hammdo

Engine doing fine! Running great, oil consumption is super. I had to tweak my tow bar as it tends to slip off when wet or having to push to the right. I simply tapped the pipe with a M22x1.5 tap, then purchased a M22x1.5x50mm bolt and washer - now it doesn't slip at all. I also added a 45 valve stem to make it easier to fill the tire. My only suggested to improve this would be -- add 3" to the length of the pipe that goes into the nose wheel area, move the tire 1" to the pilots side so it rests in the middle of the nose wheel, add a 'pin' to the end of the nose wheel pipe extension to keep it from slipping out, and then extend the handle 3" and add 3 adjustment holes so the handle does not hit the spinner when putting on the tow bar. Really like this bar, think these will make a good change and adjustable ( @bcg ) Pic of the bolt and washer -- and value stem attached. -Don

Real simple too: Aluminum angle from home depot -- just measured it so it would fit as needed -- I believe $30 for the aluminum -- very simple... -Don

Join NAFI, get 33.33% off on ForeFlight subscription… need to be 30 days or more out… mine is going up $10 from $360 - $370 before discount… -Don

Right, when I called, they said it would need to be machined when ordered… -Don

Down lock blocks, bend in the jbar could do that also, speed at which you raise it. Could do the Mooney Dip (slight push forward as you raise the gear). Look at those kinds of options first… over 85 mph and it gets tougher to raise the gear, best to get it up before that speed… lowering i wait until below 120 (around 115) watch out for the seat belt ‘bite’ with practice you’ll get it. Get up to altitude and practice raising and lowering the gear at around 80 mph… -Don

Yes, aviation PTT (changed from red to black now), have the clock still so no cover in this case… -Don

I added PTT on mine for the same reason - no vacuum…. -Don

You can leave that off. Mine were sent in like that. Create a cover for it later in case you want to run wires for PTT etc… -Don

They will need to create an adapter, I looked into it also….nice setup — verify pricing by calling them. They do not have an online store - they do it the old fashion way - kinda refreshing… -Don

Clock came with the plane - not sure if they’re made anymore… maybe from a parts yard used… -Don

About a grand for both. They will take it via ups I believe. This shop does a lot of Beech yokes… http://www.dallassteeringwheel.com/contact.htm I designed the Mooney logo and had it made by a different shop. After these were done, I added the logo myself… -Don

Like mine, local shop here in DFW did it… -Don

I like options, still I train with VOR, ILS, and do 30 day VOR checks. MON networks are around so ILS is the way to get in when GPS is out - and that does happen. One will keep you busy, 2 would be nice but not a necessity. G5s, GNC355, KX 155/ GS/LOC with independent indicator… -Don

Went to San Marcus and back today, 6k and 7k on the altitude. #1 and #4 needed heat management but did ok. Can’t lean this engine like I did before IRAN - almost 20 tach hrs on her now. Flight was great. Need to work on my VFR Visual approaches- don’t do many as I like to do the full approach. Fun flight and building engine time… -Don

I joined NAFI, so I get ‘Flying’ for free. I agree, lost very valuable mags. ‘Flying’ doesn’t cut it for me but, free, ok… -Don

Sure looks good. GP has some things I do like. ForeFlight makes it easy though for Jeppesen charts purchase/itegration, no per device charge. I prefer Jepp charts… -Don

Just to give more info…

I’ve used Phillips 20w50 anti-rust. You can fly up to 10 hours with it. If you do your own oil changes, cheap insurance. Change the oil, fly to get temps up, then you can let it sit. Or add up to 10% to your oil … For sure battery minders…

Quick update, engine is doing great, oil very stable, #1 and #4 still hottest on takeoff, have ~16 tach hrs on her, but oil pressure and oil temps doing very well. Took the cheek panels off and inspected everything. I’ll be planning a cross country trip just to give her a go - probably San Marcus. That will be good as lots of airports along the way and ways to get home if need be. Did pattern work today and liked how everything performed…. -Don

Gotta wonder if a LHS or Bitchen’ Betty linked to gear down would be better than gear horn. 3 one in a wee, ouch… - assuming all we’re gear forgotten… -Don