Martin H

I have a McCauley Black MAC on my Cherokee 180 and I LOVE it. As I remember, I bought it from a Prop Shop in Mass, but I don't remember the city. Well, worth it. Martin

I guess I should ask the obvious... Can I see your plane, its spec sheet and the probable cost? And wish the obvious... Kick ass in the interview! Martin

Regarding times? Mostly - Cross Country - 2 trips a month from Ft. Polk, LA to South Atlanta, GA. Landings? Mostly local - taking people up for flights over their homes, work, or just for first flights. And to clear my head. How is everyone doing tonight?

Whoo Hooo! I get to spend someone else's money AND give advice!!!! Hello and what a great topic! BLUF - Buy the best MODERN Autopilot that you can afford, regardless (NB - did not use the non-word, "irregardless") of your present typical flight "VFR". Reason being: You want something that will help you get out of trouble if you get into trouble; something that can and will be suitable already if / when you chose to fly IFR; something that can take advantage of your present panel setup or future upgrades; when you go to sell it (AND you will at some point), you want it to be inticing, not repelling for fear of what it needs, as opposed to what it has; You do NOT save money or time from flight getting it upgraded piece meal. Get it all done at one shot, at one time, for one price, while the tech has it open one time and finishes for you. Then (in theory) you don't have to worry about it again. Martin

I enjoyed St. Augustine, Florida and also enjoyed St. Simon's Island, GA as well as Beaufort, SC.

WOW! You really did have a very unfortunate learning experience with aviation purchases. Since you posted publically, I'll assume you want responses / feedback or a non-biased After Action Review. So, here you go: - BLUF - Caveat Emptor. YOU didn't have to buy it, use THEIR services, THEIR recommended Mechanic, or go against your gut. - It SEEMS that You ingnored all information, stories, and personnel which are available on Aviation / Mooney pre-purchase and purchasing Tactics, Techniques and Procedures. Such as: RULE 1 FOR BUYING - ALWAYS GET A GOOD PRE-PURCHASE! RULE 2 FOR BUYING - NEVER USE THE SELLER'S MECHANIC OR RECOMMENDED MECHANICS! RULE 3 FOR BUYING - NEVER ASSUME THE SELLER KNOWS ALL OR TELLS ALL! HAVE SELLER PROVE EVERYTHING with YOUR choice of experts. This is not new information and is easily available and found on this wonderful site, as well as just google how to buy a plane, or just ASK someone who bought a plane. It seems as though you either ignored this relatively common purchasing advice or didn't bother to look. - Now, that said, And the aforementioned IS the Very bottom and unpallitable line: - Should the shop have helped you more? Yes. - Should they have stood behind their recommendation? Yes - Should the mechanic have fixed the issue when you found it? Yes Why should they have done so? It is good business and good publicity. MUST THEY do these things? NO! Again, NO, they don't need to. Like I have learned in life: "Good Judgement comes from Experience. Experience comes from Bad Judgement." Hopefully, all is now well with the plane and you are enjoying it! Martin

Perhaps I was already blinking by what I concidered a blinding flash of the obvious: - competent brand specific training - 100 gallon fuel tanks (thought they were standard on Rocket) - so I'll take it that the answer to my initial question is: No. too bad, but then maybe it is tough to improve. The prism sounds neat - but I doubt we'll see it certified for Rocket anytime soon. Martin

Since the Rocket has been around for a few years now, has anyone found additional WORTHWHILE improvements to the upgrade? Or is it at maximum capability as it is? Even hot rodders tweek hot rods, so I was wondering if there wasn't a viable aftermarket for the Rocket. If so, what are these upgrades? And are they worth the cost / effort? Thank you, Martin

Does Mr. Corsones also do Checkouts / instructions for a newby to a Rocket? Thanks, Martin

WOW! That is nice to see! We had a very nice "Remembrance Day" Ceremony here at ISAF HQ in Kabul. The Europeans all call it Remembrance Day - the US has changed the name and even the date a few times. But no matter what it is called it is to honor Veterans - especially those who have gone before us. On Flander's Field was read also - WW I Poem by John McRae No wonder I like this site.... and am leaning toward a Mooney.... Rocket if possible. Martin

I don't know where you are, but I would recommend Precision Avionics in / at Griffin Airport, just south of Atlanta. They did the Avionics for the AOPA plane a few years ago. Martin

So, the answer to the Doc's question appears to be: No.

