Jeff H.

This topic came up at the MSF PPP in Denver. Guidance was max 5 - 6 years effectiveness for even the most expensive, high-tech super detector. The detection element degrades naturally over time. While I can appreciate the common sense factor with regard to "stick it in the exhaust to test" method, not really sure what to make of that one . . . :-)

Thank you very much, I appreciate the feedback. Probably could pick a better season for my first trip in . . . Jeff

All, Possibly headed to the Phoenix area and looking for guidance on a good field. Tempe area. Is Falcon the best choice? Any recommendations or guidance would be appreciated. Thanks. Jeff

Finally got the pictures. My concern was that the corrosion was coming from the inside. Not the case. All good and clean on the inside. Thank you to everyone for your help.

LLWS warnings are real.

Attending Denver PPP from Houston. Staying on for 3 days additional mountain flying training. Jeff

Icon Aircraft new . . . https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2016/may/25/icon-slashes-production-lays-off-workers

LOL. The weekend is here . . . patience will be rewarded.

Thank you very much for all the input. I was going to apologize for the unclean underside in the original post and forgot. All y'all were very kind in the comments.

One on eBay right now . . . http://www.ebay.com/itm/MOONEY-M20K-231-AIRCRAFT-AVIATION-COWL-FLAP-CONTROL-CABLE-/271839813398

Under the plane this weekend and noticed two (newish?) corrosion spots on inspections panels. Under belly, right side, roughly in line with gear. Any thoughts on why these would corrode (pics attached)? Very newby owner questions - please forgive me: 1) Is there any concern/risk/difficulty in simply opening these inspection panels up and taking a peek? 2) Noticed that after my last annual there are missing belly pan screws and non-matching screws substituted for originals. Suggestions for sourcing replacements? As always, thanks.

My great uncle flew door gunner on WWII B-17 missions. We see the planes on the ground or in the air from the ground - my first in flight experience. Love the flying history. Thanks for sharing your stories.

I know, pics or it didn't happen . . . Saturday, the 23rd at roughly 1:30pm a B-17 overflew KIWS at 1,500 ft. I was opposite direction on the downwind at the same time. Crossed by at about mid-field. No opportunity to snap a pic, but still a very cool experience. For what it's worth. Thought I'd share a nice flying experience.

Just to confirm what others have said - Rocket with speed brakes, owned for 2 years, operated every flight, never a thunk or thump on retraction. Both work simultaneously on extension and retraction. Good luck.

Headed to Kerrville tomorrow to pick up my Rocket from its annual at Dugosh. I'll keep my finger on the shutter while on the flight line . . .

No deaths, just total loss on the aircraft. Given the contributing factors listed, a final report would be an interesting read. http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/brand-new-ac-130-ghostrider-a-total-loss-after-going-in-1743122173

