bonal

Well I'm happy to start the year with a flight on day one. Just another groceries run to WLW but the air was absolute smooth and even though a bit of haze you could see the Sierra mountains off in the distance. Not too many folks out today temps were mid to upper 50's and really a great day to be in the sky. As always Snoopy performed well giving us a trouble free trip. I think it's a kick that we can fly our Mooney to take care of our needed supplies. I know it's not as exciting as most Mooney flights but hey we still have to accomplish all the required elements of a flight we take off we climb we cruise we descend we approach and we land. Happy new year everyone

It was Paul Loewen that discovered this airflow issue which prompted his design and STC for the relocate to the back of the dog house

Already placed the new thread. Hope lots of folks contribute

Oh wait, I just looked again at first post to see what was wrong with the "ugly" prop and realized which Mooney this is. Ugly prop yeah right!

Just what I was thinking, can you post a pic of the airplane before work started

Retire from my grueling job of 35 years. Begin painting again, my true passion and get out and fly more.

Lots of great story's and flights from last year. Hope this year brings more of the same and that we all have a great and safe 2018. Hope we get more Mooney posts this year as well as all other flights and story's of flight. Thank you John aka Bonal

Thanks to all of you that took the time to share your Mooney and other adventures hope everyone had a good 2017 John

Good news if that's all it was. Can the bats be recovered or are they done for.

Great to see it all come together. Wondering what your throttle set MP and RPM were to see 153Ktas. I know with my C 2 on board at 8000ft 3 and 4 heading method we got 148 and 149ktas respectively and I know others that have numbers similar to that with their C models. I would expect you would be faster. Admittedly we were pushing for best speed at wot 2600rpm.

While I agree on your point that our engines can only make a low percentage of rated power up high because they are normally aspirated I disagree that a jet engine is also normally aspirated. They have compressor blades that pressurize the incoming air to a higher psi or am I wrong. Just like a mechanical blower or turbo charger does for piston engines just a different method of air compression.

Just went through a repair from the door blowing open on departure so might have some useful info. The hinge on the door side was ripped but intact on the airframe side so only the door hinge needed replacement . Speaking with Robert the service manager at Lake Areo who is expert with Mooney service. I asked him about using a used door as there were some in the hangar Im in and he said that these doors are really made to fit each airframe and would take more work to get one lined up than to repair the original. Plus to buy a new one is 3600 dollars and a used one would not be a cheap replacement. It took only a few days to re skin the door replace the hinge and do a base coat of white. I will need to shoot the accent color. The new door looks great and cost was 1100 dollars or 1.1AMU's so not bad as airframe repairs are seldom inexpensive. Good luck and welcome to Mooney space.

Had a joyful day with our family Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night

Got an outstanding new BBQ three aviation related t shirts including this one with a proper 6 pack now if only I had a panel to match in our Mooney. Merry Christmas every one

The ground wires should be connected to a proper copper ground rod driven into earth. Plastic is very good material for generating a static charge. A metal can on concrete is a VERY poor ground.

Might as well add 2 cents. I really love my DC pro X I am in the hate Puting plugs in my ears crowd and they aren't affected by glasses. Also only weigh 7 ounces and fold up real compactly. ANR is very good in fact I leave off until in cruise since I really want to hear my engine during taxi run up and climb. They are so quiet that it took some getting used to. Super comfortable to wear and since they don't cover over my ears they don't make things sweaty when it's hot out. Also much less expensive than other brands.

Maybe we just need more automated journalists

Nice video, just a thought since I doubt you will be kneeling and half turned sideways while in flight. you might do it once again when the seats are back in and while doing what ever you would be normaly in actual flight. Body position will change your leverage also leaving your left on the yoke etc will be different. Just thinking while it's still on jacks.

Today we went to STS we had our young lady with us that is wanting to become an ATC and since the courtesy cars were out we were able to meet with the tower supervisor that I had spoken with to take a tour of the tower. He was very nice and was able to provide lots of information about the job and hiring process. After we finished we had a car so off to the mall. Snoopey's new door looks pretty good just need to get some blue to match and shoot the accent. As soon as we were at 300agl I let our friend take the airplane to make our turn towards home. She held in a steady climbing 30 degree bank leveled off nicely and did real well heading us towards home. After taking the airplane back she and my wife took some pics of the very beautiful sunset. I hate droughts and we may be in for another dry winter here (and God do we need some) rain but winter flying in California can be the best you can ever get.

Who says a C150 can't hover

Door is back on Snoopy base white is a pretty good match, now I have to color match the blue accent and shoot it but new door looks very nice. Three days from when I brought it over to Lake Aero not bad guys.

T5 manual naturally. It was fun to buy it I met the fleet sales rep and we ordered it directly from the factory including close ratios in the box and a lower ratio rear end. Got a call from Dearborn MI when they started to make it and again when it was finished and loaded onto the train to be shipped out to me. Other than re program on the CU the motor is stock and it would spank many cars that should be way faster. I really think they like to build special orders not just dealer cars.

Really sad to learn of your loss and of the uncertainty you are facing. Good luck and prayers to you with whatever efforts you make.

Speaking with Robert at Lake Aero he mentioned that they are going to be really focusing on avionics upgrades in the near future. I know their avionics mech is really skilled and has even been flown overseas to do installations for their shop.

I guess that's what the experimental category is all about.