GeorgePerry

Yep! Next time your in town let me know

I bought the airplane specifically to have the Screaming Eagle STC performed. It's going to happen in the very near future. I have several trips coming up so the down time doesn't work for me right now. At the first sign of winter snow, the plane going in to get it's "balls" back. 310HP is going to be AWESOME!

After an extended purchase process (several weeks of negotiation, matching schedules, flying half way across the country, dealing with the worst pre-buy inspection ever, closing, training, flying back from TX to MD) I got'er home. The pre-buy inspection failed to identify a long list of items that required maintenance (one of which was a major airworthiness issue). So immediately after returning to MD, I took the plane in to my local service center to get the needed work done. To my surprise they called me a couple hours after they started going through my "squawk" list and told me the plane is grounded because of a major exhaust leak discovered around a slip joint. This was unexpected and I was even more disappointed at the shop that performed the pre-buy. Couldn't believe they didn't notice this . Many, many AMU's, a reconditioned exhaust system, and two weeks later, my local shop resolved the major issues and was able to work off most of the smaller mechanical and cosmetic squawks. After all that, I was able to go flying just for fun this afternoon. Buying this plane turned out to be a long, drawn out, expensive process, but after flying this evening in the crisp still air, it was all worth it!!

James See this link…You might find it helpful http://mooneyspace.com/topic/8-prospective-vintage-mooney-buyers/?hl=%2Bperspective+%2Bvintage

Hopefully the 3rd Class medical will not be a requirement much longer . Unless you do a bunch of hard IFR flying, I'd lean towards just fixing what you have. Or if you have a hanker'in for glass, pony up the bucks for the aspen.

I was on the move most of the day and my team covered the Air Safety Institute tent, so I was hard to pin down. I did see a lot of really nice Mooney's in the parking area

Seth It went really well and the weather really cleared up by 0900. It was a bit windy: 10-12 knots right down runway 30. By 1100 it was sunny and 65 deg. The rest of the afternoon was great. Very good turnout with about 4000 attendee's. Fly in traffic was a bit lighter than we expected since the weather was an issue and the winds were a bit higher than some prefer. To my knowledge (KNW) there were no P-40 or SFRA busts and no other safety related issues. Tower did and OUTSTANDING job of handling the additional traffic and really kept things moving nicely. Also We had over 300 stellar volunteers that helped with the hand off from ground and marshaled aircraft to parking. The FAA's #2 (Mike Whitaker) was on hand. He spoke very positively about 3rd class medical reform and said that the FAA has pushed forward the proposal to DOT for review and then will go to OMB. Fingers crossed I think we're getting close. Also he said the FAA has heard the feedback on hanger use rule proposal. He didn't elaborate but it sounded positive. He and I got a chance to talk after the formal discussions were over and I was happy to hear that he's taking lessons at Freeway airport and should be a Private Pilot very soon. It was clear to me that he's a fan of GA. There will be a full rundown and summary of the town hall on AOPA live this week and in print via ePilot very soon.

Bennett On behalf of AOPA I'd like to apologize for the oversight. There was no intentional slight towards anyone. AOPA needs all of it's members especially now as the pilot community is shrinking. We realized the overlap far too late in the planning process but have this and other considerations in our scan pattern as we plan next years events. I hope you will reconsider and stay a member of the team and that we see you at next years fly in's. GP

Is anyone planning on coming to the AOPA fly in at KFDK on Saturday (4 Oct)? If so please stop by the ASI booth in the services tent and say hello.

she's a beauty!

I'll be there representing AOPA's Air Safety Institute. Hopefully my Eagle will be parked close by!

Jim send me a PM and I'll fwd you the one I use

I just purchased a M20S and Dugosh (under new ownership) performed the pre buy / annual. I am happy to discuss my observations if anyone wants to PM.

I need it to provide primary instrumentation. Should have stated that up front. thx

Very Good info…Sounds like it'll do what I want it to do and there are no "major" complaints. Much appreciated.

