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SkyTrekker

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Everything posted by SkyTrekker

  1. @Stephen Skinner, I just messaged you the info. Keep us updated on how the process goes. Also, as @N6758N points out, there are compelling next-generation autopilot solutions coming to market that may warrant our attention. I've decided I'm going to look more into this option before I spend on upgrading my existing vacuum-based system.
  2. Hi @Stephen Skinner, I'm also looking to install a heading and or Nav tracker upgrade to my Positive Control system. While speaking with Brittain few weeks ago, I learned that in addition to the BI-805 option, there is an option to replace our Britain turn coordinator with a version that includes the required valve from the BI-805 This route makes the separate BI-805 valve not required. The upside to this approach is that the turn coordinators are more common on the market than the straight BI-805 (and you don't have to find another place to mount the BI-805!) The downside is that this configuration does require a field approval, but Brittain (or I) can provide some example field approvals to show that there is a precedent, and we also have a letter from Brittain stating that the configuration is approved by the original manufacturer (Brittain). I also confirmed with Brittain that the 14 and 28 volt versions of these units are easily able to be converted in either direction (to the other voltage) during the service/refurbishment process, so the voltage rating does not pose a problem if all you can find is a 28 volt one. I was able to find a turn coordinator on ebay the first time I looked, and I bought it. Am about to send it to Brittain for refurbishment and bundling with the rest of the parts required. All of the above information is based on a series of emails and calls I had with Cecilia and Kevin at Brittain in Tulsa a few weeks ago. They are super-helpful and I recommend checking in with them for confirmation of this information and to ask any other questions you might have. Cecilia even offered to review any units before I purchased them. I sent her pictures of the ebay unit and she confirmed I had the right one before I bought it. I'll message you with a link to another unit that appears to be for sale in case this is a route you would like to consider. Good luck! -Sia
  3. That is some nice Mooney flight footage! Thanks for sharing.
  4. Thanks @jonhop. I'll be considering this as my mounting approach!
  5. @jonhop, do the threads for that RAM mount you pictured above just happen to be exactly the same threads as our tie-down screw holes? If so I might try this approach to mount a gopro to the screw hole for the rear fuse tie-own.
  6. Based on this description, my idle seems to be about right.
  7. Ah, yes, the throttle is a little low in idle position, I think the idle setting is just a little low in general...should be easy to tweak. I adjust the throttle for ~1000 after startup and it works fine. Once it has warmed up, it idles fine in the full idle position. I did not have Don do an annual, but I might have had him do it if I could go back in time. Honestly the whole process of purchasing a plane was so new, and I was so anxious to transition my PPL training to the Mooney that I only gave it a moment's thought. I will probably have Don do the annual when it comes due in January. I do plan to add a GPS once I check a couple of other boxes off of my upgrade/maintenance list! Thanks Steve....yes the ice was a shock :-) I will definitely consider coming to the Mooney Summit as soon as I've completed my PPL and the extra hours my insurance requires before flying passengers. The beach option for the wife sounds like a win/win.
  8. Hi Greg. Yeah a GPS would have been nice but it wasn't on my must have list. Am really enjoying flying her. I am curious about the idle issue you mention, though. I haven' noticed any problems, but then again, I'm new to airplanes (and Mooneys), so not sure I'd necessarily know if there was an issue. I had the pre-buy done at Don Maxwell's, and he didn't note anything with the engine or idle. Is there anything you remember about the idle so that I can have it looked into during my next annual? Thanks for any insight... -Sia
  9. I was totally oblivious to the bucket of ice sitting on the pavement when I got out of the plane, so it was a complete shock when he unloaded it onto my back! Painfully cold and sweetly refreshing all at the same time Yes, it turned out pretty well. I used a couple of video editor filters that made the contrast pop and improved instrument readability in the video. CFI was coaching me from a handheld in a golf cart from the safety area of the runway. I had radios set to monitor his frequency while I was talking to ATC. He would broadcast a message as I was setting up for final, and as I was touching down. Just the right amount of coaching. Started in November, flying an average of once every week or two, and have 32.8 total hours now (9.3 in the Cub, 8 in the C172, 1.4 in a J, and 14.1 in my E). Two cross countries under my belt. Now we start on the fun stuff: Night flights, solo cross country, and those 3 hours of instrument flying. Can't wait! Lol...the step is there, hiding behind my right leg. I had to go back and look at another photo to be sure, though. You had me concerned for a minute!
