bhilgy

New panel in flight. Only issue yet to resolve is the KAP150 is not capturing glideslope on any approach. Blows right through it. Heading back to shop for additional software from Aspen on Monday and hoping it isn't a AP issue. Anyone have experience or suggestions??

I had my private pilot for less than a year and fewer than 140 hours when I bought my M20J in may. I did have about 16 hours of complex at the time and was working on my instrument. My insurance was still around $2,700 for $150K hull coverage! I was able to add $1M smooth after my instrument rating for around the same $$. I felt that getting used to the Mooney was fairly easy, even with low time, and finished my instrument rating in the plane. I would encourage you to take your instrument training in your new plane and would definitely encourage the rating if you are going to fly with any regularity (and you should). I already have 110 hours in my new plane and am loving it. Good luck, James!

That's awesome Bob!

Today's progress.....making me feel a lot better!!

Inspired by some of the recent Aspen questions to share my own decision and process: I purchased my M20J MSE in April knowing that the AI was on a short leash with over 2200 hours on the original. I bought it "right" knowing that I would be upgrading to Aspen or equivalent. I did some additional research and most advice pointed me to the Aspen as the most cost effective option, given that I was committed to my existing 530 for GPS/Comm,etc. and my combination of Stratus/iPad and yoke mounted Garmin 496 with XM Weather for dual weather sources. I booked my install for September on August 21st and took off for a long cross country with a buddy on August 22nd. 40 minutes into our 4 hour flight the AI went out! How's that for timing! Hand flew our trip there and back and stayed VMC! We'll she's been in the shop for a couple weeks now and I'm told she'll be ready by next Wednesday or so. The whole process will have taken just over 3 weeks. Here's some details on my decisions and changes: Evolution PFD1000 EA100 for Roll Steering (I had roll steering slaved to 530 and love shooting approaches with the sett-up...only simplified through PFD!) Wanted flush mounting so cutting a new panel allowing me to also move the Engine monitor to the ADF location Installed Fuel flow to the JPI and connecting to 530 Hard wiring the 496 to the 530 (couldn't do it without taking out the 530) Attaching some progress pictures.....seeing her torn down is like getting a picture of your open heart surgery (I assume!).....Eeek!

Well I booked a September install for a PFD1000 Pro to replace my failing AI and original DG. I'm also going with the EA100 interface to my KAP150....I have roll steering now. Interesting that my AI completely failed the day after I booked the install! (It had over 2400 hours so it was time) I'm looking for feedback on how those of you making the conversion have shortened the learning curve on working with your new Aspen? While you're at it, should I go with Synthetic Vision? (I know there are other posts covering this but what the heck)

Barelyawake, thank you that was exactly what I had wrong.

Anyone try this new feature in Foreflight yet? I'm stumped as mine seems to be calculating all wrong. Probably a user error but wondering if anyone else has an issue.

Flying into Cincinnati for a guys weekend in a couple of weeks. Anyone have Airport/FBO recommendations for the area? I'm staying downtown and have no problem with Class B ATC....will be filing IFR. KLUK seems logical. Any advice?

Bought my Mooney in April and the flap relay went out during the first flight. I've heard from almost every new aircraft owner of these first month bugaboos....particularly those planes that have sat for a while (mine had less 20 hours in the last 5 years). That's my only maintenance issue with 80+ hours in the first 3 months so that may give you some encouragement!

What are your favorite moments during a flight? Mine is that moment on short final when the Mooney is dialed in on the perfect glideslope and I'm nearly hands free on a stable approach. The runway backgrounds that perfect picture that says "I'm a badass pilot and am about to grease this landing". Brings a big smile to my face every time! BTW- At it's best just after I checked "Gear Down" one more time! Go!

Spencer Avionics in Spenser, IA. I'm having them price out some upgrades and they've been fantastic. I haven't had work done with them myself but their reputation across my half of the midwest is unparalleled...where everyone in a 4 state area goes. Talk to Quentin www.spenseravionics.com

Personally have never been comfortable with the kneeboard. Again, personal comfort rules.

My RAM mini yoke mount works great in my Mooney. I just installed my new 496 on the left yoke and mounted the Mini to the right yoke. Did a 2 hour instrument session yesterday and that setup was perfect! Even if your left yoke isn't occupied, that's how I would recommend mounting the mini. I have been flying a C182 prior to buying my Mooney and the RAM fits the Mooney much better.....with the smaller Mooney yoke the RAM/mini combination is a perfect fit. That being said, personal comfort rules. I'll try to take a picture today or tomorrow to post.

I just bought a Mooney M20J MSE last week at 140 hours TT. I got my Private in August in a 172. I belong to a club with a Piper Arrow and a 182 so I got some experience in Retrac and HP before buying the Mooney. AIG required 10 hours of dual and 5 hours of solo before passengers....I guess my 15 hours of retrac helped some. My buddy has a new SR22 and he and I were playing around with weight and balance. My mooney has a useful load of 1003lbs and by our math I could actually fly 2 couples to his vacation home with fuel reserves while his SR22 could not....that 9.5 gph goes along way when it comes to lightening the fuel load compared to his 13.5 at lean of peak! This is all paper math so practical experience may vary. Anywho, don't rule out the Mooney compared to more powerful aircraft when it comes to a family CC! Just pay very close attention to DA in any loaded aircraft!

Picked a pretty crappy day to fly home so the picture opps were pretty limited. This is the best one of the bunch, unfortunately. Ceilings were pretty low and the lead plane was a C182 that left 30 minutes ahead of us. Of course we caught her at the end of our 1:40 flight! Here's a few more pics.

Most of all want to thank the previous owner (and original owner) of this meticulously maintained aircraft! I will do my best to continue her impeccable care.

Hello, everyone! I'm a newly minted member of the Mooney community. After much analysis and input from friends, fellow flyers, and (certainly not the least) this forum, I am now the proud owner of a 1992 M20J MSE. Brought her home from KFCM to KBTA on Wednesday. Profile pick is taken from one of my flying club's airplanes on the way home. I'm looking forward to being an active member of this community. Many thanks for all of the advice so far. Here's another shot of N44ZT after the flight home.