I'm interested in knowing if anyone has first hand experience with the EI CGR-30P? Opinion, goods, others…etc. http://buy-ei.com/portfolio/cgr-30p-overview/

+1. There are lots of choices for headsets and lots of high quality products…but LS's exceptional customer service sets them apart. LS is all I fly with.

http://download.aopa.org/asf/Air-Safety-Institute-Safety-Alert_Hypoxia.pdf Please disseminate to the widest possible audience.

The rocket is a very capable aircraft although you'll want to do some research and make sure you have a thorough understanding the complexities of a high performance "big bore" turbo and the operating costs. Turbo charged engines typically require the pilot to pay close attention and use proper engine management techniques to ensure longevity and reliability. Also, any aircraft that is turbo charged will need "more" maintenance and the fuel costs will be higher when compared to its normally aspirated counterpart. As for the O2 question, you can use cannulas up to 18K. Above that you should be on a mask. Before you run out an buy a a "fly-it-high turbo" try flying with a mask. Some pilots can't stand flying with a mask on. I don't mind the cannulas, but almost never go above 18K b/c I don't want to put on the mask. Also if your going to be at high altitudes (>12K) for any length of time you should also purchase a pulse oximeter (PO). The PO allows you to check your blood O2 saturation periodically throughout the flight. Anything less than 90% is bad and is an indication that something with either the delivery system or your personal physiology isn't working as it should. Less than 90% means you should not continue at that pressure altitude and need to descend in order to increase atmospheric pressure and help you lungs better absorb the O2 your brain and body needs.

Yep…Once the plane is "on the ramp" and the costs are known, it's much easier to attract partners.

Looks like I'll be closing on an Eagle in the next couple of weeks. Super excited!

http://mooneyspace.com/topic/8-prospective-vintage-mooney-buyers/?hl=%2Bperspective+%2Bvintage+%2Bmooney Hopefully you find this helpful as you search.

Thanks to all for the kind words of support. I'm really excited about the opportunity. It will be a privilege to work on behalf of AOPA's members and towards improving safety for all of General Aviation.

-a- I am still in Japan serving as the Commanding Officer of VFA-115 and loving every minute. This is absolutely the best job in the world! After this I plan on hanging up my "fighter pilot" spurs, transitioning, and joining the private sector. It has been my honor and privilege to spend the past 20+ years flying fighters, leading Sailors and instructing the next generation of young Naval Aviators. The decision comes with some mixed emotions but I am definitely looking forward to the next adventure. All the best! George iPad

I've had my AOPA membership since going to ERAU in 1989. I believe strongly that AOPA' efforts make an immeasurable positive difference to the General Aviation community. I am confident there are lots of hard working, well meaning folks who make up the ranks at AOPA. I think we all see this demonstrated through the their communications efforts and outreach programs. There are some great folks at AOPA doing great work on behalf of GA. They work tirelessly "behind the scenes" and are advocates for the rights and freedoms we hold dear. I believe this is especially important now more than ever because the current political climate encouages constant assaults on GA as a frivolous luxury. It is critical that pilots have an organization such as AOPA to serve as an industry advocate. As such, I happily renue my AOPA membership year after year. I also don't have an issue with AOPA's commercial endeavors. In fact I support this strategy. If they use membership "clout" to provide a product or service at a competitive price, then more power to them. In the end the consumer will decide if there is value and spend their dollars accordingly. As for Executive compensation, this is a touchy subject esp over the past several years when the larger economy (and AOPA's membership) has struggled. There are no two ways about it -- aviation is expensive. Most of us who own, fly or participate in aviation do it because we have a love for flying or it's a critical part of doing business . Even in tough economic times we find ways to set aside disposable income for aviation endeavors. As for Fullers replacement, I believe it is important to remember that in order to attract top teir talent there has to be an attractive compensation package. However I also believe it would be nice to see whomever assumes Mr fullers position do it for reasons more closely aligned with passion than compensation... Time will tell.