  10. First solo flight accomplished! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpzayJPM2-g
  11. Thank you McMooney! So cool that you've had time in my E! She does jump off the runway, and climbs like nobody's business. Don Maxwell recorded compressions of 79s and 80s during the pre-buy! Were you thinking of buying her? I know the previous owner said that some of the lookers were really wanting a GPS and the fact that 40V didn't have one was often an obstacle. Yetti, we have plenty of good eateries in Waco. Would love to have you folks visit. Once I have my PPL and 10 hours of post PPL solo flying burned off, Mrs. Trekker and I would love to meet you two in Cameron for a bite! I flew my first cross country a couple of weeks ago to Cameron and other points along the way. Much fun.
  12. Dang it! I would have added my intro to the existing master thread if I'd noticed it. Duplicate threads bug me :-) Hi Rainmain. Thanks for the invite, and I hope I can take you up on one or both offers one of these days! I've been looking at 5C1 as well as Bullverde and New Braunfels as possible airports for the frequent weekend trips to visit the parents. Seems like there are a number of good choices. My mother lives about a mile from T94 (Twinoaks) in San Antonio. Anyone ever used that strip? It is tiny, with homes on all sides, deep in San Antonio suburbia. I drove by and looked at it once. Runway is in great shape, but only 2200 feet long! Too exciting-sounding for my blood at this early stage in my Mooney career :-|
  13. $3500 for 3 axis AP including labor is crazy amazing. Well-done! I'd love to do it all myself and have an AI sign off on it. Problem is, this is my first plane, I've never worked on one before, and I don't have a relationship with an AI yet. Even if I did, I would not trust me (yet) if I were him/her. I would love to spend a day with a great AI, working from the nose to the tail on my E and learning as much as I could about everything in between. Maybe do a couple of service or maintenance jobs with them. Then I think I'd be ready for taking on something like installing an autopilot system. I guess I'll print out the documentation that Brittain sent and study up. Either way I go, knowing everything about the system will be a good thing. In the meantime, I've emailed Cecelia to get a quote for Brittain installing the B-11 and B-12, with me assisting. We'll see what they come back with. -Sia
  14. Good point. The idea of flying up to Tulsa and helping Kevin with an install holds a lot of appeal for me. I'll call them today to see how far out they're booked and how long I would need to plan to be there to accomplish that. Good idea, Cliffy. I guess if I were to work with Kevin at Brittain on the install, I would also work with him on to develop the paperwork for a pre-work approval from the FSDO, like you suggest.
  15. This seems to be the Brittain Autopilot thread with the most activity, so I'll share my discoveries and questions here. As you might guess, I'd like to add autopilot capabilities to my E. My Positive Control system is working really well, so based on what I've read, any or all of the Brittain AP upgrade options are worth considering. I'm most interested in the heading bug (B-12 Accuflite) option, but the GPS/VOR navigation tracking (B-11 Accutrak) option only adds <1 AMU to the equipment cost, so I'm considering that, too. Following your recommendations, I contacted Brittain directly. You folks weren't kidding when you spoke highly of their customer service: Accessible, responsive, friendly, and very helpful. I've spoken with and emailed Cecilia (and Kevin) and learned a good bit. In talking with them I've learned that there is an alternate part for the 'unicorn' BI-805 servo valve. Others probably already know this, but it was news to me that the 'EVT' version of the TC-100 turn coordinator includes the servo valve function. Our basic wing-leveling version of the TC-100 is the 'EVS' model. To support either the B-11 or B-12 Accutrak/Accuflite AP options, we can replace our EVS turn coordinator with the EVT version instead of installing a separate BI-805. It does extend the length of the TC-100 by an inch or so, but eyeballing the space behind my panel, it doesn't seem like that will be an issue at all. Attaching images of EVS and EVT models below for reference. This approach comes with the added requirement of a field approval, but Brittain has provided previously executed field approval examples and a letter from Mooney stating that the EVT replacement system is compatible with specific M20 model years. While I was unable to find a single BI-805 in a month of looking, I was able to find 2 serviceable EVT versions of the TC-100 on my first try (on ebay and Hangarswap). I also learned that a TC-100's voltage rating is largely immaterial. Brittain is able to overhaul either voltage to the other. So here are my questions, fellow Mooneyites: Are there any recommendations for mechanics in the Central Texas area who are very familiar with the Brittain systems? I'm new to Mooney ownership and am still developing my network. I hope to assist in the installation process if it can be done at my home field, ACT. I've read some of the FAA field approval documentation, methods, etc. and I'm nothing but confused. Assuming there is precedent (care of the Brittain documents mentioned above), should I expect that the field approval is generally do-able? Or can this process be problematic? I purchased a used EVT TC-100 for $250 (listing reviewed by Brittain), but am holding off on the equipment overhaul/calibration/tagging expense until I have some level of confidence in the field approval process. Thanks for any input here! -Sia Top Diagram: EVS Model Bottom Photo: EVT Model
  16. I'm in Waco, so not too far at all. Family and work keep the calendar full, but I know I'll be able to free up one of these days to come ride with one of you guys. Thanks for the invite! That is exactly what I'm working on these days...flying the numbers. There is a lot to that. Thanks MBDiag. Yes, that was part of the appeal for me, get to spend significant time with my CFI learning in the plane I will be flying. Would love to connect one of these days.
