Sabremech

Another option is to wait and see if the FAR Part 23 re write actually happens. I doubt it will make the 2015 deadline as the law required, but if it does happen, you could install a very nice TruTrak autopilot for a fraction of the cost for a certified unit. I'm going to wait and see if it happens. David

There's so much that can be done to an old car to update the ride and features. The big difference is that "I" get to choose what I want. There's too much safety being forced on us today. I like some of the new technology and think it can be good, but it's also created a lot of new problems for us to deal with. I have no problem with technology that I choose, but do have issues with technology being forced on me for my own good!

I for one have purchased my last new car! I'm done with all the safety crap! You won't see me in a new BMW when I can't open the door to back up as it puts the car in park! I also can't stand these darn head rests that cause more blind spots than they're worth. Forget all the rest of the forced safety crap coming! My next car will be a pre 1975 that looks good and I can drive how I want to!

Mine has the Johnson bar and has been geared up twice. That's another reason I purchased this one though as it had a low time engine and prop! David

Hi Bonal, All the speed mods are expensive. For me, it's the look the 201 windshield gives my airplane. I don't think I would purchase a stock Mooney nor would I spend the money to upgrade the windshield. The airplane for me had to have the mods done already. David

Hi Bonal, Mine already had the 201 windshield in it when I bought it. I can't give you before and after numbers, but the windshield is the best mod with the biggest speed increase for the pre 201 Mooneys. I flight plan 148 TAS and see those numbers consistently in my 66 C. David

You guys are probably going to laugh, but when I was in the USAF, we were only allowed to use speed handles. I still prefer them over the power drills to this day. I have much more control and feel as to what's going on with the fasteners I'm trying to tighten or loosen. David

As an A&P, the smaller panels I have with my 201 windshield are more than adequate to access those few items mounted high on the back side of the firewall. I can count one time in the almost 5 years I've had my Mooney that I needed to access something behind the instrument panel. The aesthetics are just as important as the speed for me. David

Hi Scott, well now that I'm outed, I can get those part numbers! I didn't do as much to my nose gear as I had planned. There's always next year or next annual. I'll work on the numbers for you! Not doing anything special to the gear other than replacing worn bushings and re-shimming to remove as much play as possible. David

My little Mooney goes into R&D airworthiness in January. That's when there's no turning back as I mod my plenum and cowling. Been busy with another STC project and then wanting to fly my airplane before tearing it apart again. Scott, refresh my memory as to whether you have the Lasar nose truss etc! Thanks. David

I've contacted SWTA about purchasing the non active STC's numerous times with no response back from them. Appears they aren't interested in parting with them or supporting them.

Hi Bonal, I'll post a couple of photos tonight. David

Hi Bonal, In regards to the 201 windshield mod, it depends on what STC you install as to whether you lose the access panels or not. Mine has the SWTA 201 windshield and I still have two access panels, albeit a little smaller. Having the 201 windshield was probably the most important mod to me when looking to purchase an older mooney. David

Worth more when I'm charging someone as I'm using my A&P/ IA certificates! David

My annuals only cost me the parts. My labor is free. Must put me in the really cheap category!

I've had IPads since they first came out and my original IPad 1 is still going strong. Sorry you've been bitten by a bad one, but I suspect all the other brands have a few problems as well.

Sorry you're having issues Jim. Knowing the issues you have right now and they haven't even started on your plane, I can imagine it's only going to get worse. I'd move it in a heartbeat out of their hangar and get it out of there. I'm fortunate to be an A&P/IA and do all of my own maintenance. I agree that just because the MSC label is on their door doesn't necessarily make it the best. David

I agree with everyone so far, on condition for me. I'm the mechanic and inspector on my airplane! David

This mandate and others looming has me seriously contemplating ending my ownership of an airplane by 2020. It's losing the fun factor in a hurry for me!

I'll preface what I'm about to say that this is what I do and not what I recommend for others to do. I find that an oil analysis is nice to know information but not really relevant to the actual condition of my engine. This is why I seldom if ever send a sample in. The oil filter in my opinion tells me right now what my engine is doing. Unless you do an oil analysis every 5 to 10 hours and not just at oil change, what is it telling you? Not a whole lot more than looking at the filter material. When do you take an oil sample report as serious enough to tear into your engine? In my experience, the samples haven't alerted me to a problem, but the particles in the oil filter did. Again, this is what I do and I'm not knocking anyone for doing oil analysis. Any thoughts? David

I don't see much difference between finding something when I cut open an oil filter or getting an oil analysis with findings. Both will most likely result in engine maintenance. Best thing about the oil filter is I know right then and am not flying around while waiting on the oil analysis to return. David

Hi Jeff, thankfully I've never given this group any money and my dislike comes from hearing about their shenanigans for the last 15 years or so when they make a stunning discovery. They've taken plenty of people's money with little or no results of historic aircraft recovery. I too would like to believe, but until an organization with credibility and no ties to TIGHAR in any way shape or form verifies this new evidence, am left a huge skeptic. David

If I find something in my oil filter after cutting it open, I don't think that's too late. I'm on the ground!

I don't do it regularly on my own airplane, but I've heard good things about Blackstone here in the States. David

TIGHAR ( The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery) has recovered how many airplanes? None!