mooneygirl

Regarding lodging: San Luis Jet Center is offering a free concierge service. Just give them a call or email: http://acijetcenters.com/locations/s...et-center-sbp/ Otherwise I would suggest the southern cluster of hotels off of Los Osos Valley road. There is everything there from Motel 6, Rose Garden, to a Mariott, Hampton Inn. Otherwise the northern cluster of hotels on Monterey avenue. Again, same types of hotels there. We will have free shuttles from these hotel clusters to the event site on Friday afternoon/evening and Saturday morning and afternoon. We just need people to register so we have enough seating and FOOD! The burger fry and dance is $15, $20 if you want wine tasting from Tolosa. Saturday tri-tip lunch [not sandwich] is $10. Bring your credit card/check book to become a CalPilots member [$35] or bid on our killer silent auction items. Batteries, head sets, portable Dynon portable EFIS, spark plugs, books, all the fun stuff for us pilots. Hope to see a lot of folks from the Red Board there. It is an all volunteer effort so come join the fun.

FWIW I think that speed control is the key in landing a Mooney. As mentioned above, you cannot push that nose over in a balloon or you will porpoise down the runway. I have adjusted my speed over the years and really try to fly it religiously. Having watched hundreds of Mooneys land, ballooning and floating are not uncommon. In my opinion the problem is speed control. My E loves to fly at 70-75 mph. She will do it all day. So why would I try to land her going that fast? Maybe some on the list use the "auto-land" feature while in the low flare.... retract flaps. I don't personally do it, but some folks swear by it. Let's fly safe out there!

You guys and gals are SO nice. Thanks. We are all volunteers writing for the blog. You are much nicer than the guy on the AOPA Red Board who ripped me a new one because he doesn't like the title of the blog. HA. Oh well, you can imagine how crabby he would be if he saw how beautiful my M20E is! Drool.

I am thrilled to be writing along with nine other industry leaders. I hope that we, as a Mooney family, will continue to Fly it Forward and promote aviation, Mooney, and protect airports. http://blog.aopa.org/opinionleaders/2013/09/04/gold-in-the-gold-country-an-example-of-fly-it-forward/#comment-675

I love my 1965 E model. It is the perfect airplane for me. Zippy and fast and economical. As Bill Wheat said, "the E is spry!" Congrats to you both and welcome to the Mooney family. We are all a little crazy but you will have fun!

The more advanced notice the better. Maybe take a look at this article: http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2012/April/26/Become-an-ambassador-for-GA

Plus there were two other Mooneys in the shop. Greg and Ed's customer service is A+. Advanced did a total tank re-seal on my E model a few years back before I got her painted.

I think it is a wonderful idea. I love it when we, as Mooney owners, do a charitable event. Not only is it "feel good" but it is great for our communities to know about our airports and what we can do to be a good neighbor. If you would like help with promoting to our community just drop me a line. We can make it a Mooney Ambassador event and help get the word out. Go Tom

Adorable. There is a Future Mooney Pilot!

