NickG

LOL! I live in Vegas and I’m GOING to CXO. Sadly, the wife agreed to my overbudget purchase of the Mooney O but I had to promise - NO MORE GAMBLING!

Thanks! I will try out the restaurant! My 87 YO mother lives in Woodlands so I’m going to spend a few days there.

I'm flying from Las Vegas to Conroe on Saturday AM, with a fuel and bladder stop in Roswell. Anything I need to know? Arriving from the NW I'm assuming I won't get put on an arrival but you never know (and no prob if I am). IFR flight. Anything special I should be aware of?

I have about 20 hours in SR20's. Seriously underpowered. Just my 2 cents.

Joshua, The Aerocruz would meet all of your requirement, and more. If you have G5’s or similar, I would strongly suggest having them connected to the Aerocruz via GAD29. That way, you can fly heading mode (rather than track which uses the internal GPS on the Aerocruz) as well as GPSS. Also, the Baro on the G5 or equivalent will set the Aerocruz. If you don’t do that, you have to manually enter your altitude into the Aerocruz every time you get a baro change. I forgot to mention that of course the Aerocruz has altitude select, altitude hold and vertical speed modes. As I said, sounds like a very good match for your needs.

It is much cheaper. More than half. However, having had both (I now have a full Garmin panel w/G3X, 750, GFC500 etc), you can’t really compare the two - the GFC500 is on a whole different level. Comes down to budget.

Here’s a really good review of the TruTrak (Aerocruz) done by my friend Eric.

I can’t speak to how well it will perform in a Mooney but I had one in my last plane, a Cherokee 235. I had 2 G5’s and a Garmin GPS 175. So here’s my PIREP Pros: good price point, reliable, flies gps approaches, GPSS, and heading mode. Has internal GPS also so can fly internal Track mode. Cons: no auto trim, constantly prompts for manual retrimming. Not great in strong crosswinds or moderate turbulence. Make sure the ball is centered. Not approved for coupled approaches (although will fly them). Not approved below 800ft. Really helps to link the G5’s so you can baro sync and fly heading mode otherwise it’s a royal PIA. GPS approaches only, won’t fly ILS approaches. despite the more lengthy “con” section it’s actually a decent autopilot for the $$. Just don’t expect a GFC500 level feature set.

Seems like an expensive option for no real performance benefit. Plus the TKS issue for me would kill it.

Yes, but no retract.

Just saw this picture of an O3 with a 4 blade MT prop. Other than the cool look factor, what are the advantages/disadvantages?

LOL. Headwinds were not fun.

Agree with you. Saratogas are great but unless its an early one (Saratoga Turbo SP 1980-1987) the useful load won't be good. A turbo lance or an early SP are the best for turbo hauling and great UL. Still not that fast and ceiling of 20k. My ovation is faster, NA and has an 1100# UL. I fly it 16-18K and its great. Not as spacious as a PA32 series. Cherokee 6 a great plane but slow and won't get much above 14k comfortably.

Here you go. Flying LOP 310 HP STC, TKS. 4 hour leg between KAMA and KHND

And that is the answer! You want the 310HP if you can get it.

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Took my O up to 16k on the way back from Amarillo last week. Wondering what sort of TAS everyone gets from say, 15k on up and FF (obviously WOT). Any info would be appreciated.

Not sure what you mean. Pictures would help

Hi Freddy, You must have jinxed it (lol) because today, lo and behold, my low boost pump is DOA. High boost works no problem. Supposed to fly to from Vegas to Houston on Friday, will probably fly commercial unless they can get it fixed between now and then (unlikely).

That's very consistent with what I'm seeing. I've been cruising recently at 2550 at about that FF and can get a few more knots and its pretty smooth.

Drew, sounds like our O’s are almost identical! What’s your cruise settings at 10k?

Couldn’t be happier with plane. Closed in May and I’ve put over 60 hours on it since then. Just flew my son from Las Vegas to Amarillo and back this weekend for a steak at the Big Texan Steakhouse. Lots of IMC, altitudes between 12-16k. Plane performed flawlessly, and I’ve started flying LOP getting the fuel flow down as low as 11GPH for 172 KIAS. I could go 182KIAS+ at 50ROP on 15-16GPH as well. Very versatile birds.

Mine has been on analysis since the OH. All clear!

My Ovation has UL #1100. I have TKS, 310 HP STC, all glass, no AC and no factory ox (I use a portable Aerox when I need it). I found mine online it was sold through a broker.

That is brilliant advice.