jasonwojo

Mooney Caravan again! I still think it is the safest and most fun way to get there...plus camping with up to 50 other Mooney guys/gals is a good time. I will have the red and white Rocket there if anyone wants to stop by. There is always plenty to talk about and I will have plenty of adult beverages. If anyone has questions about the Caravan, feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer. See you there...Wojo (316) 708-0713 cell

My first Mooney ('77 201) was a total loss from inflight hail. I can explain more about the accident another time, but I did fly 30 miles around a storm only to have hail thrown out the top of it and pepper my plane that far away. I had possesion of the plane for a while before turning it over to the insurance company. It was definitely airworthy since I flew it to multiple repair facilities for estimates. I would reccomend having 4-5 shops look at the plane since they have an eye for what to look for. They saw dents in places I did not see. My quotes were all over the place. I had them quote for factory replacement parts. For your info, the insurance company was going to cover the cost of a complete paint job of all upper and side surfaces. Painting just your feathers will most likely not match the rest of you paint job. If I ended up repairing the plane, many of the paint shops were only going to charge a little bit more to paint the entire plane. The repairs most likely would have consisted of factory new, used, and fabricated parts. The later two would have paid the diference for the complete paint job. While waiting for the insurance company to make a final decision, many of my hail dents disappeared on their own. I believe the cool nights and very hot summer days worked those little guys out on their own. As another avenue to save costs, I was told you can swap your left and right elevators (flipping them) so the minor dings were facing down and basically not seen. Just some ideas for ya...

Quote: Seth Concorde RG35AXC -That's what I replaced in my F when the Gill went bad. As noted above, it's sealed, it has extra cranking power for hot starts, and it is not terribly more expensive. I think that's what newer Mooney Aircraft left the factory with in the 2000s - though I am not 100% sure on that. I do know that the Missile has two batteries on a rack located further aft to help with the CG due to the heavier engine. However, those two batteries are indeed Gil - So far so good, but hopefully when the time comes, I'll be able to replace them with Concorde sealed batteries. I'm not sure if that is possible due to the STC. Go Concorde as suggested by everyone so far. As an A&P I know said, Gills are POS. I wouldn't say that, but he did. -Seth

Sealed Concorde...Gills are terrible.

I can't wait to fly the Caravan, again! I should be back from this deployment in time. Last year's formation flying made for a very safe flight to Oshkosh. See you there!

Becca...I like the phrase "mowing the grass" you used. The airport I did a flyby was a privately owned, public use, uncontrolled airport (Class G airspace) with a 4,600 ft paved runway and a shorter parallel grass strip. There are hangers the entire length of the runway and a restaurant on the very North end (opposite side of the grass strip). All of these structures are well inside 500 feet from center line. I flew South to North, downwind, at 220 knots "mowing the grass" (pavement) the entire length of the runway. I was last of a group of other planes who were doing the same. We were all communicating our intentions via unicom. This is a very active airport due to the popular restaurant and the fact it is a progressive, fast growing airpark. It, and a couple of other aiports in the area, had gotten the local FSDOs attention for doing flybys. The FSDO Manager was on location for this reason and wrote down my tail number. This same manager had recently been involved, personally, with the airport but asked to leave for having a negative attitude towards aviation. I fought the issue using an aviation attorney, but the FSDO Manager used many FAA resources (multiple FAA attorneys) to prosecute. I spent a large amount of money (attorney was $300/hr) and the situation was getting out of control with the FAA processes. I eventually agreed to one of the charges (FAR 91.119) for a reduced suspension. My attorney believed I would have won the case in court, but at what expense? In consideration of costs, I gave in. What I was doing was wrong, and, like I said before, I paid the price. I am not proud to have lost my license, but I am not here to hide the truth, either. For those reading this, use this information for your own consideration. Yes, staying in ground effect for takeoff is legal. Please be safe guys, and gals!

