Ron McBride

I will not take that one on. I began flying in 1972. Single and Multi Engine rated Private Pilot. 10 years ago I got my instrument rating. I still fly VFR mainly, have been IFR twice. The instrument rating was the best training I ever got in my Mooney. I did many circle to land approach's, you will learn how to be on speed in a challenging approach. I have a safety back up if I get caught and need to go on instruments. You must practice and practice more. I usually will do an IPC once a year after practice approach's all year. Having learned to fly in 1972, I did not us ATC services very much, I am much more proficient now at using ATC services, even when VFR. In all of the years before getting my instrument, I did do recurrent hood work just in case. I have and will cancel trips due to weather. Many times I will end up driving a long trip (1700 miles), only to see great VFR weather starting 200 miles away from home. Please get the training, it is well worth it. The life you might save, could be yours, the wife, kids or grand kids. Ron

I am probably going to take my 69F to All American Aircraft to have them sell it. Are there any suggestions of what I need to do prior to doing that. The plane is in annual, all AD's are current etc. My biggest thought is insurance. Any others? Ron

On my 69F with electric gear, there is no gear horn test. I can test the warning lights to verify that all work. Also test the stall horn by lifting the switch with the master on. Ron

I would not have gas in cabin, fumes and electric can heat your plane to a melting point, real fast. Ron

Money

As a teenager, I have about a hundred hours in the back of a C. We even took a trip from California to Massachusetts and back. It can be done. As an adult, I would not want to be back there though. Ron

I have a copy of my Basic Med in my flight bag, and a copy in the glove box with the weight and balance info. I did this for my Special Issuance for years also. Ron

I copied mine, laminated it and installed into a small 3 ring binder. I found the binder at an office supply store. Ron

I have a 69F for sale. $79,000.00 Some info: 4600 total time, 1600 hrs. on engine, 300 on a top. 2 year old paint, leather interior and the tanks were redone. Extensive Lasar annual in 2015 with speed mods, windshield etc, Avionics: 430W, GPSS, 8000B intercom, KX155 w/glideslope, Stec 30 autopilot, VORs, DG and GPSS for heading input, Altitude hold. Freeflight ADSB in and out, JPI 700 egt/cyl head temps, oil temp and volt. JPI 450FS fuel flow connected to the 430W. Cover and extras. Elevator and gear door were replaced by previous owners. Plane is being flown, hours will change. Ron 559577-2398

Lasar did my F 2 years ago. with the windshield and some other mods I picked up about 5 knots. Ron

Just remember, if there is an accident, the pilots feet are usually the first to arrive at the accident scene. Fly safe. Ron

Thank You for the kind thoughts. I basically went from 50 miles an hour to zero in about 3 feet. The damage to the jeep is horrible, the front bumper is pushed back almost 2 feet, broken winch, and damage everywhere, but I made it, and will be fully recovered soon. Maybe if enough people bug AmSafe they will make a retrofit available. I put the shoulder harness's in years ago. I can't believe the number of years now that I have flown with just lap belts in many aircraft. And the yoke is just a possible spear into your chest. Ron

As a survivor of a bad traffic accident, seat belts with shoulder harness and air bag, is why I am here today. I has surprised with the size of the air bag (small). How big are the air bags in the shoulder harness for our planes? Which side of the harness is it? What are the maintenance requirements? My accident was 3 weeks ago, I have a lot of time now, 5 fractured ribs, nose and 7 staples in my head. 2007 Jeep Wrangler and a very sudden stop. An airplane cabin does not look crash worthy compared to even older cars. If you do not have shoulder harness’s in your plane, get them. With air bags would be better. Ron

Safety is a must. Experience is a must. The most dangerous part is the drive to the airport. Be careful and respect the conditions of your flight.

With electric gear I used to do his with trim wheel. Haven’t done this for years now. Probably just learned a little different method.

My F is about 1040#.

Oh, yes the spare engine. I almost needed it once, engine failure just before rotation, chose to abort that takeoff. I have about 500 hrs in a 310G in the 80's and 90's. I like everything running correctly, the back up systems are for getting to the nearest airport now. Ron

After the annual on a 310 that I was flying, the fuel provided enough fuel for taxi and run up. After takeoff, turned the boost pump off, fuel flow went from 23 gallons per hour to 9 gallons. Do you feel lucky? Ron

Congrats

I raised my hull values on my F from $70,000 to $90,000 and the cost was less than a $100.00 a year. I am a little over insured, but have a lot of money in it. I changed to $1,000,0000 smooth and the insurance went up about $500.00. Ron

Thank You Ron

I am looking for the O-ring number for the filter. Aeromotors is sending the other O-rings to me. Thanks Ron

Check the Lasar web site. They offer one for conversion for the C, E, F, G. Ron

This is the first time that I know of, that this filter was noticed. It was installed way over tightened. I need a new O-ring, does any know the MS number. Thanks Ron

I am getting the rebuilt pump back next week. I have new O rings coming with the pump. I am trying to find out what o ring the filter needs. Do you have the MS number for this o ring. I have the service bulletin and it does not show the o ring required. Thanks in advance Ron