RogueOne

After making purchase on 8/1 on our “new to us” Missile Conversion I thought I would communicate my initial impressions of the Mid-Body Missile to my short-body M20E. Pushing in and pulling out of hanger. I have a longer “break-down” tow bar with the Missile/J. I feel it gives me more ability to push/pull. I find the effort to move the Missile to be on par with the E even though it is a significantly heavier airframe. That was a NICE surprise. Seating position. I really like the seats in our plane. I feel as though I am higher in relation to the E Model. This may be do to the padding, but the panel although appearing taller visually does NOT give that effect when looking out of the plane. Start-up. The Continental IO550 in the Missile is VERY easy to start. The engine fires quickly and has a nice throaty sound. The vibration at idle was negligible. Run-up. The Continental seems smoother to add power/run-up. The six vs. the four I guess? Regardless the plane feels great. Take off/Ground run. I was told that the canting of the engine to offset the P-Effect works well and the Missile is not a handful on the ground roll. Agree. I used take off flaps and trimmed for take-off and uneventful. Didn’t feel like a significant difference from the E. When power is in it is ready to fly. Loved my J Bar, but love the auto-trim more. The manual trim on the Missile rolls easier than my E. I like the detents/ribs on the trim wheel vs. the round E trim wheel. I prefer the hydraulic flaps vs. the electric. Just more precise, but I will get used to it. Climb: E and Missile are Great initial climbers. Low ceilings kept my at 3500 feet, but both of these airframes (both with three blade props) really have nice initial climb with cool temps. (It was 41 degrees today in Iowa). I look forward to a nice cruise climb up to 8500 in the Missile. The E is over a thousand fpm up to 3500, but then drops to 700ish (when cool). I have read that the Missile will carry 1,000fpm easily up to 8500. Cruise and handling. I loved my E, but the Missile seems smoother on control input/response. I was doing East/West and turns in Class C for ADSB cert flight and just loved how the plane flew. I was burning 12.8GPH down low and there was a BIG wind at 310 that saw ground speeds of 178knots going East and 135 going west. Landing. I found VERY LITTLE DIFFERENCE between my E and the Missile. I am about maxed nose up trim with full flaps in the E and same with the Missile. Into a strong wind (just about down the runway) there was plenty of energy for flare. Not a greaser, but landings were adequate. I REALLY look forward to flying this plane. A LOT!

And comparisons that are merely curiosity or academic are O.K. On an aviation forum right Bob? It is clearly obvious that what ultimately matters is what YOU pay. There are differences in carriers, coverage, experience of pilots as well that of course must be taken into account. It appears that this “bothers” you on some level? Why is that? I like a curious mind. I like discussion. Discussion about insurance is valuable EVEN if it is just curiosity IMO.

I know nasty. What a nasty thread.

What RPM are you running with LOP operation? Missile Shows 65% @ MSL with 22”MP 2350RPM and 15.7gph 55%@7500 19MP 2250RPM 13.9gph 65%@12500 20MP 2550RPM 15.7 55%@12500 18MP 2250RPM 13.9GPH POH does not reference % LOP or %ROP.. Thanks for your numbers IO550 Missile

Uggh. Feeling a little guilty. O.K. I will start doing this again. Got away from some of these checks on pre-flight. Resolve to be “better”. Thanks for reminder Ross.

Definitely drain the tank. Having fuel run down your arm and onto your body is NOT good. Let’s call that a “learning experience”. There is NO way to prevent this if you leave fuel in the tank and are unscrewing and screwing a drain valve. Been there, done that. Never again. Don’t be THAT guy.

I like the idea and I plan to install a reference at 70knots.

That’s a BINGO.

So many space race choices for names...Buzz, Carpenter, Armstrong, Grissom, Yeager etc. I like winners over Firsts... Just say’n Why not Sputnik? History. Awesome.

My Co-Owner fueled plane and sampled fuel last year. The drain was dripping and he didn’t address. I came out to hanger a couple of weeks later and there was a huge sticky blue stain on hanger floor. Co-Pilot tank...Empty. Expensive lesson. Bad valve. Good to have one of these valves available. That drain had the circular stain around the plunger as described by Gaga. Good to know on the torque rating. Great thread. These valves by Aviation pricing are pretty reasonable AMU wise...

Check out “To Live and die in LA” movie poster. Dead ringer if memory serves. VERY nice. Unicorn made me laugh. Fun.

Wood wing? Very sad.

The pilot does not just have Missile experience. He has flown OUR plane.

We have crossed the insurance bridge and have “our pilot” named and blessed by our carrier. We are required to have a two hour duel orientation to be insured. THAT is the minimum. If I am not comfortable in the plane I will fly with him for as long as it takes. I wasn’t looking for a solution to a problem that has been solved other than timing... Thanks though.

Impressive. Any posting regret? I do. My number of posts has been significantly reduced through deletion and multiple personalities. Just don’t become Bobby Seger and start feeling like a number. You’re not a number -a- Thanks for all you do here on Mooneyspace. I’m thinking about you right now. Perhaps my favorite post of yours.

Superb job Dan! Spread the word on the digital Co Monitor value! This was an Excellent podcast. I still am amazed that you survived. It is TRULY miraculous. Living to fight and hug another day. Priceless.

Some of the smoothest landings I have had have been on grass. As long as the field is not a P.O.S. Mooney is fine.

Feel my pain...Plane comes through annual and ADSB upgrade. Carrier modifies demand of 25 hour unicorn cfi missile flight to just a two hour orientation flight with a 25 hour missile pilot... Awesome right? Nope because he works for an AG company that is massively behind on harvest. Might get flight in by T-giving. Oh the humanity...Anticipation. Anticipation...Making me wait. Keeping me waiting... You’ll have that. Time to install led landing/taxi light and hard wired Aera...Patience is a virtue. Painful as it is. Stay tuned...

Devastating loss.

Sold

Thank you all. Much appreciated.

Thanks Clarence. I was curious if flame tubes can be visually inspected without removing the exhaust. What is the normal life span of flame tubes in a 4 cylinder engine?

What is involved in the disassembly of the heat muff? You can visually SEE the flame tubes with the heat muff removed? I would love to see photos.

-How long do they last? -How do you inspect to see if they are functional? -Cost to replace? Thanks for the education.

Both of my Mooney’s a ‘66 and ‘81 have zinc Chromated in the empennage. I treat the wings with Corrosion X. These planes are commonly 30-50+ years old and going strong. All airplanes have issues with corrosion if not hangered and or inspected and treated. ALL manufacturers have their “issues”. Mooney does not suffer corrosion on a fleet wide basis. Sealant in the tanks, Shock discs are the common gotchas. I like the Comanche. I like the J a lot better. Enjoy your Piper.