So, you're fond of cults. In summary, Cult of the Mooney or Cult of the Bonanza? I've owned an '81 Rocket for one year. Right now it's undergoing my first Annual. Unexpected out of pocket costs for the first year have been minimal - which I attribute to the fine care the previous owner provided to the aircraft (and a little to my obsession in finding a plane I hoped would present few problems in the first ownership year). - Patience and persistence: (Obvious, I know) Looked at many planes and reviewed logs/annual and ordered the FAA docs on CD for a few before deciding and buying. - Pre-Buy: My process was a disaster - primarily because I hadn't identified a good source(s) before getting serious. If you're looking in specific geographic areas, identify and vet your pre-buy resource now. - Insurance: You have 11,000 hours - I can't see how this will be a problem. I bought my Rocket before getting my ASEL certificate. I got insurance. I get my first born back in a couple years . . . AOPA and Falcon provided quotes - went with Falcon, just renewed and am very happy with their service. - Resources: Most disappointing ownership issue so far has been finding service resources. It's been tough for me - don't know if that's just me or in general. Non-responsive mechanical/avionics/instruction resources. Have to try two or three places to get someone to take my money. Unprofessional/unpolished service. Possible that my expectations have been too high. Again, for Beech or Mooney identify good local resources before you buy. Arapahoe Aviation in Englewood, CO maintained my plane for the previous owner and has a great reputation. - Flying high with two small children and a dog? Uhhh . . . Hopefully we're working from different definitions of flying high. For cross country flights (Texas - Missouri, for example) I'm at 16 - 17,000, on oxygen. - Costs: Biggest cost for me was making my plane "my own" -- 1/2 panel avionics upgrade at $30k. Accessories (oxygen kits, headsets, handheld radio, bags, avionics subscriptions, etc.) at $5k. Hangar costs at $400/mo. Occasional $50/night costs for animal boarding will not have a material impact on your annual costs. Cousin owned a V-tail Bonanza. Loved it. Not nearly the Rocket (or 252) performance. Was making an identical decision as you when I bought - got the Mooney because it met all my needs before I found a Bonanza that met my needs. Would suggest that approach worked out - set my criteria including equipment, history, remaining engine time, price range, etc. and found a plane that matched. I don't think you'll be unhappy with either choice. I truly love having a plane. Sure you will, too. PM me if you have other specific questions. Good luck!

'81 M20K 231 - the "B!tch!n Betty" and Stall Warning are distinct sounds and will not be confused. Stall warning as constant high tone, gear warning as more buzzing sound, lower tone.

I read this thread and chuckled a little to myself. I find myself to be an expert at salvaging bad landings. Because I have continual practice. It's an aspirational goal to obsess over a single incident. No commentary on the OP post - just a reminder of how much work I have to do on my own piloting. :-)

In September I used Aero-space Reports, out of Oklahoma City. While a first time purchase with no comparable experiences, communication was clear, execution timely, responsive to questions and made the purchase - well, their portion - absolutely painless. Aero-Space Reports Toll Free: 800-765-2336 ▪ Direct: 405-728-4117 ▪ E-Fax: 877-823-0316 Courier Address: 6916 N.W. 112th Street ▪ Oklahoma City, OK 73162

I do not know anything about this group and have no experience with them - found them as a contracted US Marshals selling agent for forfeited property. Interesting listings for a Liquid Rocket and a nice looking M20E -- http://irggroup.com/cars-for-sale/1998-mooney-m20l/ Jeff

Look, I'm a newbie at this and here are my Rocket at gross weight thoughts: - My first complex, high performance takeoff was in a Rocket at gross weight. You'll be fine. - Most of my flights are at gross weight. - Gross weight performance and handling is distinctly different between 2 healthy men and full fuel vs. 3 pax and partial fuel. CG for the first makes takeoff trim settings more critical to reduce workload during initial climb out. With 4 passengers and partial fuel your normal flap/trim settings should be fine. Not a noticeable change in runway takeoff performance. The landing weight restrictions are based Rocket serial number. Early versions have a slightly lower allowed landing weight. Go by what's in your POH or in the Rocket manual. What you find online may be not be officially applicable to your specific plane. Good luck, have fun. White is good, black is bad, shades of gray will kill you. Keep it in the white. Jeff

No matter what you're flying . . . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWUJJKzG4vo

All right, I got my list. Thank you very much to everyone for your help. I'll post a follow-up once resolved. MooneySpace - gotta love this place. Jeff

Owned for 35 hours. Always flown straight and level hands off. Return from service (oil change), first flight, strong left turn in all phases - need 15 - 20 degrees right on control wheel for straight and level flight. Only other information is that on same flight GAD43 failed (part of G500 install). Left turn tendency exists with autopilot off. Century 41 autopilot. Absolutely only other item is that it appeared that level trim was slightly nose down compared to past flights - trim indicator was at bottom of center mark. In flight, ailerons appeared equal, flaps fully up. Where do I start to look? (Other than for a good MSC . . . ) Rookie Rocket owner - I appreciate your patience and knowledge.