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Redbirds-Skyport-Will-Sell-Dollar-a-Gallon-Avgas-During-October220492-1.html In one of the bolder loss leader approaches we’ve ever seen, Redbird’s Skyport in San Marcos, Texas, will be selling avgas for a dollar a gallon throughout the month of October. What’s the catch? There really isn’t one, other than the company will ask fuel buyers to participate in a brief survey probing their views on flying habits and how—or even if—the price of avgas affects those views and, especially, flying behavior. “The idea is to test whether the cost of flying had either a direct or indirect or even a cumulative effect on the fact that there’s a lot less flying going on,” said Redbird’s CEO Jerry Gregoire. “The theory is that people don’t fly as much as they used to because it’s so expensive to fly. We’ve seen a lot of initiatives going on, mostly the alphabet groups, to encourage people to come back to flying. But we’re not getting any measureable data on whether any of that stuff is working,” he added. Redbird figures that its gas-too-cheap-to-believe experiment will illuminate opinions on both sides of the cost-as-driver divide. “So we have this laboratory here and we have this ability to test by pulling one of the levers to see what happens,” Gregoire said. The laboratory, of course, is Redbird’s Skyport facility, where the company has been developing new, simulator-centric training programs and attempting to drive its programs with experimental data that can be applied to a larger market. “So we decided to pull the fuel lever and make fuel very, very affordable and see what happens,” Gregoire said. Upon filling up, pilots will be asked to take a short survey asking them about their flying habits and activity and how or whether cost figures in. As of press time, Redbird hadn’t developed the specific survey questions, but they do plan to ask follow-up questions a few months later to determine if the cheap fuel offer primed the flight hour activity pump. As for contest rules, so to speak, there aren’t any. Just show up with an airplane and a credit card—no gas cans allowed. There are no restrictions on size of aircraft nor frequency of fill-up for those pilots lucky enough to be based around San Marcos. The experiment is specifically planned for October to take advantage of AOPA Summit, to be held in Ft. Worth, and Redbird’s own Migration training conference. Redbird has enlisted co-sponsors for the program, including Garmin, King Schools, the city of San Marcos, Bendix/King, EAA, Piper Aircraft, Avemco Insurance, Hartzell, Brown Aviation Lease, Phillips 66 and Sennheiser. Gregoire said he’s not sure how much fuel the effort will sell, but his estimate is five times the usual 5000 gallons a month. But what if it’s 10 times? “We’re prepared for that. We can certainly get the fuel,” he said. San Marcos, KHYI, is located between Austin and San Antonio and is a towered airport with instrument approaches. Redbird operates its own FBO on the field. Redbird’s Jeff Van West, the spokesman for the project, said for the month dollar-a-gallon fuel is available, CEOs and other industry leaders will conduct town meetings to answer pilot questions and gather opinions on aviation product and services. The data will eventually be published on Skyport’s website. See the latest schedule information here.

The F is a great airplane. My husband had one for 25 years. And welcome to the Mooney family. If you haven't joined MAPA yet, now is the time.

Hello there Please help us get the word out about California Dreamin' CalPilots Annual meeting. We are very excited to invite you to our CalPilots Annual Meeting/Fly-In, California Dreamin'.California Dreamin' will be graciously hosted by The San Luis Jet Center at McChesney Field [sBP] in beautiful San Luis Obispo on October 18th and 19th. ACI San Luis Jet Center owner Bill Borgsmiller and general manager Andrew Robilard are very generous supporters of general aviation and they have graciously opened their entire facility to us. Friday evening, October 18th, starts off with some great wine tasting from a local internationally famous winery [$5]. This will be followed by our Beach Burger Fry and Dance [$15] with a great BBQ from our own Central Coast Smokers. The evening will continue with aviation writer Jamie Becket and wonderful aviation speaker, Judy Phelps (2011 CFI of the Year), followed by dancing under the stars to The San Luis Jazz Band featuring CalPilots Region 3 VP Mitch Latting. Shane Wallace, one of our local balloon pilots, will be providing a Twilight Balloon Glow as well. Saturday morning, October 19th, we will begin with our CalPilots Annual Meeting. All are invited and encouraged to attend. We follow the Annual Meeting with a wonderful presentation by George and John Kounis from Pilot Getaways Magazine. Next up will be AOPA Vice President, Airport Advocacy, Bill Dunn. Finally, we are very proud to announce our keynote speaker, famed aviation educator and humorist Rod Machado. As part of Saturday's events, a raffle and silent auction will be held, offering terrific aviation products as well as other fun items. A Santa Maria style-BBQ provided by Central Coast Smokers [$10] will take place in the early afternoon. After luncheon, we invite you to become a tourist here on the beautiful Central Coast of California. Hearst Castle at San Simeon is just a short 40-minute drive up breathtaking Highway One. On the way up to the Castle, stop and visit "one of America's prettiest towns" Cambria. After the Castle Tour, continue up Highway One, just seven miles north of the Castle and enjoy the magnificent Elephant Seal Rookery at Piedras Blancas Beach. These amazing elephant seals are something you really do not want to miss either! Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo regions boast over 300 wineries. Chardonnays, Cabernets, Zinfandels and more are await you too. Heading just 10 minutes South of San Luis Obispo is famous Pismo Beach. Hang out on the beach, walk the pier and boardwalk, or peruse the many shops available. While you're down in Pismo area, consider a skydive by Sky Dive Pismo Beach out of our "little slice of paradise" Oceano Airport. The Great American Melodrama is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or evening of song and dance. A complimentary concierge for hotel accommodations and car rentals reservations for California Dreamin' are provided through ACI San Luis Jet Center. The Jet Center is also providing free aircraft parking along with a generous fuel discount. Come join us for California Dreamin', our California Pilots Annual Meeting. This will be a fun and educational event for all. You will learn how you can help promote and protect your airport and have tons of fun in the process. So, come one, come all. Help us help you, please join us! PLEASE REGISTER TODAY @ www.Calpilots.org YouTube video trailer: Jolie Lucas Mitch Latting Vice Presidents Region 3, California Pilots Association Calpilots CalDreaming 2013.pdf

