bonal

Just want to say that is a beautiful F and looks like it’s going 150kph just sitting on the ramp. Noticed your improvement on latest update and thought that’s better until I saw 26/2600 at 3k. If I was flying my D at that power and altitude I would be over 150 or at least close. Unless I’m reading it wrong. Attached is at 2450 WOT something not adding up.

The beta tester was just a joke, jeez. So as i have never had to purchase an STC how does one go about it. As for the other concerns i guess time will tell as real world conditions may not be the same as has been found with the limited conditions and hours accumulated by GAMI and the AOPA Beech twin. Also i have bladders and im not convinced the fuel isn’t detrimental to their health based on what happened to the beech twins tank. There was definitely an issue with the 94UL was that because of the lower octane or the lack of cushioning on the seats. Those were real concerns when the unleaded gas rolled out years ago to keep the catalytic converters on our autos from failing. Again I'm not trying to argue I'm just trying to get the truth and facts. We spend countless hours discussing all things related to the safe operation and maintenance of all aviation so please don't miss understand my concern. As for GAMI testing how many hours how many years compared to the millions that are flown in real life aviation. I wish I shared your confidence call me skeptical I’m ok with that.

I was simply posing this as a question because I don’t know all the answers to this issue. I have been reading all that I can find about this as IMO it’s kind of important and can have a real impact on our ability to fly. If I am going to be required to obtain an STC to use UL is it poweplant or airframe, I don’t know. What I have read indicates that not all piston aircraft will be able to use the fuel. I think the o360 in my D will be ok but I don’t know that for certain. Granted, there has been and are still tests being done but the valve recession issue is still not resolved. I’m not looking forward to beta testing how my particular engine is going to handle the unleaded gas. How many different cylinder and valve manufacturers are there. Best case nothing negative happens medium case I have to replace my cylinders all four plus labor well that’s at least 10AMU’s worst case my engine fails in flight and am forced into an off field landing. I know the prospects for the fuel look good but I don’t think my concerns are unreasonable. How many actual flight hours using the UL have been logged. I hope the new fuels will be successful because it will take away one item that the anti aviation politics can use to restrict our ability to fly. As I am from California there are many that would love nothing more than to ban GA completely our Air resources board has an almost unchecked authority to make policy.

That could be good news provided the airplane you need to fuel is permitted to do so. Engine and airframe manufacturers have stated warranty will be voided and of course the STC issues will have to be resolved. I guess it’s better than no fuel available but as I have stated before, our government is forcing a solution before it’s ready for general consumption. Personally I don’t think our current fuel is a problem but that’s just my opinion. When it becomes readily available and I think my o360 is an engine that can run it then that will be that. But there is going to be a period of uncertainty about how it affects our engines long term that we still don’t know.

So proud of the GA community for all that is being done. I have seen some mention of this on the news but not nearly enough. My former employer has sent over 400 line workers from nor cal plus support trucks for aiding in the restoration of electrical services. Stay safe everyone

So SB 1193 was signed into law I looked for any revisions and did not see any changes nor did I see the accelerated timeline starting in 2026 for disadvantaged communities what ever the f that will mean so I’m not sure of the actual timeline. In my search I discovered SB1505 which establishes a state aircraft registration fee which will have an initiation and subsequent annual fee to be established by the CA DMV. the fee will be to pay for setting up the program so we will have to pay the state for the privilege of being charged a new fee plus, and get this a fee to be used to combat detrimental environmental impacts of aircraft emissions. Remember in November how California leads the rest of the country especially as it pertains to environmental issues. Government is such a wonderful thing. just saying

Oops sorry it’s 136 dollars

Just looked on aircraft spruce and they have an ACS yoke machined from 6061 T6 billet for 139 dollars. Certified requirements prevent us from using a perfectly suitable part as a replacement for something that isn’t as good.

My 64D yoke looks a lot different than the one pictured. Will be discussing this with my IA as I recall him mentioning that I don’t have inspection requirement. Of course could just be wishful thinking on my part (no pun intended). Since there is still a Mooney corporation making parts would this issue be sufficient for them to begin manufacturing a replacement yoke as there would be hundreds if not thousands needed. Using a newer model design and if needed a sleeve for proper fitting. Sadly from a motorcycle or automotive aftermarket perspective this should be a big nothing burger. I guess we will all have to see how this plays out.

