DonMuncy

My K model has a 24v bulb listed in the floor. Some have said that was intentional. I believe it was just an error, as the 24v bulb could not be seen except a night. Thus the floor gear-down indicator was only useable at night.

Not criticizing anyone, but remember that Falcon (and of course others) are brokers, not insurance companies. Having a good broker is a plus, as they can and do intercede on your behalf when they can. But the rates are set (and quoted) by the insurance companies the brokers submit your info to.

Thanks for the nice words Kevin. I smile every time I look at it. I feel like I'm masquerading as a rich guy.

Here's mine

Not far from where I live. This airpark has had legal troubles for many years, and the runway was shortened from 3000 ft(?) to 2600 ft not too many years ago.

Messing around with high pressure gasses has some inherent dangers. One needs to know what they are doing and exercise care, or avoid the activity. Much like flying.

No, I can't. In almost all cases, you would get some other indication as well, and likely in time to prevent the massive failure. You may be able to pick it up earlier with the oil analysis. If you had to make a choice, cutting and inspecting the filter is more important. But I believe you increase your odds a little by doing both. Your engine, your money, your choice.

Think of it like buying insurance. If you never need it, it was a waste of money. You hope you will never need the oil analysis,, and many people fly a long time without suffering at all because of it. BUT, if you start seeing things in the analysis report, odds are good you can stop and fix things before a catastrophic failure.

My hangar has a little rise going into it. Back before I built my tug, I pushed it in a few times by myself using a system of two 2x4 blocks. Push on one wing, kick the block in to chock that side; go push other wing; kick block in place; repeat, repeat. I really appreciate my tug. Especially since I have about $450 in parts in it. As far as I'm concerned, its only draw-back is it is not really portable.

I thought those paint strippers were all corrosive to aluminum.

About 10 cents an hour. But I sure would not fault anyone for buying the kit. It is priced right. I get a lot of satisfaction making things for myself and friends.

It is not hard to make a mold to put a convex dip in Plexiglas. Rigging a router to smooth the edges on a piece that small is a different story.

Bill's favorite line; when you asked "how are you", he answered, "terrible". Whenever I talked to him, it was always the same. He was as unpretentious as anyone you could ever meet. I never heard him speak any differently to the greenest Mooney pilot or the highest muckedy-muck at Mooney. He would give you any advice on any facet of a Mooney without hesitation. To hear his stories about the factory or his flying Mooneys was a real treat.

Attached is the device I put together. There is a motor mount tube just outside the valve one can clamp this device onto with a C-clamp. Then screw the rod in carefully to push the "dome type" nut into position while turning it to engage the threads. The other thing is a wrench to do that turning, as there is quite limited space available. I don't remember the size of the socket, but it will be apparent what sizes will be appropriate. It is large enough to push on the dome, but not big enough to actually fit over the nut flats. You can't see it, but there is a nut inside the socket to hold it to the rod. Glad to elaborate further if this doesn't make sense.

I think the smartest way would be to get several plane owners at one's field together and set up a transfill system, as it is a pretty hefty cost outlay for an individual. I have a set-up in my hangar and have filled other owners tanks, as the cost of the O2 is really quite low after you do the original investment. Less than $10 per fill.

Three years is probably too short, but I can see the need for some registration. The old way, no one knew how many planes were out there, and planes could be destroyed or parted out with no ability to reuse the registration number.

So sad to hear. All of us who met him will never forget him. We have lost a real character and a phenomenal source of Mooney information.

Price the plane like the engine has to be overhauled immediately. Then fly it like it will last forever. You may get lucky and get several years before overhaul, or not be so lucky and pay for a quick overhaul (like you priced it). Worst case, you break even.

As for practicing touch and goes, I agree with you. I do stop and goes. But as to going around because something isn't right; bounce or coyote on the runway not seen till touch down, I will do what has to be done. Pick your risks.

Don't worry about it SH. Averages are only averages. I have never seen any real numbers, but I would bet a lot that there is virtually no correlation between hours to solo and ultimate success as a pilot. Those who soloed early get to brag about it, and those of us who took longer don't post our number.

I'll bet you are right, It went right past me.

I didn't get a PM about my radio/8 track player. I was trying to be funny about selling it cheap. However, we only listened to the radio a couple of times early in the 15 years I have had the plane and I have never put a tape in it. I have never seriously thought about the pros and cons of taking it out and selling it. Also have no idea about what it might be worth.

When I wrote that, I was 100% certain I knew what I was talking about. In retrospect I'm not so sure. Yes, my nose comes up when I raise the flaps. Maybe it is because I have it trimmed way up for landing that wants to climb when power is applied. Never mind my rambling when I type before I think. Thank goodness we have folks here to catch me when I do.

If you are asking if our planes ever have tubeless tires. No, I don't think so. We all have tubes.

You are in luck. I have an 8 track player in my plane I can let go cheap I really could not believe it when I bought my plane. A previous owner had installed the tape deck, and the plane did not have an intercom.