hammdo

Got my complex endorsement and Mooney transition completed! Gonna do a few more hours in the F. 74562 goes next week for avionics and annual! Finally will get to fly it and get those avionics done... -Don

Yep, did that yesterday (flight following/class b). More ‘rehab’ today ;o) -Don

Yes, if the block is worn and new block installed, it should be done. -Don

More flying today — and VERY gusty winds some 22 gusting to 31 and about 70-80 ° cross-wind! I have to admit, I’ve done some in the piper but was not sure what to expect. Michael demoed the x-wind technique at Bridgeport and I proceed to do 9 x-wind landings — all but a few to full stop. Was that a challenge! I did it though and kept them close to centerline . Flew to Graham and my best one on Graham’s 3300x50 ft wide runway - right down the centerline and plenty of runway left! All but my last landing (@ Meachum) were done with no flaps. Gotta say, really a boost of confidence! i truly feel the Mooney is easier, for me, to land than the Cherokee 180. As it stands, got my complex and min insurance hours! I’m flying the F again tomorrow and boy, these Mooneys are fun (and challenging) to fly. Michael is a excellent and fun CFI — made me work on my pilotage, Class B clearance, radio calls, and tracking. Found all the airports ;o). Still have more practice to do but, was a gratifying day... Experienced the Lycoming hot start fi today and did the restart technique— that was fun.. Still want to fly another day in the F after tomorrow but, feel I could fly mine now! -Don

:o)... -Don

Emailed! -Don

Well, got to take the plane up today. 3535X flys great! Ray fixed all the squawks and nice upgrades to the gauges. Since this was my transition training, I was very excited. over 2.6 hours today and some observations: It’s fast! Knew it would be but wow. Stalls — was not expecting quite the break — even though I saw video and though I was prepared, was a surprise - broke left hard so neutral aileron, right rudder, add power — gotta remind myself to not correct with right aileron. Johnson Bar - 14 landings today and what a workout! My first try - yeah airspeed too fast, really need to raise the gear on positive climb and 85 mph. Another thing I’ll need to remember is tap the brakes just before raising the gear. One smooth motion and DON’T stop midway to putting the gear up - yeah need to be the Hulk then if you do that. Once I got the technique down (did a lot in the practice area - before all the landings), got better on takeoff. Did 10 Touch and goes and 4 full stops and takeoffs (to give my arm a break!). Landings were really a non event for me, was really very comfortable and had only one ‘kinda’ bounce - but still added power and went around even though I probably would have been fine. That one I was a little flat on the transition. Loved flying this plane! I intend to do 10 hours in this with the instructor. On that, Michael is really great and took good care of this old guy! I would suggest those of you looking for transition training or wanting to try out a Mooney, this would be a great plane to go with. Ray is very passionate about keeping the plane in great shape and flying! Going up again on Monday, really looking forward to that! -Don

My take would be 7075 for the added wear resistance however, most of us won’t need to worry about the next time it needs replacing. It will probable hold up well... -Don

So going 7075 should be good since it's recommended by the FAA still.. I'm ready! -Don

Brian Lloyd agrees with you @Alan Fox -Don

David, thanks for the help! Myself, I’m sticking with who ‘brung us’ this far... -Don

Once we get the analysis, we should be ready! -Don

I’ll take 1 of each ;o) -Don

I could write about what I’m going through to get my 3rd class medical after heart failure and what you really have to do to keep flying. I can include what happens when you have an ICD/Pacemaker. Also, getting back into flying after a 20 year layoff — transitioning to a Mooney. -Don

Top it off to @ least 7 and do a run up to verify no leaks and you don’t see a lot of smoke from the exhaust. 1.5 quarts after a short flight would concern me for sure. I’d speak with the mechanic on that much of a loss... you didn’t say what type of Mooney - or if it was turbo charged. That may also help to know... -Don

Did you ck the oil to make sure you had the minimum required? Air cooled engines use oil to help cool. Just to eliminate that first since you stated oil was just changed... -Don

Received word that the PAR is finally shipping! 6 week backlog due to the remote radio. Also found out my Cardiac MRI came back > 40% EF — which means I can apply for a third class medical! Very excited about that. Now, if the rental plane would just stop having squaws, I could get my transition done... Got the intercom fixed in mine and the radio is receiving but, mike-jack is bad. Portable works though. Ah, the little things... -Don

Cool! Let us know how to help with the funds...

In progress! Working out the details... -Don

Knots2u -Don

I'm in for a pin too...

Let's wait. Once we know the costs, then we can decide... -Don

Possibilities: http://www.mmfinc.com/anodizing-colors-available.html -Don

Got ‘em! looks nice! now to get them made! -Don

Man, those turned out great! Thanks everyone who pitched in! -Don