  17. Thanks gsx! Yes, Don's is definitely the place to go (at least in my area) for a pre-buy. My goal was to stay off of your list ;-) I have to say, as far off as flying formation seems for me right now, it sounds really, really fun. I hope to take you up on it as soon as I've got some hours under my belt.
  18. I've been trolling here at MooneySpace for many months now, and have recently made a few posts and received direct, helpful guidance. But I've never properly introduced myself and wanted to take a moment to say hello and share a little background. First, I have to echo the sentiments of so many before me and express how grateful I am for the contributions of the individuals who make MooneySpace the excellent resource that it is. The camaraderie here is palpable, and the occasional spirited debate and difference of opinion notwithstanding, the helpfulness and sense of community of this forum is unmatched, in my opinion. I've been an aviation nut since I was very young, and the first thing that I wanted "to be when I grew up" was a pilot. I was always putting those 75 cent balsa wood airplanes together and flying them, breaking them, frankensteining them back together in strange combinations, and flying them until there was nothing left. In my late twenties I had a tandem hang gliding experience that was amazing. About 20 years ago I was introduced to skydiving which gave me another perspective on flying (9 solo jumps before I moved on to other things), and then I got into the RC flying hobby. First a big gas wooden trainer, then collective pitch electric helicopters, then tricopters and quads, and finally remote audio/video piloting on all of the above (insert hundreds of hours of crashing, ordering parts, and rebuilding various flying things, oh and maybe a dozen hours of actual flight time :-). About a year ago, during one of our frequent family trips from central Texas to San Antonio to visit parents, my wife and I started talking - half jokingly - about how nice it would be to if we could fly that recurring trip and cut our transit time in half, not to mention improve the view along the way. Of course I had always fantasized about flying my own plane, and all of a sudden we were contemplating doing just that! A couple of months later we were meeting with CFIs, and in October of last year I started taking flight lessons from my excellent CFI based at ACT, about 15 minutes from my home. I started training in his J3C cub, hand-propping and learning the basics on the stick and rudder. At around 10 hours we transitioned to the C172. By this time I'd decided (thanks to all of you folks and a ton of other reading) that I wanted a Mooney. I started searching in earnest, and in May (and with my CFI's help and involvement), purchased N9440V, a 1970 M20E with ~200 hours SMOH and ~2600 hours TT. I had completed my pre-solo written test and was about to solo the Cessna when I took delivery of my E, and needed to insert 15 additional hours of instruction in the E before I could solo (per my insurance terms, not to mention my own peace of mind). So here I am, about 15 hours later, about to complete the pre-solo written again, and just around the corner from my first solo flight in my own Mooney. There is no way I'd be this far along and as informed as I am without the wisdom and guidance found on these pages. So thank you MooneySpace and MS contributors. I know I will continue to learn from you, and I hope I can give back in my own way to help others who land here, looking for wisdom and insight into these special flying things we call Mooneys. -Sia
  19. I really like the idea maintaining a list or knowledge base like you are describing. I read Mooneyspace threads for months before buying, and it was a huge help. Having a summary of most of that information in a single thread or document would be really nice for future buyers.
  20. @MooneyPTG Kevin, I'm also looking to to do the Accuflite/Accutrak upgrade to my Positive Control system. It looks from this thread like you were able to locate a BI-805 pretty quickly (relatively speaking). May I ask where you found yours? I'm hoping I don't end up having to wait 2 years to get to the top of the Tulsa list. :-) Thanks, -Sia
  21. From the album: N9440V

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