FoxMike

Over the years I have owned a couple of E models and have flown J and K models. I currently own a TLS. The cabin of the TLS is more comfortable than the earlier ones but the smaller ones handle better. I guess it depends what you use a plane for and how many people travel with you. The four cylinder engines provide great economy, the bigger engines less. I did a trip to Panama in January with 3 on board, luggage for two weeks, raft etc. The trip could have been done in a smaller airplane but the larger cabin was worth the extra gas it takes to push it thru the air. I also use the airplane to chase down hamburgers. The TLS is a bit more airplane than you need to do that. The TLS is a good weather airplane especially in the mountain west. I would suggest that you buy the airplane that best suits you mission profile.

Chris, Many years ago I was climbing through a cloud deck and the engine quit. Fortunately, I was able to reach warmer air before I hit the ground. I thought the ram air door was closed but it turned out that a mechanic had not properly rigged the control cable during the annual inspection. Air pressure against the door pushed it open a little and the impact tubes on the fuel servo got frozen over. When the impact tubes freeze the fuel stops flowing. Alternate Air does not help, you need warmer air. I would certainly recommend that you keep the ram air door closed when temperatures are near freezing. Walt

drpep, I have been an Anywhere user for many years. At the present time I use a Samsung tablet similar to the tablet you are using. I use an external GPS that sits on the glareshield. I have had no reception problems and would recommend that you try an external antenna for the GPS. Many years ago I had a GPS 90 mounted on the yoke with the antenna attached to the GPS. I had lots of reception problems. To make the screen readable I sometimes use the stick on sun shades to block the worst of the sun. I also made a cardboard hood to shade the screen. I have not found a solution that always works but the aforementioned help. Good luck. Walt

16LPILOT, When I left the King Booth I was shaking my head. After thinking about it for a while I decided that since in the next decade or so we are going to replacing most of our avionics equipment to be able to work with ATC's next generation IFR system, King sees a big market developing. We are going to need WAAS then ADS-B that talks to the WAAS GPS and then an MFD to data link to ATC. I think King decided that the 770 would not compete well with the 530. The 770 does not offer enough to draw customers from the Garmin. The way back into the market is through all the folks who have 2" high GPSs (89,90,94). The small GPS does not have much space for a screen but it is adequate. If you want to add glass they have an 840 for you. King is probably thinking that lots of King GPS owners might like a WAAS GPS with minimum installation hassle. Why have they not done this already? I think they were hoping for the 770 but found it had no market. They GPS specs for ADS-B just came out so it will take a little time finalize the design and get it tested. The biggest motivation for wanting to keeping their GPS market share is to sell databases. I bet they make a ton on that monthly annuity. I should hasten to add that this is total speculation on my part. King has never asked me my opinion about their marketing strategy.

I stopped by the B/K booth on Tuesday. The story I got was King was now planning a new WAAS box that would fit the KLN 89 90 94 tray. According to King's representative it will be out in a year. I am not holding my breath. Several years ago the King people said just hold on till next year and we will have the 770 ready to go. Walt

Over the past 35 yrs. I have owned two E models and a T210. I bought a Bravo six years ago for the extra room. The 252 gets more miles to the gallon and goes about the same speed. I got one with factory TKS which I like when it is messy but I pay a significant performance price for the peace of mind. I still own and enjoy my Bravo. Which to buy? I think it comes down to room or efficiency. Good Luck. Walt

I use the Anywhere Pocket Plates. They seem to work well. I display them on a Samsung Q1. I shopped quite a while for the right sized tablet and I find the Q1 is large enough to display the whole plate in readable size while small enough to fit on the yoke. Size matters! So far the EFB idea has given good results. Good luck. Walt

Parker, If that were my project I would buy a new vacuum pump and install it soon. The weight of the electric gyro will likely offset the removed vacuum parts. Vacuum gyros are less expensive to maintain than mechanical/electric. You may have a trip in your future where the master has to be shut off and you will be glad you have a vacuum system.

Blacknchrome, You are making good choice. I have owned a TKS equipped Bravo for 5 years or so. The TKS works well and I have only had a few maintenance issues with it. Previously owned a couple of booted airplanes, TKS is more effective. Mine is not for sale now but I hope you find a good one. Walt

Barry, I have used the Anywhere Moving Map for many years. I am currently using a Samsung Q1 and Haicom GPS. The system works OK and fits my needs. In a Mooney screen size is important so I recommend that you make templates of the proposed computer and make sure it fits the cabin. The Samsung displays an entire approach plate but is as large as can be fit on the yoke of my Bravo. Size matters! Good Luck. Walt

I am a little late into the conversation but I own a TLS with TKS and fly around the Rockies. I have owned several booted airplanes during the last twenty years and find the TKS to be a better system particularily at altitude. If you plan to stay out west a turbo airplane is a real plus (especially during takeoff when its really hot). I have owned 4 airplanes in the last 40 years, 3 have been turboed. If you can find a K or M model Mooney that is in good shape but without deice I would go for it. If you happen onto one with TKS so much the better. You do pay a price in performance to have TKS but on bad days it is worth the weight. Walt