipped, they were very responsive and the core return was handled well. We replaced our G series engine with a IO550-N39. It was made new, but the factory would only sell it as reman. Part of the issue was that our aircraft has air conditioning and no one could figure out what exact engine would work as the G series we needed was discontinued. I believe for non air conditioning engines, the N8 is the best option. The N series has a tapered fin design so we had to modify the baffle plates (which is in the STC). 3. Steve Leary @stevenl757 and Bob Minnis were great help. Also had a couple conversations with Don Maxwell who was very knowledgeable about this process. Thank you to everyone that helped. 4. Acorn Welding for new exhaust was a disaster. They don't return emails, phone calls go unanswered and the parts they shipped didn't fit (not even close). We have sent everything back and it seems they will make it right. We had to install the old exhaust while we wait for them to get it right. Disappointing.... 5. I highly recommend Ricky Gilmer Aviation at KPLR. His new team member (Hugh) did all of the install work and it was outstanding! Hugh went above and beyond. I really can't say enough about how good their work is. Both Ricky and Hugh came from Epps and I feel fortunate to have them on our home field. 6. Was it worth it? As we plan on keeping this plane for a while, I obviously thought it was worth it. With upgraded avionics (G3x, GTN750, GFC500, etc.,, recent paint correction and ceramic coating, new 310 engine, I think 1051K is better than new and at less than 1/3 the cost. Comparing to anything else we could buy its the best value and performance available for our mission. Not sure I would go through the expense of just doing the STC to gain the extra 30hp. But if I was rebuilding or replacing the engine and prop, then sure I think it is worth it as an add on to that process. Pictures to follow - if anyone has any questions or is considering making this change, feel free to ask me any questions.

I am hopefully nearing the end of my IO-550 engine replacement. Air Power and TCM weren't much better. Took nearly 4 months just to get the quote for the engine I needed, then 6 months for the engine, then they shipped an engine that still required some minor changes to work. And they were phasing out several specs of engines. They couldn't sell me a new engine, only reman; even though they said they were building it new. Dozens of calls, emails and texts went unanswered and I was totally in the dark after making the downpayment until the day it shipped.

I don't think you get any core value on cylinders. But I am not sure for all engines. When I did my top overhaul I did get mine back. But I also notice that there are a lot of old cylinders laying around the shop!

For cruise, it is almost always full throttle and RPM 2500 and LOP 20 degrees. This usually gives me 175-180 knots depending on weight and the day and usually 14-15 gph. I can run it hotter/richer and get 182knots and 15-16gph. The Ovations really like LOP. I can give up a few knots at 50 degrees LOP and get down to around 12 gph. This may give me 168-172knots. Have fun getting to know your plane!

PM sent....

I am in Hoover but keep my O at Pell City. I know of at least 4-5 Mooney owners in the area. But, no Mooneys available for training/lease. Owners love them to much to share! Really suggest you contact JP Dice - CFI out of BHM with a Mooney. Might also try Ed Murray out of KEKY. He knows a lot of people around the area. And Johnny Barns was based at Shelby with a nice F that he did some instructing in, but he may have retired. I did a lot of training with him as well. I did my IFR training in a M20F. Bought it, flew it 400 hours and sold it for more than I bought it for. A lot cheaper and more fun than renting a Sky Hawk. Just a thought.....

I wanted a Saratoga until I flew one. It felt like flying an old S-10 pick up truck. Ended up getting a B36 but realized I was the only one flying in those 6 seats. So I sold it and got an ovation! Congrats!

Part of the STC includes a "N" engine plate to attached to your G engine after making the required changes.