MooneyBob

it came with the plane so it is what it is. But I really like the sexy look together with the polished spinner. But it's me.

I have 3 blades on my 1977 J. You got me scared a little with the "must have 2 blade". Anything wrong with the 3 blade prop? This is my first plane so I am just curious.

Great. I am not expecting any dramatic and clear conclusion from the study but that's the definitely one way to go. Solid and long term data collection under strict rules will bring a little light to the matter. We hope so.

OK. Chevy or Ford?

I started with both FF and Pilot. For no particular reason I was leaning more towards Garmin and got really familiar with it. Since then they made some really big improvements and it looks like they really listen to the pilots' feedback and bring it back to the product. I traded my old ( still very new) GLD39 ( which I had no problem with the BT connection or performance) and I got GDL39 3D that provides AI backup beside the synthetic vision. I think that's pretty nice feature. It is very responsive and accurate. I know the FF can superimpose the plate over the map but Garmin can do that on the split screen. You sacrifice the size of course. But since Garmin can connect two devices on the same account ( only one subscription) I use two iPADs ( mini in the corner of the window and regular on my kneeboard). SO I have my map, weather and everything else on one and the plate on another one. One thing I really like about the GLD that it never shuts down because of overheating from the sun. And it gets really hot. I think the stratus had that issue. They are both great products. The question is Mercedes or BMW ?

I use it all the time. Mostly for weather. You don't have ther M20J, correct? I will report any issues.

What is the best way to perform the GAMI test? I probably need the engine monitor first, right?

I am considering CGR-30P from EI. Interesting small machine for good price. And it's primary.

No engine monitor yet. I am working on it and waiting for some good deals at Sun n Fun. I know it is a critical piece of equipment to have.

Would the pits in the cam and lifters cause any visible metal particles in the filter as it becomes progressively worse?

Thank you so much. My eyesight is excellent ( with my reading glasses) :-) . What I like about the CGR-30 is that it is primary, the size ( I can put it righ in front of me next to the AI) and the price is right.

I got my oil analysis from Blackstone. See attached picture. A little history on the engine: The engine was installed as new in the plane in 1999 and it had only about 500 hrs when I've got it few months ago. The issue I am concerned about is that the engine ran only 20-25hours/year for last 5 years so I consider it as inactive for 5 years and it could be pretty rusty inside. I put 20 hours on it after I purchased the plane with the fresh oil and annual. We have changed oil now, send the sample to the Blackstone and cut the filter open. My mechanic said he didn't find any visible metal particles in the filter. I hope I can believe it as I wasn't present. The oil was Aeroshell 15-50 and I changed it now for Phillips and Camguard. I can't wait to run the engine for another 15-20 hours and send the oil for analysis again, change the oil and cut the filter open. I hope the metal numbers will improve or at least stay stable. I don't really know how bad are those numbers now. I know the levels are roughly 3 times more than average but I don't know how serious it is. Any ideas? Thank you.

Yes. More then once. I have found out that there is no clear line you can draw. The best thing I can do is to learn as much as possible about the subject and then use my knowledge, judgement and common sense to use it in order to get as much life as possible from the engine and use it as efficient as possible while flying as fast as possible. One thing I will do as soon as I can is to get the modern engine monitor ( I am really leaning towards CGR-30P), new tempest fine wire plugs,and maybe injectors. I believe all this will help me to run the engine smoother and longer eventually. I am still a very fresh pilot so I have long way to iron all the kinks. Thanks for advices and comments.

Ok. It's like around here. Thanks

Yes. Nicely done.

She said " If you go flying, consider filing IFR " . That's why I got so excited. She probably meant VFR but it really doesn't matter. It is very good advice to get in touch with ATC and practice radio communication and IFR procedures in VMC. That's what I did today too. I pick controlled airport in class C or D as my destination and I ask for the flight following as soon as I am 1500' up. It gets pretty busy in the area where I fly ( NY class B, Philladelphia class so I got plenty of chat with the ATC guys. It's a good practice and confidence building excercise.

Congrats. She looks beautiful. Super cool. I've got my M20J that is my first plane too two months ago and I still can't sleep at night. I fly every minute possible but this never ending winter in NJ drives me crazy. P.S. I like the pen holder on the panel.

Nice. Seats are sweet too. My glare shield has a big crack in front. Can still they fix it?

I know it is a little work but it looks so cool.

Photo pleas if you could.

I have just changed my oil. Phillips and Camguard. We'll see....

Deb, These are really good ideas, specially one to file Practice IFR. I didn't know you can do that. I have enough time on my hands and my work schedule is very flexible so I am ready to practice a lot. Thanks

I don't know. I ordered it from them directly.

As I said before I used California Custom products. See attached pic. I didn't use any power tool at all. I really wasn't ready to do that yet as I was waiting for warmer temps. But I found piece of old towel in the hangar and I was about to try just a small area. But it worked so good that I just kept polishing and it was done under 10 minutes. With very little pressure on the material. I have no reason to lie. I have no interest to promote anybody's stuff. I just wanted to share the experience as it really worked great. My spinner wasn't in terrible shape though as you can see in the pictures. But it was dull and it had all kind of stains.

If I need them to be more patient with me I will politely remind them that they are paid from my taxes too and they are here to keep us safe. Can I do that?