NickG

Fair enough but we’re talking about “clear of active” versus “clear of the runway” or “clear of runway 26”. Better some communication versus none.

In the big scheme of aviation miscommunication, none of these seem like that big of a deal. Much worse the guy VFR pilot flying on your Victor airway not looking for traffic and not monitoring ATC.

Saw this article this morning https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/plane-camping-flamping-takes-off-f9c8c8c0

Conroe was simple. Got the BORNN6 Departure but then they gave me direct Roswell which was great! Made it back to Las Vegas yesterday. Was IFR with some unfriendly TS and precip most of the way from Roswell to about Peach Springs (PGS).

I believe John Deakin author of Pelican's Perch articles flew a Bonanza so I'm assuming that much of his advice comes from that.

I REALLY hope so!

Thanks! Yes.. I watch them like a hawk!!!!!

Big thanks to @Deb for showing me the way! I never realized how much these birds love LOP. I do a lot of X-Country (2 trips Vegas to Texas in the last 3 weeks alone) and after offering me advice and pointing me to to Pelican’s Perch I think I’ve got it! 20 LOP of thereabouts generally gets me 172-174KTAS at between 11.4- 12 GPH. WOT, 2550RPM. Climb is WOT and lean to keep at 1250 EGT all the way to altitude. Love to hear from others what you get LOP.

Made it from KVGT to KCXO by way of a bathroom stop at KROW. Total time in air about 6 1/2 hours. Fantastic planes. Average fuel burn 11.7 GPH across both legs. Average 171 KTAS. Flew between 9 and 14k depending on ATC routing. Here are some pics. Final one is in my Brother IN Law’s hangar at CXO in front of his 1943 Stearman (previously owned by Steve McQueen). Thanks everyone for the preflight PIREPS. Headed back to Vegas midweek. Thinking about a bladder stop in EL Paso instead of Roswell and coming up via the Phoenix route. Any PIREPS on El Paso?

Anyone have any Pireps about Roswell (KROW)?

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.