skyking

Seth: I fill all 4 seats about 80% of the time, and 3 seats probably the balance. I travel with my Grandkids and my dogs quite a bit.

I thought about that but i really dont want a partner on my Mooney. Its my pride and joy! As i said earlier i have bought and sold more planes than i care to count but i am realy attached to my Mooney. Sounds silly but its reality.

I agree with the tail draggers and Decathalon statements. Lots of fun and you can really tear up the air with them.

Jet... you mean you mooooooved it over....LOL

Becca: You may be on to something. The oldest started her lessons about a month ago but it will be a while before she is old enough to solo never mind finish off the ticket. A partnership may be in my future as i just cant see selling Miss Mooney. I have put way to much time and cash into restoring her etc.

Looks like my little question about 6 seaters has generated quite a discussion.

Seth: The minimums i was quoted were 6 hours weekdays and 8 weekends! at $175 hour wet that adds up. That was for a Twin or the A36. I may need to go to a bigger FBO and see what i can arrange.

Chris: I will need to look into that. It may save my bacon for a few years as the youngest is under 75 LBS. I can load them all on board and still be under weight but no third seat in the back is a show stopper.

I checked out the rental market for those days i need more than 4 seats and the daily minumums etc make it cost prohibitive for week long or even weekend get aways. There is a real nice low time A36 here with a fresh engine i can get for about $120K Canadian. I have bought and sold more planes than i care to remember, but the thought of parting with my Mooney is killing me... No kidding! Every pilot dreams of having a Mooney in the hanger and i am no exception!

Would I? Hell yes. I was actually considering renting when we all go away but after looking into the daily minimums etc it is just not worth it.

It is with a heavy heart that i have come to the realization I need a bigger plane. With all the grandkids now living within a ten minute drive we are spending a lot of time travelling with the kids now. I have 3 grandkids and as we all know Mooney does not build a 6 seater! (Wish they did) I am now facing the possibility that Miss Mooney may have to be sold to finance a purchase of a A36 or similar. Is it possible to strech a Mooney??? LOL Seriously though, if you had no choice and were looking for a 6 place aircraft what would you be looking at? If i can find something reasonable I will be keeping Miss Mooney. ( Just dont tell the wife!!!)

I have 2 german Sheps and the only problem i have flying with them is the darn nose prints all over my back windows! Sheba hates the windshield wipers on the car and will attack them when turned on and that problem was transferred to a turning prop when you are just starting up. SHe barks at it like mad but once the prop is turning she settles down. They both love to fly and run to the plane when we are going anywhere.

2300 is the shortest strip i have had "Miss Mooney " into. I only land on paved due to the prop clearance.

I see temps of -50 ( yes -50) on a regular basis here in Northern Alberta and i have never used any additives. I just make sure the plane has a good pre heat. Mine is stored in a hanger no matter where i go if i can get one but i have had to park outside in heavy rain and to this day i have never found water in the tanks. PS; we dont fly if it is colder than -20.

I love it when the tower tells me to slow down. Never heard that in my 172!

Hi Jim and welcome to our little piece of the internet. I am sure you will love your new toy. And let me get out my little old "A" model and we can start that race at 20,000 FT!

Joey did my landing gear overhaul (no back spring issue) as well as donuts and a few other items. It was done on time. Not cheap, but well worth it. Lee

First choice is the water. If i had to go for the trees i would try to get the nose between 2 trees. It may rip the wings off, but it will slow you down fast. i know somebody that had to do this and getting the nose between the trees saved at least 2 lifes that day. I have personally only had one engine failure in 30 years and i put her down in a freshly cut hay field. Not a scratch on me, my passenger or the plane. It was just a shame that this was the passengers first plane ride in his life!

I have the new Garmin Aera 510 and i love it. Moving map, terrain, weather etc all in one device.

Brian: Manitoba, Saskatchewan and some of Alberta looks like that too. I have never seen so much rain as i have in the last 3 months. Hope it all clears up for you soon

Clarence: I agree. I try to get to as many events as i can but with my new schedule it is getting more and more difficult to go to the airshows, flyins and Young Eagle events.

Hank: I said that 10 posts ago. The US has the stolen valour act. Turn this butthead in so fast it hurts. This is a scam plain and simple.

Ken: here in Canada she cant log hours until she is 14. But we are planning on that solo on her 16th birthday. Just like me. Gotta keep those traditions going. I am so happy she wants to fly. Both my boys had no interest in it and we have always had a plane in the family.

Just thought i would post a little note to tell the world that my grand daughter started her flying lessons on Sunday. Does not sound like much until you know she is not quite 14 yet! She can start logging hours officially in a few weeks but we wanted to get her going. She has devoured all the ground school books and i have no doubt she could pass the written exam now! Lets keep those kids interested and get new blood coming up behind us.

I am in the useable runway camp. As soon as there is no runway left to use up comes the gear.