A couple of people have mentioned low approaches. I would not reccomend low approaches (low pass, flybys, whatever you want to call them) since the FARs do not allow them. If you read the regs, the only time you can be at those low altitudes is for the purpose of takeoffs and landings (FAR 91.119). I have done them and I enjoy doing them, but the FAA Inspector that saw me doing one a couple of years ago did not agree. He had my license suspended for 6 months for not maintaining a minimum safe altitude (he said I could have crashed into a building at the airport or, worse, killed someone in the vacinity) and reckless operation (FAR 91.13). I fought the issue and lost. I do not agree, but it is the rules. My actions cost me time, lots of money, and, most importantly, my license. It does not matter if I remember doing low approaches as a student with my instructor 18 years ago for the better understanding of aircraft control. It does not matter if i felt I was being safe and maintained runway heading the entire time. It does not matter if 10 people did flybys before me. It does not matter that nothing and no one got hurt. The rules are the rules and I got caught. I am only sharing this experience so others may learn from my mistake (or lack of judgement). Just my advice...

FL260 in N231BG (79 "K" Rocket) and FL270 in N9154W (91 "M" Liquid Rocket). The guys at Rocket used 54W as their test aircraft for the Liquid conversion and flew it to FL360 and said it was doing 1,000+ ft/min at that altitude. If they had a better O2 system, they said they would have gone to FL045. 54W was an impressive Mooney (1 of 5 long bodies with a liquid-cooled TSIO 550L derated to 335 HP)!

You have a PM.

...and so we went around the table telling everyone what we are thankful for...I am thankful for my Mooney! hehehe... HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

Thanks for all the kind words! I am overseas right now and should be back in April. I work nights and want to tell you that seeing our B-1s taking off with all four afterburners lit is a beautiful sight. They are very loud and everything shakes from their power. I occasionally drive perimeter road and stop at the end of the runway when I know their launch times and enjoy those sensations up close. Feel comfortable we are doing our best to protect everyone's right to freedom and that the sights and sounds of those B-1s indicates a VERY bad day for those who disagree.

When we go to the lake, we land right next door at Council Grove (K63). One of the runways is a 1690x75 grass strip that is humped in the middle (the other is 1845x120, same hump since they intersect in the middle). Elevation is 1,409 ft. Never had any issues landing either of the Rockets, or the 201, there. We have landed on both runways. Usually able to get them stopped pretty quickly with room to wiggle. Take offs use a good chunk of runway when a little heavy, though. Fortunately, there are some outs when departing away from the lake. Make some noise over the big house with the green roof on the South side and they will pick you up...

I have consistantly landed all my Mooneys on grass strips. The Rockets have done just fine (except for one muddy experience on a strip we did not realize had its new grass seed watered nonstop for two weeks!). Like any landing, speed management is important. As a habit, I keep the nose wheel of all my planes, no matter what kind of runway, off the ground for as long as possible. The Kansas/Oklahoma/Missouri/Arkansas area has a lot of nice little strips worth visiting that are easier reached via good ol' grass. Beaumont (SN07) is where the historic Beaumont Hotel and last remaining Frisco-built wooden water tower is located. Taxi down Main Street and park across the street from the hotel for a good meal. My wife is from Greensburg (8K7) which is the town that was completely destroyed by a F5 tornadoe. Unfortunately they recently closed this airport for new construction, but rumor is they will be building a new airport for the new town soon (will make visiting the inlaws a little easier, again). Gastons (3M0) is a wonderful place to visit and relax in one of their cabins on the White River...good food too. Council Grove (K63) is a very short strip where the lake house is located. Turkey Mountain (MO00) is a long strip on Table Rock Lake where we own a part of a lot we may build on one day. Pond Creek (2K1) has a great little restaurant across the street. My friends, who own and live at Cook Airfield (K50), have a nice little strip next to their paved one. Saint Francis (SYF) is managed by some really good friends and is home to the annual Stearman Fly-in. The neighboring town of Bird City (5K0) has the Best Steaks in the world, yes world! (the cook is not too bad looking either!). I guess my point is there is a lot to be missed if you don't land at grass airports. Go practice on one and see for yourself!

Speaking of O2 cannulas, does anyone have extras they want to sell? I would like to find a couple more, to include the connectors that attach to the aircraft. Any help is appreciated...

