FlyDave

Also, nice video StinkBug!

Just a quick tally of who's going this year. NotarPilot and I are flying my Bravo and jerry-N5911Q is flying his plane and meeting us in Appleton. We'll be there Sunday night through Wednesday night and departing Appleton on Thursday morning. We'd like to meet up with all the MooneySpace people we've read and conversed with so I hope everyone goes. Does anyone know what time the BBQ starts on Sunday evening? Scratch that question - I just realized the BBQ is on Tuesday night. We'll probably land in Appleton around 4 PM on Sunday but if they're serving at 5 PM I doubt we'll make it in time to eat. We'll try to make the "Sober society...." Also, has anyone arranged any sort of tags with people's MooneySpace name on it? It would be nice to put a face with a screen name! See you Monday night at the MooneySpace Social Gathering. It's almost like the festivities have already begun . I'm looking forward to meeting everyone! Dave

John, There aren't too many reasons to go to Yuma, AZ. A formation clinic must be one of the very very few.... Enjoy the formation clinic and bring lots of water! Dave

Erik, We're going to Appleton on Sunday and leaving Thursday. We're staying in Appleton. Come to Appleton - I'd like to see your prop (oh yeah, and meet you.... ) Dave

Jose, Is that one for Fidel or Raul? Dave

Thanks Chuck! I just ordered a set and will have them in before the weekend. I'll post a pirep after I have some time with them.

Chuck, Any update on the Tempest fine wires in your rocket? I'm flying to Appleton for Oshkosh (can't wait to see everyone!) and was thinking of putting at set (all 12) in this week and fly them a little before heading out on the 18th. Thanks, Dave (aka Skybolt)

Here is a link to an old MAPA article: http://mooneyspace.com/files/file/29-j-vs-k-article/

During annual last month on the Bravo my mechanic found the center support on the heater shroud had all 3 welds broken and the center support was loose inside the shroud. They had sent it to Knisley who they've used before with good results. I've also heard good things from other shops about Knisley. The issues for me started when Knisley sent back a quote to fix the 3 welds for $1,500 and couldn't commit to getting it done sooner than 2 weeks. I thought "Are you Serious?". They were. 3 little freaking welds, $1,500. So I started a search and called Custom Aircraft in El Cajon, CA. I ended up speaking to Clinton the owner. Very nice guy AND knowledgeable. We discussed what I needed and he asked me a questions about how I run my engine, what the rest of the exhaust system looked like, etc.. After looking at the pictures I sent him he suggested I send the front crossover as well as the stack for #4 and the flange that the VBand connects to with the $200 gasket. He told me that if I can't easily get a new gasket on the flange then he should make a new flange as well. Everything he said made sense to me so I shipped him all 3 components. Knisley just sent a quote for the basic repair of the crossover WITHOUT asking any questions - thanks for nothing Knisley! One issue that my mechanic said they frequently run into with exhaust repairs is that the repaired/fabricated exhaust does not fit back onto the engine. Custom Aircraft is not an FAA certified repair station and my mechanic had not heard of them prior to me (CB). So he called another shop in San Diego to get the low-down on Custom Aircraft. He called me back a few minutes later and said "send it. I'll install it". Custom Aircraft turned it around in 2 days and shipped it out just as requested (I needed my plane back for the Mooney Flyer Summit). My mechanic said that all 3 parts were installed without a hitch - they fit exactly like removed parts. Custom Aircraft's bill to repair the front crossover including replacing a lot of pitted areas on it and the #4 stack and made a completely new flange - ALL THAT FOR $1,000.00 (yes, you read that right 1 AMU!). Also, don't forget that this is a Bravo - the plane with stories of $8,000+ exhaust systems. Kudo's to Clinton and team - GREAT to work with, on-time delivery and great pricing. If you need exhaust repair or fabrication, call Clinton - you'll be glad you did. CUSTOM AIRCRAFT PARTS Aircraft Exhaust Systems Specialist 14374 Olde Hwy 80 El Cajon, CA 92021 1-800-561-1901 1-619-561-5757 Fax 1-619-561-5177 E-mail: sales@customaircraft.com

Keys - yes, twice Frozen Mooney when on my way to trade the J in on the Bravo (see attached pic) Instrument instructor (while I was an instrument student) that was afraid to go up in instrument conditions....Priceless

Well, at least she's given those pilots lots of mamaries to think about... (you remember the Barbara Streisand song "Mamaries, of the way we were")

Looks like cocktail hour (although I prefer whiskey and rum neat.....)

I had a leaky sump last year. It turned out to be debris in the valve holding it open just enough for a slow seep. Exercising the valve quick about 10 times dislodged the debris and I haven't had a leak since. Try this before replacing the drain - it may save you time and money. I do keep a spare with me in my toolbag/parts in the plane - just in case.

I think the pilot did a great job of not getting alarmed (except his eyes bulging out of his head) or alarming his passenger. Some passengers would freak out and try to get the cat out of the wing (much to the cats demise...). That is one lucky cat!

Aaron, See the attached picture. This is from before I bough the airplane but the trim, flaps, cowl flaps and rudder trim are all illuminated. I'd replace all of them if possible. Dave

I'd say Sir Richard Branson has balls but, well, I'll let you decide for yourself......

John, My cowl flap indicator is a bit flaky - sometimes indicating deployed when they're closed. So I'd like to know if there are replacements as well. For your flap indicator, takeoff position reference is just about the same angle as full deflection of your ailerons. Dave

Me, NotarPilot and jerry-N5911Q will be there (right guys?) Looking forward to putting faces/voices with the names I've seen for over 6 years.

In December of 2013 I flew my J to Texas to trade it in on a the Bravo. I went from o69 to BFL to somewhere in New Mexico for fuel and the to Texas. I climbed to 15,000' both legs and had a 50 knot tailwind the entire way. It was definitely worth the climb!

Wow - this experience is the kind of thing that gives me the willy's! I'm glad for your "good luck". I would NEVER depart into IMC 1st flight after maintenance! Keep us posted on your progress. Have you begun the conversation with the shop that left the oil line off about a new engine?

Well planned and executed event! I enjoyed the presentations, spent time with friends and met new Mooniac friends. I'll definitely be attending the next west coast event.

More bug spray....

You tease!! Tell us all about it!

Me, NotarPilot and jerry-N5911Q are flying into Appleton and staying in the Americinn Lodge & Suites Of Appleton.

Was the bluetooth trying to connect to your phone?