When I was back in the states, I flew frequently from Ft. Polk, LA to Tara Field, GA (south of Atlanta, next to the Motorspeedway). Anytime I was higher than 3500'MSL it was a crap shoot. Even over the swamps of LA and MISS, it was a huge maybe and battery drain on the cell phone. I would usually type a text, put phone on the Glare Shield, and sometime during the flight, it would send and download any pending messages. I have never experienced any cell phone reception for texting above 7000' and rarely any type of connectivity above 5500'. This gets frustrating flying over Mid to Eastern Alabama trying to give an ETA but nothing registering until I am decending beyond the Chattahooche River. Martin

Really? Says who, specifically? Based on what science? Why is this even a worry? Thank you, Martin

Thank you Mike and TW, Regarding pricing - true - but she is nice and I did say "or best offer". Martin

Mr. Franks, I will, but I also intend to move up to a Mooney - and occasionally those with Mooneys know people who want / can use a Cherokee. So, since I intend to join this community - I want to make sure that all have a shot here, if they choose. Martin

Looking to sell my Cherokee. She is unique and a LOT of fun. She can carry full fuel and at least 4 real adults. Because of her Full STOL kit this Piper can fly and glide while at the same time can take off Amazingly short as well as stop on a dime. This Piper had no issues in grass or camping. Price is $52,250 or best offer. Pics and spec sheet are attached. Martin Piper Pics - Underneath and underwing.zip Piper Pics - Mostly inside - seats and panel.zip Spec Sheet - 1965 Piper Cherokee 180 - PDF Version.pdf

Hello All, I am looking at a plane with a fairly dated panel. I plan to remove many of the older King electronics and put in a 530W. It has a very tired LOOKING (not sure of capability yet) MX 20. Is it worth upgrading? Swapping for the 200? Can I get a trade in for it?.... Any suggetions? I'd like the capability of the large screen for charts and such, and a back up that is not TEENY. Thanks, Martin

Hello Anyone on the South Side of Atlanta. My Fiance' (aka the Banker) would like to check out a Mooney while I am deployed to see if this is the route we want to go. She has already approved of a V-Tail, and likes the look, ride and fit of the Bonanza. I am leaning to a Rocket but her worry is will we like it for long trips. She is NOT a stick. She's got curves. So she has "heard" that Mooneys are TIGHT. She is also working on her PP Written and will then start taking lessons. So, IF anyone is in the area, can show her - or better, take her up.... that would be much appreciated. Thanks, Martin

Mr. Heitzman, I am shopping for a plane to upgrade from my Cherokee. I am looking toward the Mooney Rocket. I know / have read / studied your system and its reviews for years. I am interested. But $5000 installed..... is a LOT after buying a new(er) plane and pre-purchase, and annual, and learning how to fly it with instructor, etc. I would make TWO recommendations to you: - You make your system a four (4) point system to keep me in place and allow me to use BOTH of my shoulders to keep me inplace as your system saves my torso and head - Have an "installed price" of $3 AMUs or less. I'm a soldier - $3 AMUs is a LOT, $5 AMUs is MUCH more.... no matter how fast you say it. Of course, deployment means something different to your business and mine..... Martin

I've never flown behind / with one of these, how do you like the 41? What are the things to enjoy? What are the things to watch? What are its plusses and minuses? Does it / can it operate effectively with a 530W and HSI? Thanks, Martin

Thanks guys! WOW! an Acclaim owner and a Rocketman! I am presently in Kabul. Interesting city - in all ways possible. Regarding 3 soldiers and bags - LOL - I did NOT mean rucks and duffle bags - although, that MIGHT (though rarely) be a thought. If either of you are interested in the history - your wife may enjoy it also - you may want ot read - into the land of bones - comparing Alexander with the Brits, the Soviets and ISAF. Please send info as to how I can read and learn more about the Rocket ownership, and transitioning to Mooneys and Rockets from Cherokees. Martin

Hello All, New to Mooniacs and your thought process! FYI - I AM deployed and already have the crazy ideas to be prepped for me when I get back. OK guys! I am a Cherokee 180 owner and want to move up to a long-range, reliable, effecient, FAST, IFR platform. Must be able to carry 1-3 adults and some bags for at least 650 miles - sometimes 800. Personal mission will be - same distance but 1-2 adults. Somebody tell me how to get more info on transitioning to Mooneys and especially Rockets! And Rocket ownership! Is THIS 777MT a good idea? I have been pre-approved for a policy that I can afford by my insurance broker. Standing by in Afghanistan Martin BTW - I am normally stationed at Ft. Polk, LA

Hello all, Presently, I am a deployed soldier in Afghanistan, and looking to upgrade to a FAST, effecient, long-legged, IFR platform for 2-3 real adults and bags, from my Cherokee 180 with a STOL kit. My fiance' is back in the states and gave me permission to shop and if we find the right plane, buy it. I would like more info on the Rocket, on Mooney Ownership, on someone who is the most persnickity PPInspector, and Rocket Flying. Background and Mission for me: - 650 hour IFR, SEL, SES pilot - Approx 45 hours in retracts - T-34, Bonanza 35, and Arrow. - Mission for work from Ft. Polk - 2-3 times a month - me plus 1-2 soldiers and bags on trips about 650 miles one way. - Personal Mission - 2 weekends a month - flying me (or plus 1) 500 miles from Polk to South Atlanta and back. My leave and long weekends go visiting friends and relatives - PA, TN, GA, IL My insurance CO has given me pre-approval for a policy that I can afford. Thank you, Martin