rbuck

I learned on old gauges, and I prefer the old gauges. Like some others alluded to on here, for me it's all about the romance of the flight. I feel like putting in glass cockpits just detracts from that. I do, however, think that engine monitors and whatnot are added safety benefits. I plan on adding some of those to my old Mooney at some point. Glass cockpits, though? They probably won't be added until VOR goes away and they really need to be.

Makes it sweeter. The medical certificate and BFR every so often are about it as far as this type of thing unless you go for another rating. Flying on your own or with your own family and friends is a whole different thing. Congrats!

I have a C, but I got it at relatively low time as well (I had 150ish hours). I think that landing a Mooney requires you to be a better pilot than a 172 or a Cherokee, but you will be fine. My first flight with an instructor was very helpful. You feel much more behind the plane when you first start out. But an instructor will help with that. I have really enjoyed my Mooney; there isn't any plane I'd rather have. My insurance wasn't too, too bad, and I did over 100 hours of flight time in my first year, which helped bring it down this year. (Yep, this is only my second year of Mooney ownership...I'm still learning a lot about the plane.) Welcome to the site, too. I've learned a ton on here, and I imagine that I still will be learning for a number of years to come. Some day I'll be able to pay it back.

Sounds good. Thanks everyone! I appreciate it.

So, as a military guy, I had to move again. Second time just this year. But, it looks like I'll be at Fort Bragg, south of Raleigh, for a while. Does anyone know of any good shops in the Fayetteville or Raleigh area?

Congrats! That's a beautiful plane you got there.

I've flown around the area, but not straight up it. I'd be curious to know who you talk to as well. Sometimes, though, it's just seems complicated for a lazy afternoon flight, so I just kinda pop in and out of the outer banks, weaving my way around MOAs or making separate flights out of it. It is really gorgeous. And your comment about FFA...totally agree.

As to a Mooney as a first purchase, it's exactly what I did. I purchased my C with about 150 hours, and all that I'd really flown was 172s and PA-28s. My mission was similar. Cross countries and not many people. Flying a Mooney is a little different, but as long as you have a good instructor who's familiar with Mooneys do your check ride with you, you'll get the hang of it pretty quickly. It's an efficient plane, too-probably one of the cheaper planes to fly as much as I do.

I agree with Philip. (Yep, it is interesting to note that both of us are C pilots.) True, it's not a 201, but I love my C. I admit, I don't really need the backseats for more than luggage, and I've flown it all across the country, too. Yeah, it's a little bit slower, but if money is the issue (like it was for me), a nice C isn't a bad option.

Talked to Plane Plastics today at the recommendation of you all. You're right. $69 and the process is simple. a) Take a picture of your part and send it over beforehand so they can see exactly what you're looking for b ) Send the part in so they can "remake" it c) They send the part (and your old one) back in less than 3-5 days Hopefully that helps anyone else looking to do the same! Sorry it took me a week to call.

It's similar, but not exactly the same. I have my flap switch on the right side next to the mixture that has to be covered as well. Thanks for your help, though! I appreciate it.

Hey Scott, That would be great! This isn't my plane, I found it on google, but it does have the same type and color of quadrant cover that I'm looking for.

Sounds like Plane Plastics is the place to go. I'll try them tomorrow and let you all know how it goes! Thanks for your help everyone.

Does anyone know where I can find a 1970 C quadrant cover? My own is pretty beaten up. I contacted LASAR, and it was almost $140. That seems expensive to me for a piece of molded plastic.

I'm 5'6" and own a Mooney M20C. No problem reaching the pedals for me. I keep it one notch back. For me, the C has plenty of room.