Seth

The answer is it depends. I currently use normal air. Most of us who stay down low really won't benefit from all nitrogen has to offer. Turbo airplanes operating up high often, that's a major difference. I have a hanger neighbor who flies a K model Mooney often in the flight levels and he does indeed use nitrogen. As stated, it's more stable, it's leaks less, it's better for cold temps of flying up high, and it is not corrosive like a mixture containing oxygen could be. If my hanger neighbor sets up a nitrogen system in his hanger as he's threatened to do (meaning mentioned he's going to), I'm going to pay him a few bucks and switch over, and maybe for my car too -Seth

Congratulations!!!! Now go fly!! Make sure you fly the numbers on downwind, base, and final - worst thing you can do is land too fast - she'll operate just fine in slow flight - stay coordinated - go up with an experienced Mooney instructor. Every landing is a go around and if you land, well, bonus. Once you get proficient you can operate a Mooney out of a 2000 foot strip. Don't try that until you know your airplane well. Good luck - go fly - welcome aboard, and there are no stupid questions - this community is here to assist. My first Mooney was a 1967 M20F. Flew it for about 500 hours. Loved it. If you've already flown her more than she did over the last two years - there will be some unexpected maintenance. That's okay and take care of it. It'll work itself out over the first few years with deferred maintenance getting fixed up. Great plane. Now go fly! -Seth

Get a tail dragged rating during this inactivity period. Or a seaplane rating. Or fly an LSA. Or get a helicopter lesson -Seth

I'll be there. Alan is donating the Data Plate for auction at Mooney Summit VI. It'll be an all day affair. Airport is N71, time . . . Alan will get there by 8:00 ish. We'll have a few snacks for breakfast for those who want to join on the early side. 11:00 to 1:00 will be when we expect the most people and will have the grill going. Please bring something with you potluck style so we have enough food for everyone. So far we have: Alan Mike Seth Terry Tim Who else is coming? -Seth

CooperDog- Thrilled you and your family are safe. I have two kids in car seats now and we flew the Mooney on vacation last month. I can only imagine the thoughts going through your mind when trapped in the airplane on the ground with fuel leaking. Thank you for sharing your first hand account - it will help others. -Seth

I’d file it anyway. Just in case something does apply and he can “walk away” from that element. -Seth

There is a kit to add it, this is a good point for a situation just like this. Not all situations would have the baggage door clear, but it’s a potential life saving option. -Seth

What Which airfield? -Seth

Yes - I do. But even if you get a CJ3+ you’ll still be looking at a Global Express, Falcon, Gulfstream, or the other way at a Husky with Tubdra tires. It is natural to go “window shopping.” -Seth

I may have missed it, but also purchase a 406 PLB - personal location beacon. I am equipped with a 121.5 ELt but within reach in the cockpit is a 406 pearsonal locator beacon both to use should I survive and am conscious and also will still be there as a backup once I replace my 121.5 ELT with a 406 ELT. Plus I can take it sailing, on hikes, skiing, etc . . . Anywhere “off” road. -Seth

Tom- Really glad you made it! Very nice M20J!! Looking forward to seeing you once we organize some more breakfast flights in the mid-Atlantic and thrilled you’ll be there next year at Mooney Summit! -Seth

Reviving: FYI - the Aveo engineering group is attending and looking to give a pair of their new wingtips for a Mooney with the slab wingtips. They need a donor aircraft for final certification. Free $2500 tips if you guys know if anyone who wants wingtips. Embedded LED nav and stobe lights PM me and I'll put you in touch with them:

Happy to announce another sponsor company: Aveo Engineering. They will donate a pair of TSO'ed LED Galactica Wingtip Nav/Strobes. Also, they will be on site on Friday to display their new Mooney Wingtips for M20B to M20J models with embedded LED position and strobe lights. -Seth

I really need to get a proper fire extinguisher. Both for my hanger AND my airplane. I have 3 at my home. -Seth

I'm in touch with Aveo to see if they can display them at Mooney Summitt while at the same time becoming a sponsor. -Seth

I got my reservation yesterday. Can't believe I waited until the end, but I got it, and plan to install in November so I can test/verification flight it in December with built in extra time. -Seth

I'm sure Alan Fox has one or knows where to get one for you. -Seth

I'm curious how many reservations were made the last week as well!!

Thank you! I consider that a compliment! I agree - too many aircraft will take it down to the wire. And those who can will relocate their aircraft for a short period of time. Also, a ferry permit / waiver for specific flights will have to be put in place for non-functional ADSB equipment just like certain procedures are put in place for No radio aircraft into Class D airports. I'm based in the SFRA around DC under class Bravo. I'm getting equipped. -Seth

I just secured my ADSB $500 rebate reservation from the FAA. I now have until the end of this year to install, verify, and request my check. It was a VERY easy process to get the reservation. All you need is your tail number, the proposed equipment, and an "install date." Just do it. You can always change your equipment or install date. It will put you in position to get the $500 should you choose to move forward. If you don't, no sweat. I got my confirmation email with reservation code less than one minute after submission. The online form took about three minutes to complete. Maybe the easiest run government online form I've ever completed. https://www.faa.gov/nextgen/equipadsb/rebate/ -Seth

That makes it a 1967

The background on this issue is a bit mysterious - pm me sometime. I see it every time I'm there. -Seth

I had a broken p-lead two years ago. Easy fix but the prop was "hot" at all times until it was fixed. Was absolutely shocked when after all my years of step one the engine kept running. -Seth

Thicker windscreen glass is said to help but I have not seen scientific proof. Same with lower RPM. ANR headsets too. -Seth

My former 1967 F was a fast F 148 Knots true at 7000 WOT and high RPM on cold days. Used a four way cardinal run and averaged the speeds with GPS ground track. With the ram air it was 152 knots true but I did t used the ran air unless in VMC conditions and the only about 1/4 of the time. I had the laser closure and the calipers reversed. A few fairings may have also been on there and flap and aileron gap seals. Original two place windscreeen - retractable step. If I had not sold my F and upgraded to my Missile I would have gotten in line for this mod. -Seth