lahso

I flew into 2W5 (Indian Head). It was about 40 min (w/traffic) to downtown. Take the online course, print the certificate and keep in your wallet. The only difference in my flight to 2W5 (inside the SFRA) is that you keep your squawk code even after canceling IFR - don't change to 1200. Also, when departing I had to call a "special" 888 number for my clearance. This took about 25min to get through, connect to a FSS person, and released.

This is, by far, my favorite forum. My Mooney fix is not complete without it! Thanks, Craig...

Another vote for Cole Aviation. Joey does all the work on my M20C. Also, Gann Aviation (not a MSC) in Lafayette, GA, does good work.

Good job, Bob. You handled the situation correctly, and kept your cool. These days that is very important. Thanks for updating the rest of the members.

You did a great interview, Jolie. Thanks for helping us Mooniacs get the word out, and promoting general aviation! Keep up the good work.

Quote: piperpainter I am doing both! I'll be going to the Bahamas after from what it looks like, of course that is weather dependent!

Can't make it this year - I have a big trip planned to the Bahamas instead! Not the same timeframe, but close enough that I can't afford to do both. Maybe next year, though.

Great news on the instrument rating! Congratulations, and many thanks for your efforts on the site.

Quote: planebones What kind of preheater rigs have you guys come up with? The cowl flap opening is too small for most hoses to go up there....thanks Ken

200-275hrs per year. We take lots of trips and do animal rescues.

Mine was done in March 2009 ($23k).

Wash Wax All. Works well all over the airframe, windows, etc.

I bought mine directly from an owner and did not use a broker, so my experience may be different than others. After viewing, then flying, the aircraft, I called the owner and spoke with him. Having looked at the market for a year, I had a good idea of pricing and value, and therefore gave the seller his asking price. The seller in turn paid for all pre-purchase inspections and airworthiness details. The other stuff we negotiated over the phone until both were satisfied. Then, we backed it in writing via e-mails and worked with an escrow service. Good luck, Buster and enjoy the ride...

I second using Tim at Gann. He did a good job on my transponder and audio panel install. For the flying club I teach for, he is installing a S-Tec 20.

Quote: mooney205kd Gann Aviation in LaFayette, GA 9A5. It's a super smooth IO-360.

1. 1966 M20C. 2 175 hrs. 3. Did not make it to TBO. 1800 hrs were on the engine at the time I decided to do a major overhaul. Previous owners did not fly very much (it didn't sit for long periods, but they put only a few hours a month on it).

Someone will send a message to the list e-mail address, then folks usually reply back to the list. You can get quite a few messages in your Inbox. There is no forum. Hope that helps.

When purchased, the right tank had been resealed by Dugosh. No problems with it. The left tank leaks occassionally, but not enough to reseal yet.

I echo what others have said about buying the best airframe/engine - but make it one you can afford. Initially I wanted a J model, but ended up with a C because I can afford it myself. The J would have stretched me financially. Luckily, mine had been taken care of with a pretty good panel to boot. I've been able to add to the panel, and overhaul the engine without much strain. Good luck, and keep us updated.

William Tomlinson - 1966 M20C, based at 3M3, Collegedale, TN. I'm an IT Director for a law firm, a part-time flight instructor, and FAASteam Member. Flew in a couple of J models with friends, then checked out two guys in their J model, and had to get a Mooney after that. Aside from trips to grab lunch, I've really enjoyed transporting animals for Pilots-N-Paws. If you are interested in the organization, please let me know. Lastly, I really enjoy this forum and appreciate the efforts of those who run it.

I took my M20C into Gaston's last year. The winds were really gusty, but overall it wasn't bad. You land to the West, and take-off to the East. If you are use to landing long, practice short field landing and takeoff procedures before attempting Gaston's. The go-around climb gradient is steep (power lines and trees), so make your decision early in the landing process. The take-off to the East is a non-event because you face into a valley with enough room to exceed the obstacles (trees, mainly). I thought the grass strip was a little rough on my gear, so I won't land there again. However, Gaston's is a great place with friendly folks. Mountain Home (KBPK) is a good airport with easy transportation to Gaston's.

Another East Coaster here, and looking for a VMG on this side of the Mississippi. Guys, let's start a branch for us. I'll be happy to help out.