We are looking at a possible reschedule of September 21st. BBQ and fun for all. I will check with the Lakeside to see if they will duplicate the rate. Bummer about the air show, but the air quality was not good to be outside or perform/watch aerobatics.

Hello All Just off the phone with Michael, no official word yet but vis remains very low and air quality very poor. We have made the decision to scrub the trip. Michael said perhaps the event will be re-scheduled. If that is the case we will let you know. If you booked a room at the LakeSide Inn please call Stacy Noyes at 775-790-4696 to cancel. I told her everyone's name, but wasn't sure who was staying there and who isn't. Mitch and I are headed to Jackson/Westover to spend some time with my Dad. This is super disappointing, but we can't do anything about it. Better safe than sorry. Jolie

I spoke with Sherry Noyes from Lakeside Inn. For those of us holding reservations, there will be no charge for the cancellation

Hello All Just off the phone with Michael Golden owner Mountain West. Visibility is below one mile, and the smoke is very bad this morning. There is a real possibility that the air show is going to be cancelled or perhaps changed into an open house. Please make sure that you take the conditions and the terrain into your equation on go-no go. We are waiting until the afternoon to make our decision, but unless weather conditions improve with the smoke, we will be a no-go. Mountain West: 1841 Airport Rd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 (530) 541-2110

interesting map that shows the smoke from the fires: http://www.firedetect.noaa.gov/viewer.htm

There are three Mooneys up at TVL awaiting their brethren. All are welcome. Come for the day on Saturday or for the whole weekend. I am concerned about the smoke and want everyone to follow their personal minimums. We might end up at Jackson/Westover KJAQ to wait out the smoke. It is about a twenty minute flight to TVL from JAQ. Michael Golden says at times today he couldn't see across the street, other times were blue skies. I haven't looked to see if there are any webcams in Tahoe, I bet there are. See everyone who can make it. Young Eagle pilots are needed for Sunday morning. Must be EAA member of course. Paul Kortopates says that there is quite a bit of ash in the air settling on the airplane in case you want to bring a cover.

Everyone be mindful of the smoke/fire. Check out the TFRs before you launch. Friday BBQ is at Mountain West Aviation at TVL at 6. We fly in the airshow at 9:30-10:00 on Saturday morning. Those flying in the fly-bys MUST attend the Safety Briefing The Briefing will be held in the City Council Chambers in the Terminal Building. 0830 Friday 0700 Saturday Look forward to seeing everyone who can make it. Wear your Mooney hat or shirt [and PANTS]!

Look forward to seeing you Saturday morning Turbo. There is a great breakfast that is a fund-raiser for the local Kiwanis club. For probably the quickest ingress and egress, park near the FBO. Then it is a short walk down to the hangar where breakfast and lunch are served. We are headed up to KTTD the last week of August. I learned to fly at Hood River 4S2. The Ovation is getting a fuel leak repaired in Troutdale. We will be at the red canopy with Mooney banner near FBO. Come and say howdy!

