Dan

Andy, The folks at APS will tell you that idling your engine for a 5 minute "cool down" is a complete waste of time. What they've shown is that your engine is about as cool as it's going to get when the wheels touch the runway upon landing. After that, it starts to heat up during the taxi back to the hangar. It really starts to heat up when you stop in front of the hangar to allow it to "cool down" as there is very, very little air flow through the cowling at that point. BTW, where are you based in Houston?

Thinking of flying across Lake Ontario to CYTZ. Has anyone been in here? What to expect? Any specifics I should know before heading there? Thanks Dan

This is sad to hear. Penn Yann is a nice GA airport, fairly close to where I got my wings. I wonder what happened. Very very sad. Dan

Does anyone know where this rumor originated? The source? The validity? I quite wonder if its only that.. a rumor with nothing behind it. There is a growing concept in Chinese business of higher quality and long term business with the foreign devils. The old school concept of a one time payout for ripping off the foolish US business man is being replaced with the idea that there can be a more than one time payout by actually delivering a quality product repeatedly. Its a change in concept from a throw away culture. Though still tricky, quality is very possible. It needs to be well managed, and the correct business partner needs to be found. I am asking myself reading this thread.. where is Mooney going now? Would a takeover by Chinese, or anyone else for that matter, help the future? One might argue it would. Dan

I did exactly this scenario a month or so ago on my checkride. The DPE declared my engine was on fire what was I going to do.. Well, I simulated the steps and he replied the fire was out, but I needed to put it down. Where was I going. I had plenty of altitude and found a green field, likely wheat. I got a bit closer and saw another field, longer and appeared flatter. I changed direction and was asked what I was doing. I said I do not like that field as well as this one. Its longer, looks flat and is a better choice. I am currently on base ready to turn final. Oh.. I see was the response. Lets get out of here... He did not think anything of it. Your CFII may be like mine was. Secretly think that it is ok, but give you a hard time as its not the "proper" way. Good luck on your checkride. Its worth it in the end. Dan

If someone does find anything about this, please let me know. I would be quite interested. Dan

http://www.seaplanehomecoming.org/ This should be a fun event. Fairly close strip is KITH or KPEO. I would bet car rentals would be easier at KITH. I am planning to attend. Dan

The bottom line of this story is a plane crashed on take off. You can debate and say the story is not about the crash, but the crash idea is being delivered loud and clear. The other concept being sent here is that a very carefully planned and well executed takeoff ended in said crash. So the question is... A story that has a plane crashing is good publicity and will help spread the word about how wonderful GA is and how its safe? I cant imagine it does. Sorry Jolie, though I liked your story, I dont think it was right for promoting GA... Someone stated here show an example. If ever the chance comes again and an article is needed and you are looking for help, ideas, co writers.. let me know and Ill do my best to lend a hand. Dan

Some good advice here. Thanks everyone. Its a bit sad to think keeping a Mooney at the local grass strip is a bad idea, but I think I knew this. Its the closest strip, no fee to tiedown. I was fortuante enough to get up in a J model a few months ago. Very nice, smooth and more importantly I got a the nod of approval from the other half.. Dan

My training is over and I am looking forward to do some flying. The question is now what to do.. buy a Mooney, buy a slow Cessna and build some time, rent a slow Cessna. I am a bit hesitant now to buy a low wing complex aircraft right out of the gate. My CFII has recommended a C172 as a first airplane to build some time. I wonder about this and wonder what others think of this idea. I would also keep whatever I buy in a grass strip (for the summer months) which is not flat. There are bumps and slight hills and at times the C150 I fly kind of jumps up a bit when I hit these. Not sure the Mooney gear would like this so much. I would like to solicit opinions about this. My CFII has a bonanza that lands there and has been for years and years. He and others who fly it have no issues landing there. What to do... Dan

I met up with a gentleman in Tahoe who had a very nice C model and he never applies carb heat. He said to me literally he never has turned his carb heat on and there is no need for it. This is so very contrary to the C150 I learned in. I found the carb heat to be one more annoyance and one more distraction that I may not really want. The question posed here is Do other C owners actually use their carb heat during normal flying or not. Thanks. Dan

Thanks everyone. I have been flying in a 1975 C150. Nice little airplane for buzzing around and learning. I do have my eyes set on a Mooney, much to the chagrin of my CFII (who owns a V tail Bonanza..) He was not so happy first time I showed up with my bright red Mooney shirt from Top Gun. Oh well. I have been training in a little country grass strip in upstate NY. (Last week I was landing and had the wheels down. I looked down the runway and 4 deer were laying down on the runway. Power up pitch up and clean up... around I went) Its about time to head back to Alameda and do some flying there. I did fly some hours out of OAK though so have some reasonable tower experience. Time to get more. I need to build some x-country time and get serious about a Mooney. (Posting in another section about buying.) DaV8or - Would love to see your F when I return to the Bay if you have interest in showing it off. Should be back in 2-3 weeks. Dan

Weather was great for a checkride yesterday. All went well and I flew home no longer a student pilot. What a great feeling. Taking my wife up next weekend. Cant wait!!! Dan

http://www.ehfc.net/ Out of ITH. A bit of a hike, but maybe it will work. I looked into training here but found a closer, less expensive alternative. I recall club fees and dues were quite a bit. With luck, you might be able to rent it for a few hours without having to join or at some prorated level. Good luck. Dan currently at NK74

I am nearing time to take my checkride and wondering if anyone has had experience with any study guides for this. I have been using Gleim all along and its been working well but I do not have any Gleim checkride books. Has anyone had experience with this product? http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1560277238 In case the link does not work its called "Private Oral Exam Guide: The Comprehensive Guide to Prepare You for the FAA Oral Exam" by Mike Hayes. Also any checkride hints.. I am all ears. Thanks! Dan