SB 1193 states that the ban will begin Jan first 2026 for “disadvantaged” communities and 2028 for “urban growth” communities. And these definitions can be very subjective. Once again we are forcing with mandates before the solution is completely ready for prime time. 2026 that’s less than two years from now. I have spent my entire life in California and have seen so many regulations forced upon us by the air resources board. It started many years ago with spare the air days making it illegal to have a fire in your fire place when they decided it was a bad day and not just in the summer but on winter days when the air was just fine. Recommend no BBQ no operation of gas tools and as of last year many gas powered tools are now banned. New homes for the most part must be all electric and if any of you haven’t experienced the cost of E service in CA you would be floored. Be VERY careful what you wish for because these restrictions will be coming soon to your state especially if a certain former Cali senator becomes our next president. Don’t believe a word she says. I have lived it. I can remember when the California summer blends came out for auto gas and quite a few retailers just stopped selling in the state. Can’t remember the last time I saw a Texaco or union 76 or BP chevron is checking out and moving to Texas. If the unleaded is still not ready we might not have any suppliers willing to sell in this state. Yes unleaded worked well for auto and other vehicles but not until manufacturers updated their engines. Just think of the log jam if all our cylinders have to be modified or replaced with hardened seats. Just saying be careful what you wish for.

Nice to know I’m in the right performance range for my model/year. I have owned it for eleven and a half years and it’s amazing how reliable it has been since getting it sorted out after a couple brutal annuals fixing things that had been neglected it has had a 100 percent dispatch rate. Usually my performance is based on OAT and management of temperature to the cylinders and oil. In the cold of winter I can really push it but usually I fly between 2350 and 2400rpm and 20 inches which gives between 125 and 130 knots leaning as much as my tractor carburetor will permit and just sip fuel under 8gph. Often times when I’m parked on a ramp with many different types like Cirrus or Bonanzas or pipers even other mooneys I look at our Plane and feel not one ounce of envy because that’s my airplane sitting there ready to take to the sky. And what I really enjoy is it’s just a real fun airplane to fly. How cool is it to be parked at a busy class D with boings, airbuses and Citations gulf streams and others walking out from the FBO knowing that our little Mooney is respected by all who see it. No doubt everyone feels that way about there airplane. What a privilege we all share.

And on a side note I am so lucky to have the privilege of owning and flying such a nice simple eloquent aircraft on my modest income. Once did a three heading GPSground speed test WOT 8000 feet with two on board and got 149 knots true. Not bad for 180hp

Interesting subject, no doubt an SR20 is a much improved aircraft compared to my 60 year old m20 converted D model and I should hope so. However on a recent trip to MSO with a fuel stop at Lewiston ID I found these numbers. 513nm from 1o2 took 4.5 hours with a 15 knot head wind at calculated airspeed of 140 knots and an average gps ground speed of 125. We topped fuel requiring 32 gallons for an average fuel burn of 8.4 per hour including an 8000ft climb to 9500 feet 16 miles per gallon and if you take out the wind component it’s slightly better than 18mpg. Not bad. Ken your aircraft history is beyond impressive and I’ve always like the Cessna Skymaster. They have a very unique sound and I can always tell when one is flying overhead. Here is one of your acquisitions hope you still enjoy the painting.

Thanks for the information. Too bad we’re so overly protective these days that everything is considered life threatening. I’m more concerned with valve recession than I am of lead poisoning. Hope they come up with a reasonable solution before they ban all gas engines. I’d like to keep flying for at least a few more years.

This subject is getting so old. Please educate me there are at least three major producers of 100 plus unleaded fuel shell, Sunoco, VP plus others that are less well known. Is there some magical chemistry needed I understand it’s a certification thing like so many other issues we have to put up with I just don’t know why it has to be such a Problem getting it done. Personally I don’t think our very small percentage of lead is causing anyone any health problems just like most of the other made up issues that ultimately are used to take away our freedom. But hey, that’s just my thoughts on the issue. there isn’t anything special about my old o360