WWW.MOONEYCARAVAN.COM is open for your registration needs! The Caravan to Oshkosh is a great time. 48 Mooneys meeting together in Madison, flying together to Oshkosh, camping together in the North 40, eating/drinking together, and just talking Mooney is about as good as it gets! If you have questions, feel free to ask/PM. I look forward to seeing you there!!!

Quote: flight2000 You'd have an aircraft that looks like a really big golf ball and more than likely some broken windows. Any reports from the local airports? In flight, I'd recommend having the pilot's head examined if he made it through because those type of storms don't just spring up out of nowhere. He/she would have had to made a deliberate decision to avoid the weather reports and fly through a nasty storm front.

I love my Rocket! It is a 1979 M20K "231" with good paint/interior and a whole lot of garmin stuff in the panel. It burns more fuel than stock Mooneys of the same era, but I take off shorter, climb quicker, and go faster too. Performance numbers are like newer Mooneys, if not faster. I just sold my Rocket converted 1991 M20M "Bravo" (one of five built), and believe it was one of the fastest Mooneys in existance (335hp). Glide is better during an engine out situation since the prop is fully feathering. They are a lot of plane for the money. I have not had any maintenance issues related to the conversion. Rocket Engineering builds great products and the "305" conversion is no exception. They support their conversion. Parts are available, and, for the most part, common. The engine compartment is very tight, and, hence, a pain in the but to work on. The TSIO-520NB motor is powerful and very strong. I have a good useful load and the plane does not struggle under a FULL load. If your mission is about flying high and flying fast, this is the plane for you. The plane will definitely support local missions, but why have the turbo if you don't go high. Fly one and you will want one! Fly mine and you will want to buy it. Let me know if I can answer any specific questions...

Hello all. I regret to tell you that the Mooney Maintenance Clinic with Jerry Manthey in Wichita, KS on October 2nd and 3rd has been cancelled. Unfortunately there was just not enough interest to justify the course. I truly wish this was not the case. For those who have already registered, please give Lela at MAPA a call for a full refund. There is a course in Livermore, California on September 25th and 25th as an option. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Blue skies...

Quote: g2clark Jason, i sent you a private reply that i meant to send to all; anyway. I just found out my Atlas schedule will allow me to attend Please let me know if i need to do anything special to get in. I will call MAPA this a.m.; Tuesday the 7th. We met at Muskogee last month and i have the "bottle rocket"(M20C) painted like your Saturn 5. regards, George Clark 405-474-0757 N7868V

Quote: mooneygirl Jason, you are doing a wonderful job helping to promote Jerry's seminar. Way to go! He is a legend. It was so nice to spend time with him at Oshkosh at the MAPA tent. What a wealth of knowledge. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you congrats for doing something so nice. [and the education you will receive will be awesome]

Quote: KSMooniac Jason, I had been procrastinating but just left a message for Lela.

On Tuesday, Jerry and I decide if we go forward with this class. We need twenty people to sign up with Lela at MAPA (Mooney Aircraft Pilots Association) to make this happen. This will be a great priviledge to be Jerry's last class before his retirement. Please call today and sign up. Let me know if you have any questions...blue skies!

Quote: flight2000 Hmmmm, think I've seen that one before... Just a tick outside my price range right now, but that is a seriously nice airplane. Might have to settle for a ride in it though if you still have it when I get back in December... Brian

What about a 240 knot Bravo like this one!? http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20M-BRAVO/1991-MOONEY-M20M-BRAVO/1172903.htm

Calling all Mooney guys and gals! In one week (Sept 6th) Jerry Manthey and I will determine if we have enough interest to keep the last Mooney Mainenance Class in Wichita, KS on Oct 2-3. I initially had 12 people interested and we must have 20 to make this work. Call Lela at MAPA (Mooney Aircraft Pilots Association) and register (210-525-8008). If we cancel the class, you will get your money back, so please do not procrastinate. I am paying for my mechanic to come to help with our numbers so please consider the same. We will have a great weekend and I look forward to talking Mooneys and seeing all of the planes! Thank you for your support!