Gatlin Gun

I can’t wait for the potential backlash from my rocket/missile brothers, but when I bought my Rocket and asked about the CFIs input about flying LOP, he said something like “Dude, you’re buying a rocket…if you’re looking for LOP, you’re buying the wrong plane”.

Boomer, I've used a couple different MSCs but they are not all equal. I feel like that's obvious, but unfortunately for me, I had to learn that the hard way. If your KC person doesn't workout, I strongly recommend going to the MSC in Wilmar, MN. I used to live in Nebraska, used them, but used someone else after having moved to Virginia. Big Big Big (keep going...Big) mistake. Oasis Aero...talk to Eric. They're also the same MSC who does the gas tank sealing "Weep no more"...fairly popular. I plan to take my rocket there no matter where I live from now on out. They're very good and I trust them...which is hard to find. Good luck!

I need to do the same...any lessons learned on what site to order from? Just Garmin directly, I imagine....?

ohhhhhh....forgot my favorite part. Every had a Mooney Service Center MANAGER tell you that you should sell your mooney because Mooney "really doesn't support their aircraft anymore"?? True story. Can't even make this crap up.........................

well, I can't tell you how right you were...are. Do NOT goto Lynchburg maintenance!!! They are NOT a real MSC. So many details (used Cessna replacement rules, failed to add engine monitor probes and KEPT THEM, didn't realize the Rocket overhaul resets AD requirements, and on, and on, and on). OH! And the fuel leak was total BS. Gave it to WeepNoMore and the boys up in Wilmar. No leaks. I'm getting my plane back tomorrow...from a May Annual. DO NOT GOTO Lynchburg, Virginia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really really appreciate it, Mark! I'm actually pretty pissed and it's STILL not done. After all the responses and info on here, I do not see myself going back there. ...except to get my plane!

Well, the charges have been a bit ridiculous...so I'm going to try your recommendation in NC. I just looked it up, and it's a 6 hour drive one-way, but I can't say I'll be bringing my girl back to Freedom Aviation after what you've said, others have experienced, and now what I'm going through. I really do appreciate the insight! lot's of "cracked hoses" and "cracked firewall repair" and other weird, hard-to-prove things on the invoice right now. So to hear you say they're notorious for this, I guess it continues and I'm just the next idiot. crap.

Thank you for the PM as well...but wanted to say thanks here too. As I got told in another string, sounds like Liberty MSC is notorious for bad maintenance practices and running up annual bills?? So if that's true, I can see Rocket not giving them love on a regular basis.

Rags, you da man!!! Thank you! I personally haven't heard back from Rocket, but Liberty finally did and the parts are ordered and being sent. SO crazy how long it takes! Maintenance manager was actually trying to talk me out of Rocket ownership because of it. He obviously has never flown one...

That's interesting to hear...and a bit scary...since he/they found MULTIPLE issues that has run my annual up to $12k now. That's right....$12,000 and counting. They said they can't do the fuel leak fix anyway, so at least that issue isn't trying to get more money, but really really good to know! thank you!

EXACTLY my thoughts; that it shouldn't need a redo already. I guess that's why I was asking you guys...seems off. And "weep no more" in Minnesota did the reseal in 09. Mooney Service Center in Virginia (Lynchburg (KLYH)) is making the recommendation. Unfortunately, they have my maintenance logs so I can't read them at the moment...as we wait for Rocket Engineering to reply...someday. Miss my girl.

What's the "warrantee" on the sealing? I've heard 10, 12, and for life...but the last one is too good to be true. I ask because mine was done in 2009 (before I owned it), and annual came back with "leaks in both wings...needs total reseal". Ugh.

Ok, so does anyone have a good contact--email or phone--for Rocket/Missile Engineering?? My Rocket has been in maintenance for 2 1/2 months now as the mechanics (Mooney Service Center in VA) can't get an answer back from them. I/We/They need a part number....that's all...but, according to the service center, all contact with rocket engineering is being left unanswered. I've been asked to help by the maintenance guys...wow: "The email that I sent to Rocket was via their web site and I could not retrieve it. My concerns with Rocket is the lack of support for your aircraft, I need technical data that supports your aircraft, (parts manuals/maintenance manuals) they have not been forthcoming with any of this information. We have an exhaust part that we have not a clue of the part number, any help in this matter would be appreciated. You can get their contact info on Mooney Rocket Engineering.com" Randy Tucker Maintenance Manger Any help would be very appreciated.

No lumps should ever be given for a "there I was" story, Coffee Can. As many have already said, thank you for sharing this. With summer approaching, the air will be rare and it's a wonderful reminder to us all. Cause you show me the pilot that "has it all figured out", and I'll show you the most dangerous guy in the sky. Thank you again for sharing.

I'm not sure what just happened or what that means, but I'm still laughing!

Ha! Ok, I was wondering. Century 4 was new to me. And no, I have a M20K Rocket... I'm told the Century 41 is "still a great autopilot", but it's given me a LOT of trouble (including yesterday). Also, the approaches won't couple with the G5s and the Century 41 either...fyi. #ReallyReadyForANewAutopilot

Tx_Aggie, To answer your question directly: No, I'm pretty sure it won't. Not sure specifically for the Centruy 4, but I have the Century 41 autopilot, and the G5s do NOT work for the AP. I had 2x G5s installed last year with that exact hope that you're after: rip out the entire vacuum system, and be on my way with a G5 ADI sending inputs to the autopilot. Century unfortunately won't take the G5 source. Thus, I still have to have my vacuum system and old-school ADI for no other reason than source input to my Century 41 AP. My future will be a Century replacement eventually...but waiting for the budget to catch up to my "needs".

This is probably not as helpful as you want, but this year I had all lights and wires replaced with LED Whelens and it was definitely less weight...not more.

thanks, jet driven. Appreciate that!

Thanks Jetdriven. I come from a "small business" household, so if it works out, I like supporting new businesses.

Hahahaha! Yea, it's good to be back, Carusoam. Been a hectic summer with military move and daughter getting covid (she's fine now). But I have been neglecting my mooney family, but I know family forgives.

Ok, thanks smut. Makes sense. Always an interesting adventure finding a new mechanic. appreciate the insight. Check 6 and thanks!

So I'm sure this has been discussed, but I don't see it in any string... Thoughts: Mooney Service Center...all it's cracked up to be or "just find a good mechanic"? My plane came from a non-center, and it needed some specific Mooney love. Used a great mechanic and nice guy in Minnesota, but unfortunately that's a REALLY long stretch from here (for now). So thoughts about service centers?

Thanks, Amelia! Never had the bird on the east coast before. Much busier, and I swear, can we not deconflict CTAFs??? Everyone has the same freq! EDE is definitely closer. MRN service center sounds pretty good as well, but you're right, it is a hike.

Thanks, Smut. I might just do that exact thing. Not a Mooney Service Center...but sounds like he's pretty knowledgeable about them huh?