Steve_B

Great info in this thread. I had my sights set on a J but after reading this thread, I"m now adding an F to my list. I want a mid body so the C is out but I like the higher UL of the F and the speed tradeoff is not that much and I see a lot of F's with speed mods that really narrow/remove that gap. I realize that the speed differences are not that great but there is that psychological aspect (especially for my wife) of getting somewhere in 2:50 vs 3:05. It's the 2 hour vs 3 hour trip when in reality it's a 15 min diff. Kinda like the $39,999 car that seems to have the same effect in that it's not a $40K car. I've even hear people say it's a $30K car. The marketing industry has done a lot of research to most effectively separate us from our money so that effect is real for some. -Steve

I miss George. I was taught the same as others, 3 pulls for rpm, MP, OP but after doing some research, I only do one except when the outside temp is really cold so then it's 2-3 to get some warm oil through the prop. Not sure if that's needed but that's what I do. As for the runup, I will do one only if the engine was shut down. Abbreviated preflight/walkaround for fuel stops, etc., full preflight of the plane leaves my sight. -Steve

Very nice. Congrats on the (soon to be) new purchase. -Steve

@joekinnc Did you have a PPI and if so, do you know if they checked the tanks and/or what they said about them? Also, please post a follow up on your findings (is there really a leak or not?). If you had a PPI and the tanks were not checked, I'd like to know who you used (you can PM me if you don't want to put it on the public forum) as I don't want to use that person/company. I"m assuming a check of the tanks would be part of a PPI. Thanks, Steve

Please add me. If I'm missing any required info, please let me know. Thx, -Steve

2018 - Got my PPL and complex rating 2019 - Buy a Mooney then start my IR training

Welcome aboard. I went through a similar process to decide which one was "right" for my missions. I'm in the market as well right now. If you haven't already, check out these articles. They are a great source of info comparing the different models. http://www.mooneypilots.com/mapalog/flight_test_reports.html -Steve

Merry Christmas all. Pretty new to the forum but learning a lot in a short amount of time thanks to all the contributors. 2019 is the year I acquire my first plane and most likely it will be a Mooney. -Steve

Wow! Absolutely beautiful. Love the two tone. -Steve

So sorry to hear of your loss. Toughest decision someone can make but based on the situation, you made the right one. I know what your going through as we have had to make the same decision around the holidays a few years ago. For us it was two Goldens within a month of each other (one had cancer the other was 14 and old age issues). I second guessed that decision for a few months. -Steve

I"m pretty new to my complex rating and I switch back and forth between an Arrow and my buddy's 150. I'm so paranoid that I'm going to forget the gear. I was taught, like many here, to do at least 3 GUMPS in the pattern (mid field DW, LB, Final). I was also taught that the gear should be down by the time you enter the pattern. There is one final "three green, no red" as I cross the threshold. I do the same in the 150 with a "gear down & bolted". The Arrow I fly can be a challenge to slow down fast as the gear warning horn is not set correctly (IMO) It goes off around the 20"-21"MP setting vs something more reasonable like 17". Other than the gear warning check on initial decent, MP is increased anytime it sounds so I don't get used to hearing it. Like I said, I'm fairly new to my complex rating, but I don't know why you wouldn't be slowed to gear speed by the time you enter the pattern. If your that fast going into the pattern and don't have the gear down by then (or at least before you are abeam the numbers), I would expect you would be working to get it slowed down the rest of the way around and opening up yourself to other problems. -Steve

I am also in the market for one right now and was hoping to purchase locally (I'm in MA) but there are so many more down south. I'll be very interested in hearing your experience with the PPI/Phil and the broker (if the seller is using one).I am also in the market for one right now and was hoping to purchase locally (I'm in MA) but there are so many more down south. I'll be very interested in hearing your experience with the PPI/Phil and the broker (if the seller is using one). Best of luck with your purchase. -Steve

Yup, I have the Yaesu FT-8900R that I'm currently using as a base station but it will be going into my truck in the spring. I love that radio which is why I went with the Yaesu for the plane.

Congrats. Yeah, the weather here has been really crappy.

I have/use a Yaesu FTA-550 which has the Nav feature (haven't use it) that I keep in my flight bag. I have the headset connector attached so I can just plug in my headset. I have used it mostly for ground ops as well and the reception with the small whip antenna has been good while in the plane. -Steve

This is the only failure mode that makes sense to me as well (I have been noodling on this since the thread started). It would have had to fail right as he released the parking brake after run up (as he said he uses the parking brake for that) and when he tapped the brakes prior to gear retraction, they forever locked. This assumes he didn't touch the brakes after releasing the parking braking and lining up for TO. I usually stop once lined up to do a final short checklist prior to applying power but I have also done that check prior to rolling onto the runway and not touch the brakes. I'm also watching this thread very closely. -Steve

Thanks. Looking forward to joining the tribe. I'm in the hunt for one right now. -Steve

What he said. I obviously have no idea what that system looks like and probably should have just stayed out of this thread.

Yes, it could cause a leak (I did say I wasn't sure if that would cause a leak in a Mooney system) but in some systems (again, not a Mooney) the blow by just goes back into the reservoir. Given your symptoms, I would think there is a lot of air in the system though. Since it worked before the reseal and it isn't now, I'd be inclined to go back and check what was changed (seals) provided you bled the snot out of it already (which it sounds like you did). -Steve

Looks great!

While I'm not a Mooney owner (yet) or really know anything about the hydraulic flap system, I'm very familiar with automotive braking systems and general hydraulics. Is it possible the o-ring in the master tore or broke during reassembly and you are getting blow by? Not sure if that would cause a leak in the Mooney system but that can cause the symptom you are seeing if that happens on a brake master. I could be out in left field on this but wanted to throw it out there. -Steve

Thanks Jay. Great info and reinforces my decision to go with a Mooney. I started out looking at them (love their lines) then talked myself out due to the "myths" out there. I have now circled back and as long as when I actually get in one, I really don't like it, I'm going Mooney. I'm also not fixed on a J but a J/K would be my first choice. I'm looking in the $80-100K range (may be willing to extend for the right one). Also, regarding the plane I posted above, I was not crazy about the panel either. a 430 is the minimum. I 530 would be great and a 750 the gravy. -Steve

I agree with all of this which is why a local purchase is my first choice but given what I'm seeing around my neck of the woods right now, it's not looking good. I'm being patient since winter is setting in around here but come spring, I'm going to be really itching to get something. -Steve

Anyone want to comment on this plane? Meets all my criteria except the engine time is a little higher than I would like. I didn't really want to purchase remotely but I don't think I have a choice at this point. Also, any PPI recommendations in this area? -Steve

Great advise. Not much different than buying a used car. -Steve