SARNorm

I would have to disagree that cognitive processes automatically slide after 60. I know many very sharp pilots in their 70's, and my pilot father-in-law was 93 when he hung it up as a current instrumented rated pilot. A healthy lifestyle, aerobic fitness, and using your brain in complex ways go a long ways toward keeping your ticket as your age increases. Yes, genetics play a big role also . . . but if you are round in the belly, on ED meds, and watch a lot of TV -then your aerobic fitness (and general blood flow to your brain and other parts of your body) might be questionable. I'm not judging, just stating facts - so no attacks please.

Animated knots by Grog. www.animatedknots.com. Great way to learn your basic and useful knots.

I like climbing rope. It can be 7mm rope that is used for prusiks. Light and small diameter, it has a breaking strength of 2700#. 8mm climbing rope has a breaking strength of about 3500#, so either works. Trucker's hitch to connect and tighten. I think that rope is less stressful to the airplane attachment points. I don't use carabiners as they can flop around in the wind if the rope becomes loose and scratch something. Also, quality carabiners are an attractive nuisance that potentially could be stolen. The bottom line is that there are many ways to secure the airplane against the wind. Strong, dependable, simple, and light are good goals when selecting tie down materials.

A bench or picnic area at a local airport to serve as an observation area. Requires approval from the local people in charge, some physical and skilled labor, and possibly a dedication to a local or veteran's group. I have worked with Eagle Scouts on similar projects (they have a community service requirement.)

The right side switches in your photo. I have a couple of rocker switches on my panel that don't stay open or closed. Cost?

Could you send a photo of your switch panel? Thanks!

I landed at Nampa yesterday and heard about the crash. One of the FBO guys said that a CFI watched what happened and that the airplane used most of the runway to get airborne and then never retracted the gear. Density altitude and correct mixture setting may be contributing factors.

I'm flying into Boise for a fishing trip next week. I have to leave the plane somewhere for five or six days. Any recommendations as to FBO's?

Yes. I have been communicating with stepover415@gmail.com. He found me on this site and offered a used Garmin GTX 345 for a decent price. However, he avoided all of my attempts to provide a name and address, and rejected the idea of using an online escrow company even though I offered to pay the shipping and escrow fees. Red flags all over the place. Be aware!

Ross- Very cool! Thanks for sharing. There is quite a bit of space back there. My wife and I want to fly with our dogs and it makes sense for us and our mission to convert the rear seats into a cargo area. I appreciate your efforts with the photos. Norm

Thanks.

How much for the Garmin 345? How old is it? Thanks, Norm

Does anyone have any photos of taking the rear seat out completely and turning the rear compartment into a larger baggage/transport area?

Nice job!

The airplane was transported to the base of the Control Tower where it sadly sits.

Negative on the gear up landing. The aircraft was taking off.

My wife named the airplane "Luna" because it's a "Mooney." As long as the wife is onboard with owning an airplane she get's to name it whatever she wants.

Unclear what happened. No injuries according to witnesses. Will provide more details as they become available.

I'd like to purchase one also.

An utter catastrophe!

If you soloed at 40 hours, then the majority of your flight time is with an instructor on board. I would encourage you to get more solo time prior to jumping into a complex aircraft with higher speeds and workloads. That will help you to develop your own mental (and written) checklists, and increase your experience and confidence to be able to look ahead during your flight and anticipate the "next step" in the flight. Also, with more solo hours, you will be able to recognize what is normal and what is a potential problem. I also agree with the idea of using a club or rental aircraft to work though your landings. They will not all be perfect. Best of luck with achieving your flying goals.

Thanks for sharing. Looks like a beautiful place.

What is the best way to relabel worn rocker switch labels? Some of mine are almost unreadable on my 1979 M20J.

Dumb video. But, more proof of the strength of Mooney aircraft.