Trailboss

I vote for June, but later in the summer schedules better for me. Quick advice: Don't do avionics upgrades in the spring...I'm really missing my airplane.

First, welcome! Is a Mooney to much airplane for me? - I bought a J model with a PPL and 80 hours. Got my IR training and checkride in it, working on Commercial now. A Mooney is a predicable machine that responds quickly to pilot input. Coming from a C172, the transition took about 10 hours for a complex sign-off...mostly for the insurance requirements. How tricky are they to land? - The J lands at almost the same speed as a C172 w/ no flaps. It's the sight picture of the low-wing that is harder to get used to. Landing isn't tricky, but it's very speed dependend...come in fast and you'll float and land long...come in on the numbers, and you'll land no problem. How hard will it be to transition to? -I found it relatively easy coming from a C172 with a fixed prop. Remember flows, checklists, and the gear...always remember the gear. How reliable are they? - In my 2 years of ownership, I haven't had any major issues. Your results may vary based on previous history and storage location of the airplane you purchase. How safe are they? - One of the main reasons I bought a Mooney. It's a steel roll-cage surrounded by an airplane. If you look at NTSB reports, Mooney has a better ratio of injury vs. fatal per accident. How expensive to insure and maintain? - Varies by model, year, previous maintenance, etc.

What was the ambient temperature on 12/16? What is the temperature on 12/22? I've had issues the other way...filled tanks outside at 30F to full, then parked in a heated hanger...next morning, when I opened the fuel tanks...110LL all over the wing.

2018 - IR, Passed 300 Hours. 2019 - Commercial. 2025 - Island Charter!

Probably still my favorite picture...day I brought it home!

You can't do this to me...I have to sell mine first!

I would be interested as my incandescent landing light quit this week...good thing it's the longest day of the year!

I spent some time in LVNV last April. Landed at both Henderson and North Las Vegas on separate trips. Henderson has the nicer FBO. VGT was (is?) being renovated and it's a long walk to the FBO from the transient parking area when the FBO doesn't send a van. Henderson is a much nicer part of the metro area as well. Both have $15/day ramp fees, first night free w/ fuel purchase. From the North, LAS approach gave me direct VGT from Overton. That put me right over Nellis and the speedway. +1 for Penn and Teller

Selling my "spare" to finance AvGas costs No issues when removed. $2,100 OBO. $2,000 OBO.

I had the other issue...Hour meter stopped but tach kept running. Although more $$'s, I replaced it with a P-1000. Very happy with the upgrade to digital and it gives independent mag RPM's so run-ups are easy and in-flight monitoring of each one is possible.

I'll trade 1-for-1 rides! I have a J model based out of Ogden, and haven't been in a Citabria since my TW endorsement. I'll follow-up with a PM as well.

I had my dual-mag overhauled by Aircraft Accessories during the last annual. Approximately 30 hours later and no complaints...price was 'reasonable' compared to some other shops quoted.

I would like to be added..

I cannot agree more with this. My seller was outstanding thru the process. Six months after I bought my airplane he shipped a box of miscellaneous parts (oil filter, spark plug, personalized check list, hand-held mic) to me he found while cleaning his hangar. He could have just thrown them away....

I put in a P-1000 about two months ago. Really impressed with it, easy to read and mag-checks are a no brainer. I know there is some discussion on this board about the RPM level where it starts 'timing' engine hours, but that was minimal in my decision. It may be a factor in yours.

I had no idea this was such a common issue. This should be accounted for on every price list of "how much does an airplane cost?". I had to do the kitchen first, by the way...but then got into a great '88 J.

I would concur with Vance above. Run-up to 2000 RPM, lean to peak, then 1 turn rich on the knob. Forget summer, I took off from Evanston, WY last Saturday at 0730, OAT was 10C, DA 7900'

Steve, Any chance you can send me the DXF file?

Thanks for all the replies. I don't know why, but I thought there would be less agreement on the issue.

I'm curious on which one people feel gives a better understanding of your airplane. I have about 20 hours in my Mooney, and can't say that I'm 'comfortable' with it yet. Knowing that an instrument rating will help with 'precision' while a commercial rating pushes the pilot/airplane unit towards the edges of the envelope; which one would you conquer first? The current plan is to get both...but looking for input.

Just wanted to see my updated profile...with MY tail number next to it!

Congratulations as well...I love this forum for the shared support of owner's new and old.

Sent in mine as well...

And of course...I read that out load in Patrick Stewart's voice...