GeorgePerry

X2 for Plant City. If anyone needs a ride down or back let me know.

I've been at AOPA for a little over a year...I have the privilege of heading up the Air Safety Institute. One of the favorite parts of my job is getting to interact with members and pilots on a regular basis. One of the common complaints I've heard about AOPA from pilots is that sometimes the association seems "detached" from real pilots. Also they don't feel like the AOPA is as inclusive and welcoming as it should be. To that I say: yep - and -yep! But we hear you and are trying to make some positive changes. One example is the new ongoing monthly training events held at our National Aviation Community Center (NACC) in Frederick MD (KFDK). I know that doesn't help pilots who live in California, but our doors are open and we invite all pilots, spouses, and aviation enthusiasts to stop in for a night of fellowship and education. Please click on this link for details of the various events scheduled over the coming months. Also please share this with your fellow pilots. The first event is on Feb 17th and is an accident case study titled what went wrong. Hope to see lots of Mooniacs attend. Fly in or drive in. Shoot me a PM if you have questions

I'm speaking as a private citizen and aircraft owner here - not as an AOPA employee. If FAA or other federal agency wants to check my documents, great, no problem, that's the law ( FAA Regulations 61.3(l) and 61.51(i)(1) ). If CBP or DHS want to search my plane, the answer is no. Without probable cause or a warrant, they have no right. I spent two decades defending our constitutional freedoms and I'm not about to let a fed trample on them. http://www.aopa.org/-/media/Files/AOPA/Home/News/All-News/2013/June/CBPGuidelinesKneeboard.pdf CBPGuidelinesKneeboard.pdf

Let us know how it goes...

Thanks Cody! I talked with Sensenich Propellers this morning. They said the same thing. If it's leaking, it'll only get worse over time, even it it's intermittent. ARRRGGG! Estimates for a reseal with a dynamic balance $1.5AMU. Total overhaul with dynamic balance $2.6AMU. http://www.sensenichpropellers.com/contact/pennsylvania/ This seems pretty reasonable.

Cody My prop did this a few weeks ago, but not nearly as bad. Just barley noticeable red splotching and only on the front of the cowl at the base of the spinner. I've flown it several time since with no issues. Could the cold weather have something to do with the seals leaking? Or is this surely a sign the prop needs a reseal? If it is a reseal what are the typical costs? Thanks George

Rob, No worries...Like I said, when it comes to GA I work for you. One of the most difficult parts of my job is being told about problems such as this -that I agree with- but don't have any ability to help facilitate immediate change. That's not to say that things can't be done and I will keep this in mind the next time an opportunity to influence arises. On a different note, here's a picture from the group that showed up for breakfast. Anyone who reads AOPA magazine or watches the weekly web show will recognize many of the faces.

I agree and don't think its absurd but there's a limit to what AOPA can do to influence the way business leaders decide to run their companies. Since each company is different its up to the decision makers and their employees to decide what works best for them. What AOPA can do is tout the benefits of GA travel and the positive impact its had on business, both small and large.

Rob That's a tough one. When it comes to individual corporate T&I policy it's really up to the company. AOPA could certainly write about the issue and show the positives associated with GA travel for business but if I'm honest there's a limit to what AOPA can do to influence the way business leaders decide to run their companies. Like it or not we live in a litigious time. Lawyers often dictate what employees can and can not do based on the risks of a lawsuit. I'll bring this up with the AOPA Pilot Magazine publishers and see if this is something we can write on. I'll let you know what happens... George

Rob I'm not sure I completely understand your question. Send me a PM and we'll connect offline.

That's great news! I really liked hearing what you thought AOPA could do better. I agree with you! The "pre-Baker" years were tough. But there's been a lot of positive change in the past 24 months. Any time issues come up or you have a question, like the things you and I discussed this morning, please let me know. And that goes for all the folks on MooneySpace. If your an AOPA member, I (and everyone at AOPA) work for you! The new leadership within AOPA understands that. Doing right by our members and providing the best Media, Safety content and Advocacy efforts along with personal service it what we are committed to do going forward.

If I said headwinds would you believe me? Great having breakfast w you Marauder!

Some of the crew from AOPA is planning on flying into KMQS on Saturday 6 Feb. 2016 Weather is supposed to be nice. I'll be there with my M20S. If any other Mooney drivers want to come out for breakfast, I'd be great to see you there. Plan is to land around 0900 and get Breakfast at the Flying Machine Cafe http://www.chestercountyairport.com/

http://www.aopa.org/Pilot-Resources/Air-Safety-Institute/Learn-and-Earn

https://www.oig.dot.gov/library-item/32908 Just incase anyone thought the FAA was doing a good job, the DOT IG said differently last week.

The FAA has come out with a much improved tool helping pilots find the information they need from NOTAMS. Check it out. Color coded with the ability to sort. I though I'd never see the day. I feel like my tax dollars finally returned some value.https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/nsapp.html#/ if the link doesn't work google search (notams.aim.faa.gov)

I know the owner...He's a meticulous owner. If I were in the market for a very nice J, I'd buy this plane

Will do...thx for the kind words!

This happened yesterday...(20 Jan 2016) http://www.kctv5.com/story/31011812/icy-conditions-force-pilot-to-make-emergency-landing-in-field-near-ottawa

Air Safety Institute just posted this video. Mid-air collisions fall into that “low probability, high consequence” category, but it's still scary to think about, esp if you've had a close call. In this video, ASI discusses areas where the risk of a mid-air is greatest as well as strategies for minimizing the chance of having one.

Thanks Ned - We have a small but creative team here at ASI that really enjoys doing this. Also I wanted to apologize to those who had technical difficulties...We test as many operating systems as we can to ensure compatibility. Taptalk hasn't been on our list:-).

If you haven't already seen these, here's a link to AOPA's Air Safety Weather Wise Video Series. The 5 part video series covers VFR, IFR flying, and preflight considerations .

If you find out when they are please post...I'd like to sit through that as well

http://themooneyflyer.com/cfi.html Click on the link to see experts Mooney CFI's in your area