DMJones

I'm in Kennesaw (KRYY), but mine is about to sell. If you hurry, I might still have it.

I did a lot of research (what I could find on the internet), and decided that the apparatus would stress my dog more than the lack of oxygen. Since then she's made several trips in the teens with no issues. And she's always happy to get back in the Mooney.

Just a suggestion, as it's a little different everywhere: Ask around at your new field and see what everyone else does. There might be an A&P that keeps an aircraft there who can help in an emergency. I kept my Mooney at a field with no maintenance, and flew it to an adjacent field for annuals, etc. I was pretty meticulous about any tiny thing that might even LOOK like it might need attention and I would have it addressed. Ironically, I was forced to move to the field where my mechanic resides last year, and needed him for unscheduled work for the first time two days ago.

I haven't been on much lately, as I didn't fly the Mooney much last year (only 37 hours). We bought it for my son to get his Commercial. Anyway, he's knocking it out, and last night I went with him as he got the last of the required night patterns. This is the sunset over Kennesaw Mountain, Ga, as we wait for actual night to start.

I bought from Jimmy Garrison at All American. On that note, it's easier to move the plane to the shop, than the shop to the plane. If you have, or know of, a great pre-purchase shop, they will likely fly the aircraft there for the PPI. Of course, you'd be responsible for the costs, but it's worth it. When I purchased, I had them fly it to my mechanic at my home field, with the understanding that I'd buy it if it passed. It did, of course...

I passed this along to the CFI I used to check out. He's excellent. Bill Rutkowski, based in ATL.

If you have the time, go all the way to West Point. Beautiful, and worth a stop if you've never been there.

Just to pile on, I've been in there well over 100 times, but all in big jets. You CAN land there, I've seen it done. BUT you'd likely be put in a holding pattern, and then stuck in a very tight spot during a break in traffic. You might hold for an hour. As an alternative (and I see you're not going there, but just for the info), there are lots of VFR folks on sight-seeing jaunts all over NYC. As long as you stay cooperative, you could easily wander up the Hudson. Stunning views.

It did and I don't. Sorry about that. I do know that I have "new windows", installed by the last owner, so I'll bet they can be found somewhere on-line. I installed a new light cover for the landing lights last year, and found a lot of possible choices with only a little bit of Google searching. Best of luck finding one. EDIT: I just re-read the thread, and found this reference to a window supplier: Great Lakes Plastics . I think that's where I got my lens cover. I bet they'd be a good place to start.

Along these lines, I'm sure that answers will vary, but I'd guess that different brokers cater to "different" customers. Some might find the best rates for bazillion-hour ATPs, while others might find the best rates for student pilots. Also, I'm sure the answers will be different for different model Mooneys, as replacement costs will vary. So, would it be appropriate to ask what everyone pays, along with experience and model? Or is that too personal?

This is an awesome thread. It's a beautiful comparison to the "Abandoned Mooney" thread. I'm anxious to follow along and see how it goes...

Seriously. Fly it or tree house!

Sorry I don't have any old Mooney photos (at the moment, I'll start looking), but for years I used to fly predominantly to South America. There were always lots of derelicts down there, sitting in the tall grass. I always dreamed of getting one into my back yard and turning it into a tree house...

Are you gonna make them and sell them? Or just making the one for you? I bet here's a market...

Truth spoken.

I'm thinking that most here wouldn't be willing to "jump through hoops" to get a ride. If one owns a Mooney, then most likely one already has some disposable income and wouldn't be interested in being on-call for a last minute requirement. And the company/individual I mentioned above is in business (trying to make money for himself) so he's probably not interested in having to run down guys from all over the country trying to score a ride. I gave him a call and he has a couple dozen guys near/at his home field he uses. Having said that, there ARE opportunities. I'd hit up local outfits near your home (wherever that may be) and make an offer. With a short Google search (i.e. one try) I found lots of sites like this: https://www.indeed.com/q-Charter-Pilot-jobs.html Good luck to all who are searching... EDIT: one more thought, I used to be a maintenance pilot, and I was able to allow passengers to ride along when I was putting an airplane back in service. See if there's a jet maintenance center near you, and you might be able to jump on one of those flights.

I'm in Atlanta. My friend places pilots with aircraft. Most are privately owned, and they're looking for guys who have type ratings in the vacant jet. We had a layover together in Paris, and he spent most of the day on the phone trying to talk guys off of their sofas and into a cockpit. So, to get "real work" you'd need to be on-call and come when called. BUT, they do frequently need a right-seat filler, and they'll make do with most any warm body... I have no idea what they pay.

There are quite a few charter outfits having a very difficult time finding pilots right now. Most of the young men with ATPs are heading to the airlines. So, you might actually be able to find someone who would PAY you to occasionally sit right seat, provided you have your Commercial ticket. One of my friends has a side business and its sole purpose is to round up pilots for just that purpose.

I file IFR exclusively, unless I'm only doing a local in the pattern. It's a LOT easier to cancel than it is to try and pick up an IFR clearance if the weather deteriorates... I also file direct almost all the time. I let the FAA put me on a route, if they need me on a route. That way, I'm likely to get the most direct routing possible, and it avoids me choosing a route that's more convoluted than needed. Having said that, I file with Foreflight every time. I pick the route, get the briefing, check the weather, file, and go. It's easy and awesome.

I don't recall getting a notice, but I noticed my "supporter" label was gone. Can't have that. Just re-donated...

Great article. Question to the knowledgeable: If my wing-walk is in good shape, can it just be spray painted flat black to improve the look? Or is the WD-40 method the best way to "freshen" it up? For some reason spraying WD-40 on it makes me nervous, as it seems like the lubricant would weaken the paint...

Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your training

Quite funny. Quite. :-)

On the way back east. More in the vacation thread.

Ditto. Welcome!