Boilermonkey

Weather forecasting has been using what we now call AI and machine learning since computers were available. A lot of the innovation with super computing was used for weather (as well as ballistics and aerodynamic modeling). I don’t know what they might do with the newer large language models aside from better matching the weather data with the user needs. For example all of the charts and data we look at might be automated to check everything for us based on aircraft type, route, experience, preference, etc. Of course some marketing guy will probably slap AI on their weather website and pretend to be super cool and valuable. (Says a guy who’s been doing AI/ML for nearly two decades…)

Lancecasper posted this today: You can get a relatively fresh engine from a salvaged M20M Bravo, engine is ok, it was damaged in a tornado. https://baspartsales.com/blog/new-in-the-aircraft-salvage-hangar-july-8-2024/?utm_campaign=New In The Hangar&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93Vb_9EfKVPzxGAa_mUE1rr9ajv3Gi-8EOs7yH5APnSvWZUEUDrczRAh1XuB4wxOY1MYAdqFhcHT2cq-Iavtc0vqvGcA&_hsmi=315237841&utm_content=315237841&utm_source=hs_emai

The Mooney Caravan doesn't have a rule against them, hence making this adaptor. I could certainly see if you fly formation often, you'd get a different throttle. Whereas if you fly a lot of cross country a venier throttle is nice to have. No 337. It's not an aircraft modification. I've built it so that you hold it on and without your hand on it, it will fall off. It is more of a "grip" for your hand to relieve fatigue. Whereas some people use rubber band or tape to hold the button on the throttle in. I see that as more problematic and semi permanent.

Yeah, the throttle adjustments needed are larger than a few twists and frequent. Here's a HP plot from my JPI on a recent formation flight in the wing position where you've got to stay in just the right spot. Of course turns require significant adjustments.

For those of you who have a veneer throttle and fly formation, holding down the knob can be quite tiring. I've created a 3D printed cover that can easily slide on or off to hold in the knob, so you can make throttle adjustments easier and not tire out your hand. This one is modeled for the stock throttle on an M20M, not sure how many models have the same knob. I can bring some to Oshkosh if anybody wants one. Unfortunately, I will not be in the caravan though so you'll have to get it from me after this year's flight.

I purchased a run out Bravo 5 years ago. Not only was the engine over time, the O2 system was INOP and the TKS stem was broken. Otherwise she was solid. We fixed the O2 and TKS and ran the engine to ~2300 hours. We did not have anything elevated in the oil analysis, but with the original analog engine gauges we didn't have a view of what the engine was really doing. Starts started to take longer even with new plugs and mags. Power was good, but I did not have a reference of what it should be. So, we pulled the trigger and ordered a factory reman. Aside from the shop installing the new engine making some huge errors, everything has been great. The new engine is stronger and smoother, so something was starting to go at 2300 hrs. My only challenge with the new engine is keeping CHTs below 400. #1 and #6 hover at or just below that with the cowl closed in cruise and 75% power 100F ROP. Played around with baffles to no end. 200hours on it now.

I think there is a significant difference between commuting to/from work versus flying to a customer meeting/site for work. In the latter case you are traveling at the request/responsibility of the company, hence liability. Whereas getting to and from your place of employment is your personal responsibility. Either way I think companies should look at the cost/benefit and allow properly trained pilots in well maintained aircraft to do both. However, most in a position of authority or policy making just hear about accidents on the news and take the simple path towards excluding GA in a large company. Whereas many small business know the benefits and fly a lot of GA.

I had to add my company as "additionally insured" on my insurance policy. That cost nothing additional, but reduced their initial liability should something happen. I've only been able to get car milage reimbursed...now that their is a aircraft rate, maybe I'll try, but I doubt that's in Concur.

Best C model I've seen....and I use to own one. Well done.

What's the MTBF for the gears?

Exactly. Buy yourself a system to refill yourself and you will spend less and not. Be so concerned about consumption or failures of the system.

You might consider buying your own O2 refilling system. I bought a refilling system for $415 and rent two large aviation O2 tanks from Airgas. I spend about $300 a year on oxygen including the two tank rental rental. I use standard cannulas and masks for passengers who prefer them and don’t mess around with the oxygen saving cannulas, masks, or demand systems. It’s simpler and in the end maybe even less expensive.

I recommend keeping the Stratus within reach. I have an older model that sometimes looses it's mind, falls off the window, or needs to be plugged in. I suction cup it to the window on the door before each flight. In doing so the temperature and pressure fluctuations are account for that day. If not, it tends to fall off. I also will reattach when reaching 10K if flying high, due to the reduced pressure. I had previously mounted in the baggage compartment, but the aforementioned issues made that a no-go. You could probably mount to the side pillar, but you would have to cut the liner. I wonder if you could design a mount to slide over the shoulder belt attachment point? I've done several similar mounts with a 3D printer, but that might be a bit complicated. I've thought about it over and over, but still use a suction cup. Open to new ideas.

Don't cheep out is my first advice. There will be at lest one big storm, if not more if you stay the week and if you don't have a good tent you get wet and likely it will collapse on you. You'll want t tent that has strong aluminum poles and tie downs. First year I came with a friend and had no idea what I was doing, I brought a Coleman, hence the advice above. You'll see more Coleman tents in the dumpsters after a storm than anything else. I have had great mostly great experiences with Big Agnes Tents. For ~5 years I had a Big House 4 and it stood up to a lot of storms. It's a simple design and is high enough that you can stand up inside. I then upgraded to the Big House 6 when the kids got older/bigger. First big storm with 50 mph winds and it collapsed bending the aluminum poles. Given that tents shape it has a large cross section and just couldn't take it. FWIW, that storm took down about 1 in 4 tests, event the good ones. Thankfully, I had the Big House 4 with me as a backup (I store my stuff with a group in a storage unit near OSH). After that, I took the Big House 6 pieces home with me and contacted their support. Since I had bought it that year they took it back and game me full credit. I talked with their sales rep and he recommended their "strongest tent," the Mad House. The new tent has taken over 60 mph winds and been fine. No bent poles or leaks. It was a wild ride ;-) Check out this one: https://www.bigagnes.com/collections/tents/products/mad-house-6 If you come be sure to visit the MooneyCaravan and if you want to join the Pirate party on Tuesday night with my group, let me know. When are you planning to fly in?

Headset, tabletx2, gnats jar, pee bag, multi tool. Everything else is optional.