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Papa K

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Papa K last won the day on January 15 2022

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  • Location
    Iowa
  • Reg #
    N4773H
  • Model
    M20J
  • Base
    KTVK

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  1. Yes, I read the POH a couple of times, but this was the first flight so a lot to absorb. It is the first time I've flown a complex airplane. Over 90% of my flight time is UH60 Blackhawks so things happen differently and faster than what I have previously flown. I am at the bottom of the learning curve right now and I know it. Regarding the cowl flaps - yes we talked about it, but again a lot to absorb. No, he does not have a lot of Mooney time and I know a Mooney experience CFI is a good idea but there is not one close to me. My CFI is an A&P IA, CFII MEII CFIG and has flown dozens of different makes and models models, just not a lot of Mooney. My plan is to get my 10 hours to meet insurance requirements then fly to a Mooney CFI for more training this summer. He was not just sitting there letting me struggle. I was asking questions and then trying what he told me in and attempt to make small changes to see how the airplane reacted. I am taking it step by step.
  2. I appreciate the PPP form, I will look into the WI training. I do have an oil preheater. It is on with a blanket on the cowl so we can go for training flight #2 tomorrow. THANKS!
  3. FYI - I've only owned it 2 weeks. It is the first airplane I've ever owned. That's why I'm here looking for help Autopilot is original Century 21.
  4. I sincerely appreciate everyone concern about safety. Thanks to all who have commented on this - too many to quote each one, but I'd like to address some of the comments: 1. Yes, I read the POH a couple of times, but as this was my first flight, my instant recall of the details was lacking. I have re-read parts and things are making more sense and I expect the understanding to improve. 2. Regarding my CFI. It is fair to say that he is not a Mooney specific CFI, he has flown dozens of different makes and models, but has less than 50 hours in a Mooney. It is sound advice that I seek out a Mooney experienced CFI. Prior to starting the transition training, I thought about flying with a Mooney specific CFI. The challenge is that I am in a fairly rural area and there are no Mooney CFI's within a reasonable drive. My initial goal is to get the 10 training for insurance and this Spring or Summer have follow up training with a Mooney experienced CFI. I know were a couple are but it is a 90 drive and scheduling to get 10 hours would be very difficult. BUT, it is not fair to say the CFI is just along for the ride. My initial flight training was military helicopters and I eventually became a test pilot. I understand training plans and aircraft transitions. Prior to the familiarization flight, I spent several hours thoughtfully assessed my skills and developing a plan as I knew I had a lot to learn. Therefore, I outlined my goal for the first flight AND the goals/flight plan for the next 6 - 7 flights. It is all written and scripted out. It is a step by step progression adding new tasks and skills each flight. My goals for the familiarization flight were simple: get a feel for the flight controls and how the airplane handles; use a prop control for the first time - I wanted to know the correlation for the rate of turning the knob to the rate of changing RPM; simple S-turns but no steep turns or stalls (later flight) - I wanted to know how much back pressure to apply in a turn to keep level; altitude changes of minimum of 2000' - I wanted to see how MP and RPM react during climbs and descents; and 5-6 full stop landings - no touch and goes. Part of my request to my CFI was to keep me in safe parameters as I learn how the airplane handles and how changing throttle and prop causes the airplane to react. Thanks again for all the pointers and discussions. I truly do appreciate all the help. I think a Mooney PPP is a good idea. SO.. what are the 3 takeaways from the first flight: 1. I need to pay attention to the layout of the airspeed indicator. I was reading MPH not KIAS to lower the gear. I will make that adjustment the next flight and that should help to slow down in the pattern. 2. Flying the numbers are airspeed not MP/RPM - thanks to all who commented on that - 100/90/80 - got it 3. Level off earlier - part of a larger lesson of plan ahead as things move a lot faster than I am used to. I stead of slowing down as I enter downwind, I need to start slowing down at the county line. Thanks to all!
  5. Good question - I don't know. I figured it was factory. There is a trim switch on the left side of the yoke. Other than that, I will have to check the logs to see if there was a post-production trim put on.
  6. ok - like a contact cleaner spray to see if the switch is making good contact. I'll try that. Thanks
  7. Had my first flight in my M20J today. The only issue I have so far is the electric trim is not working. Any suggestions where to start troubleshooting? Yes, the elevator trim switch was on.
  8. Bought my plane 2 weeks ago (ferried home for me) and today I had my first familiarization flight. This is my first time flying a complex airplane. Here are my questions: 1. When should the cowl flaps be closed - climb or cruise? 2. What is the best practice to slow down during descent? When cross country, when do you start to let down and slow down? What MP and RPM do you use for descent? Here is what happened: We stayed within 25 miles of the airport (1000' field elevation) and I climbed to 3500, 4500, then 5500 to practice climb and leveling. When coming back to airport, we were 15 miles way at 5500'. I could not get slowed down and pattern altitude in time. I flew about a 6 mile downwind to get slow enough to put the gear down. 3. I've read a lot of "fly the numbers on approach", but -- what are the numbers? Is there a combination of MP/RPM to target for downwind, base and approach airspeeds? I know DA will have an effect, I am looking for a starting point. We are going again on Friday and Monday to get the transition training complete (10 hr insurance requirement). Are there any recommendations of the types of maneuvers and procedures I should ask my CFI to work on? My plan is once I get the 10 hrs done, I want to fly at least 25 hours "solo" before I start instrument training. Any suggestions for the 25 hours? I do have to admit, once we got level at 5500 I did look at the airspeed indicator and all I saw was 185 - 190 MPH (about 155 KIAS) and said the the CFI, "How do I slow this down so we don't overspeed?" He said, "You don't, its doing what its supposed to, besides you're the one who bought a Mooney." Papa K
  9. 2 Weeks ago I became grandpa for the first time. Last week I bought my first plane. On the advice of my accountant, I created an LLC to register the plane. SO.... I created Papa K's Flying Service, LLC. My kids think I should call the plane: K Force One! What ever you decide to call it, you get to call it your own!
  10. That is the one I was thinking of getting with the longer handle
  11. Thanks for the special issuance tip. My CFI advised asking for a letter of instruction to take to the FSDO for a one time check flight and getting a permanent exemptions from the special issuance. He took a 60+ year old student who only had one eye and got it approved. In my left eye, I developed central serous in 2006. I left my medical lapse - I was about 3 months shy of being able to qualify for Basic Med. My vision is now corrected to 25/20 but, being an honest guy, I reported central serous on my most recent medical exam. I should probably call OKC and ask some questions.
  12. Obviously a noob question, but on Aircraft Spruce the Mooney tow bars are L-shaped. Is that correct? I just want to be sure before I buy. I am at a small airport with only 15 planes and most are high wings / tail draggers
  13. 1986 Flight School - Ft Rucker 1988 - Fort Hood 1991 - Test Pilot Course - Ft Eustis 1992 - Camp Page Korea 1993 - Fort Campbell 1996 - Fort Knox - ETS'ed there
  14. Helicopter pilots are afraid of heights, that why we never fly more that 100 feet above the ground
  15. I'm new here with my first plane, a 32 year dream come true and coming off 17 year layoff due to medical. Medically cleared, refresher training complete and new to me plane in the hangar. I am looking for basic recommendations: Windshield cleaner / shop towels - best brands or material M20J towbar - did not come with one Fuel Tester - did not come with one Stratus vs Sentry to connect to iPad Forelight (I have Foreflight already) Basic packing list of things to keep in the plane (tools, oil, etc) Best way to do control wheel locks (I do have a hangar) Anything else?? Thanks in advance..
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