HopePilot

I was using WingX today and the GNS 5870 just wouldn't stay locked with the iPad. Has anyone had problems like that? I had the gps on the windshield and tried a variety of other places.

Interesting...thanks. Are the bearings checked at the annual?

I was wondering how often the control rods should be replaced? I'm just trying to think proactively as parts are taking so long to get. I was thinking maybe I should try to start replacing a section every year... Heck, if I order the parts now, I might have them by the time I need them.

I loved his picture of the Matterhorn. We have a Matterhorn of our own, but it has a big TFR over it.

It took me about 2 1/2 years. At the time it seemed like all the planes were in NC. No joke.

"Oh, jeez" it took a long time, but we're glad you made it home. It was awesome!

Paul - How much damage to the exterior paint does the process usually do? I don't need my tanks sealed yet, but I'm afraid if I get my plane painted, they'll start dripping blue (Murphy's Law). Also, any hope you'll set up a franchise near California? MN is way far. You should think about sending someone on the road.

Yeah, Gary, you WISH you were me.

Quote: Parker_Woodruff The big gripe I had with my M20J was the landing lights that would perpetually burn out.

Duplicate post.

Thanks! Very interesting.

A Rolls Royce takes 450 hours to build by hand. How many hours did a Mooney 201 (or other model) take?

You can easily fly a family of four, especially, if two are children. That said, you are trading comfort for speed, and there are no free rides in aviation. A Cherokee Six would be a lot more comfortable, if that is your primary goal...not that Mooneys aren't comfortable (an urban myth). Mooneys, however, are not like a Ford Taurus that you can just jump into (aka a Cessna 172). They are more like a Porsche that you shimmy into, so probably similar to the Cherokee. I'd rather get there faster than be a tad more comfortable, but that's a personal call. Your body size is very Mooney appropriate as they were made for tall, lanky Texans (I have to have rudder pedal extensions), but most small planes could be considered, "crowded."

"How did you get from 10 feet to 500 feet per minute with an anemic rate of climb?" Again, I'm not exactly sure how high I was at the precise moment, as I was watching the VSI and the airspeed indicator (anywhere from 300-500 ft, noting we weren't climbing much). In other words, I had good airspeed in ground effect, but I traded most of that energy when I made the initial climb. As we started to climb above ground effect we discovered we had an unusually low climb rate. Not a big deal if you start cleaning up the plane, but it has to be done properly. Seeing we weren't climbing very fast, my CFI reached over and dumped the flaps without asking. I was already working the problem, however, and the gear was still cycling. This happened very quickly after takeoff so it's really academic to discuss how high or how long after leaving ground effect, but it happened quickly. All I can say, is don't raise your flaps (all the way) and gear at the same time on a hot day, because you won't like the sensation.

I think ELT nailed it. He has never touched anything in the past, so seeing us with an anemic rate of climb he resorted to his previous memory.

Wait a minute...you have to have a PPL to fly one of these things? On a serious note, he is my commercial instructor, and he's been with me when I've made the first turnoff at Catalina. I'm not sure what he was thinking (which has me second guessing myself).

No, we started the go around at about 10 feet, and I, also, started gear retraction earlier than 500, but it was still cycling. The 500ft is a very rough estimation (probably 400ish), of where we were at that point. I also delayed retraction a few seconds longer hoping for a more positive rate of climb.

So on a 100F+ degree, humid, day we have to execute a go around. We are at about 500 ft, with very little climb rate, as I retract the gear. Without telling me my CFI raises the flaps (doesn't "milk them"). This is followed by a pronounced sinking feeling, like the floor has fallen out. I now have my hands full as I am working to maintain our airspeed until everything has cycled. The thing I don't get is that he used to own an "E." It was probably quite a bit lighter (my "J" is on the heavy side), and maybe he could get away with it. Opinions? I don't usually get mad, but I was annoyed.

Sorry, I have an '83 201. Is it "midget flair" or "Bayonet?"

I met a Mooney pilot who had replaced his gear down light (the one on the floor between the seats), with an LED light. I thought this was a brilliant idea, as it's a little more work to get to. Does anyone know, offhand, if it's a BA9?

Before I bought my J, I did a few hours in a C. I can attest from one landing, that you can land extremely hard on the mains without doing damage.

All the hotels are booked. Any PIREPs on places to stay further out?

Today can be answered the immortal question, "How Long To Get A Rocker Switch?" Well...it came today! It doesn't have "Elev Trim" engraved on the topmost part of the switch, but it's as close as you can get in a new part. Ordered: October 12, 2010 Arrived: May 17, 2011 So much time has passed that they had to call and get a new credit card from me. Governments have risen and fallen since I ordered it. Elizabeth Taylor was sitting around watching Dancing With The Stars when I ordered it. Osama Bin Laden hadn't a care in the world when I ordered it, but now it has arrived and there is much rejoicing in Mooneyville.

I see them going into Apple Valley. I don't bother them and they don't bother me.