Seth

One of our Rocket drivers has feathered his prob in flight to test it. I never have. -Seth

Made it back just fine! Even made the going away party/wedding party (low key) that my wife wanted me at - I had let her know that I may not be there if the weather didn't clear out. I shot the GPS A approach into GAI after circumventing the weather. Flew to the Lancaster VOR on an IFR plan and then flew west just a bit more by deviation prior to cutting South behind the the weather. Worked out well. My outs were to land and any of the airports to the north (lancaster, york, etc) and let the weather clear out before continuing home. They actually broke up better than I thought they would. Often, the storms die down for 15 minutes and a new batch takes their place. Great to see everyone - sorry I got there so late! Thanks for hosting! And I got to meet the parrot!! -Seth

After the recent corrosion issues on some of the C's out there - and I realize this is an E, go take a picture of your spar cap and post it to show that this plane is in good shape - it can only help show your transparency. Here's to a quick sale! Looks like a great plane. -Seth

Congratulations!! Here's to many happy and safe flights. -Seth

I took the opportunity yesterday to sweep out the concrete in my hanger and also to thoroughly wash my airplane. I should have also waxed it, but I just washed it. I'm always amazed how the plane looks when really clean, even though it's pretty clean most of the time anyway! With cars, just like airplanes, isn't it amazing how much smoother they run when clean Any gotchas I have to watch out with when washing my Mooney? I've washed them before, but it's always good to get tips to reinforce things you forget. I had used the wash pad a W00 (Freeway) in the past. This is the first time I've actually used the wash pad at GAI (Gaitherburg). I tend to clean the plane in the hanger with towels/rags/paper towels/microfiber towels and water/pledge/simple green, especially the leading edge and cowling, but it was nice to scrub her down after the pollen and bird stuff had collected while I was out of town. I went for a quick flight right afterward to ensure no water was sitting in the airplane. I wanted to get the plane looking decent for our fly in on Saturday at UKT. -Seth

Brett- We'll miss seeing you!! Still want to see the Baron sometime. Hope to catch up at another fly in. Enjoy your trip! -Seth

That is a fantastic point. Can you define your mission a bit more clearly? We all love the Mooney here, but we also are aware of the limitations. -Seth

Stopped there a few times in the past few years - very GA friendly.

Great as always. Thank Phil & Jim!

I purchased my F after about 110 hours in trainers, mainly the 172, but some PA-28, 182, TB-9, and others. I got my IFR the following year - should have done it right away. AMAZING how much more capability you have with the instrument rating. At about 625ish hours I sold the F model and upgrade to a Mooney Missile. That's the J model with a 300 HP normally aspirated engine, IO-550 on the front - the baby ovation. I've had that ever since and I should break 1000 hours this year. -Seth

I'm back in town. Looking forward to the 10th. How many are we looking to have in attendance at this point? Any specifics on what you may need me to bring? I'll be arriving probably around 12:30 -Seth

And a hanger is still very much worth it!!!!

According to sources, among the write-offs were three Global Expresses, both Falcons, the Beechjet, one of the Hawkers and the Caravan. The three Gulfstreams that suffered significant empennage damage in the collapse were eventually repaired on site by the manufacturer and flown to Savannah for inspection.

IAD - the guy that owned the citation now is in a net jets like program or share (maybe it is net jets). I think four aircraft were written off that day in the collapsed hanger at IAD during snowmageddon in 2010. -Seth

Glad the flight went we'll Hank! Let me me know the next time you're back in WV. -Seth

Looking forward to seeing your new bird

Thanks Erik!

Too bad your new ride doesn't work with that awesome tow. Good luck with the sale. Remind me, what is your new set of wings? -Seth

I know the Rotax engine is considered a lawnmower engine by some, and that it's not a Lycoming or Continental, which are based on as many have said, 1950s technology, but really, why is it that there is so much hate toward the rotax? Have there been more failures in flight proportionally than the Lycoming or Continental, more problems? Just curious - I haven't searched all over and read articles, so I'm looking for honest opinions, but with a caveat that if it is an opinion, please mark it as so, vs fact, which I'd also love to have "marked." Separately, from a technical sense, why do some say that a two stroke engine is a death trap vs a four stroke? If a cylinder blows, a cylinder blows and usually the engine is useless after that (opinion) in most cases. I know the P-47 could fly with a Jug missing and I personally had a cylinder dying on me once and as long as I kept the power down, the cylinder stayed cool enough to get to an airport - had the cylinder lost completely, I would have had to put the plan down right there. Thanks, -Seth

I'll drop you off on the way home but since I may be getting there late, someone else should pick you up. -Seth

Yes, sorry for the thread creep

I can do the 10th but it has to be a bit later in the day. I'm tied up till about noon on the 10th, which means I then have to get to the airport, get in the air, and meet up. As long as it goes into the afternoon, that would work for me. You guys can always start earlier and I'll just get there when I get there (and burn gas to go fast on the way!!). At full speed that's just under 40 minutes takeoff to landing for me in zero wind, so the 10th looks very good. I'll have the plane gassed up and ready and head right over after my meeting. Sundays in May work better for me, but the 11th is Mother's day, so I'm sure whoever still has a mom will be spending it with theirs, or their mother in law. Saturday the 10th is the best Saturday for me in May. Reason I'm not available most of April is because . . . I'm getting married and will be on my honeymoon. Thanks for holding off to May. -Seth

I'm in - let's make it sometime in May as my April is booked

The 1900 RPM thing bothered me too when right after the overhaul the RPM level increased for the test, but after calling multiple shops, evidently that can happen and is "standard." I personally don't believe that entirely, but I've now had 350 flawless hours flying the Missile when it comes to my proper governor and control, and with the power and torque of the 300 HP engine, I'm confident in the governor. If the engine is preheated, I'll conduct the runup sooner after startup (still taxi out to the runway threshold or waiting are first). If the engine is cold at startup, I'll take my time taxing, set up other things first and let the engine really warm up before I conduct the warm up. I usually ensure the oil is at least 110 before I conduct the runup. Especially since I'm taking it to 1900 RPM not 1700 RPM. Also, during the first prop check, I very very gently pull the prop out - no ham fisting - I figure the oil in the hub may not yet be as warm as the rest of the oil and the prop check helps circulate oil. I want my seals to last as long as possible so I try to be gentle to them, especially during that first prop check of the day. -Seth

Great job as always