Here are the NOTAMS for TVL: South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #1 Runway 18 precision approach path indicator out of service South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #23 Aerodrome AIRPORT closed effective from August 23rd, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT (1308231700) - August 23rd, 2013 at 10:45 AM PDT (1308231745) South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #20 Aerodrome AIRPORT closed effective from August 23rd, 2013 at 03:00 PM PDT (1308232200) - August 23rd, 2013 at 03:45 PM PDT (1308232245) South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #21 Aerodrome AIRPORT closed effective from August 24th, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT (1308241700) - August 24th, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT (1308241900) South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #22 Aerodrome AIRPORT closed effective from August 24th, 2013 at 01:00 PM PDT (1308242000) - August 24th, 2013 at 03:30 PM PDT (1308242230) South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #19 Aerodrome AIRPORT closed effective from August 23rd, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT (1308231900) - August 23rd, 2013 at 12:45 PM PDT (1308231945) South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #15 Airspace aerobatic aircraft 15000 / below 5 nautical mile radius TVL avoidance advised effective from August 23rd, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT (1308231900) - August 23rd, 2013 at 12:45 PM PDT (1308231945) South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #16 Airspace aerobatic aircraft 15000 / below 5 nautical mile radius TVL avoidance advised effective from August 23rd, 2013 at 03:00 PM PDT (1308232200) - August 23rd, 2013 at 03:45 PM PDT (1308232245) South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #17 Airspace aerobatic aircraft 15000 / below 5 nautical mile radius TVL avoidance advised effective from August 24th, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT (1308241700) - August 24th, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT (1308241900) South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #18 Airspace aerobatic aircraft 15000 / below 5 nautical mile radius TVL avoidance advised effective from August 24th, 2013 at 01:00 PM PDT (1308242000) - August 24th, 2013 at 03:30 PM PDT (1308242230) South Lake Tahoe CA (Lake Tahoe) [TVL]: August NOTAM #14 Airspace aerobatic aircraft 15000 / below 5 nautical mile radius avoidance advised effective from August 23rd, 2013 at 10:00 AM PDT (1308231700) - August 23rd, 2013 at 10:45 AM PDT (1308231745)

It will be great to see our Mooney family at South Lake Tahoe. Make sure that you park or ask to park with the Mooney Ambassadors. We believe we will be up near the FBO Mountain West Aviation, owned by Ambassador Michael Golden. If you don't care to watch the whole video, scroll to 2:23 and watch some of our fly-bys up at Tahoe. http://youtu.be/Gzf8RY91MX8

Come one, come all! Mooney Ambassadors at August 23-25th KTVL South Lake Tahoe, Lake in the Sky Airshow Join us at Lake Tahoe in 2013 for the 24th year celebration of America's High Altitude Air Show. The Mooney Ambassadors are the only type club that has specifically been invited by the event administration for the past several years. We had 22 airplanes in 2009, 14 in 2010, 24 in 2011 18 in 2012. how many are coming in 2013? Friday night burger fry. Saturday is the big day, and we expect upwards of 11,000 visitors. There is an opportunity for six Mooney Ambassadors to take place in the air show by doing high-speed passes. Lakeside Inn rate: $69 per night. Enterprise car rental: $117.08. including all fees/taxes. Point Persons: Michael Golden and Jolie Lucas. Jolie N6619U

Hi Jonathan, to bad you aren't coming this weekend, you could have popped up to South Lake Tahoe KTVL for the Lake in the Sky Airshow. We usually have 15-30 Mooneys up there. Lincoln is a friendly GA airport. Sac Executive is home to Dr. Bob Achtel, Kelly Couch and Randy Smith, all Mooney drivers. Sac exec is pretty easy in and out. My favorite gold country airport is my home airport [at least my families home base] of Jackson Westover KJAQ. Jackson and Lincoln probably have the best fuel prices. I hope you have a fabulous time. Jolie N6619U 65 E model

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost. Very very sad.