Geoff

Would one of you please post the sellers contact info. I would like to speak with them.

I had this installed at my last annual. It has two functions, audible gear warning call out "gear" and audible altitude call out in feet starting at "100" down to "10". Functions much like a radar altimeter. Observations: 1. In visual conditions at familiar fields not much benefit. 2. In visual conditions at runways that are significantly wider or narrower than your home field, reasonably helpful to avoid the dreaded flared too late/early PIO. 3. In IMC or night, VERY helpful at all fields. 4. "gear" audible won't force you to put the gear down but is definitely better than the horn in the standard setup. To me the cost was essentially an insurance policy against a gear up.

FYI new TSIO 550-G with core exchange

Pageing @LANCECASPER

Would you post a pick of the retrofitted lights? Does the footprint/form factor match the old one? Any paint work required? THX

No way this will meet the National Highway Safety crash regulations (too heavy) and be able to fly off the ground with more than a hamster inside for more than 10 seconds.

Vaporware.

Did the Factory representative provide any insights on any new projects or are they just focused on staying afloat?

As long as the rudder trim is centered it taxi's straight. A small amount of rudder trim either direction will drive me toward the grass.

Horizontal is also better if you need someone else to tow your plane.

I flew recently in brand C and between the pilot and copilot chair on the inboard side of the seat upright was a loop with a snap where the owner hung his headset for storage between flights. I thought his was fantastic but the challenge in the Mooney is: 1. The space between the seats is too narrow to hang one let alone two headsets and 2. The headset plugs are located outboard on the side of the panel and the cords aren't that long SO, the question is where do YOU store your headset between flights so its not in the way of ingress/egress and is not damaged?

I really wanted that red stripe...

My old K model with a new custom paint job...

Has anyone heard an ownership update recently for the Mooney Factory/Parts business?

Merry Christmas. I’m grateful we all have as many choices as we do to park our toys. May Santa bring you peace and joy.

Bit of a smear job don’t you think? This is Hurricane Harvey aftermath. Many airports flooded as well as homes and businesses. It was tragic for many people. For aircraft owners, and people who watch the weather it was predictable and many had the chance to move their aircraft prior to the storm. Most good insurance policies pay you to do so. Regarding the pull fee the CFI is partly right and partly wrong. If you want your plane pulled from your own t hangar or cover from the east side of the airport to the west side terminal they will charge you. However, if you can also just pull your own plane out for free. Self service fuel is available and cheaper than the $5.54 for FS you mentioned above. If you hangar there they offer FS fuel discounts and have weekend FS fuel discounts for everyone. My comment on hangarage was for privately owned common hangars where a private individual owns the hangar and you rent space from the owner. Many have a deal with the airport where they get a number of free pulls per month and they put that into your lease. IWS is not the perfect airport by any means but I have had a plane under a T shade and in a hangar there for 7 years and know the details of what I am sharing first hand should others wish to compare facts.

If you are not wedded to your own t hangar, there are common hangar spots at IWS for less than the C/D hangars at SGR. The airport staff pulls the plane for you to the terminal and this minimizes hangar rash.

Welcome! You have found the best source of Mooney information on the internet. I'm based at IWS and there is a Saturday morning pilot crew who meets there if you are seeking other pilots in Houston to socialize with. There are a few Mooney drivers and former Mooney drivers in the group. Where are you based? -Geoff

Comments that work for me: 1. Ensure the system is working properly before you need it. 2. Be sure to have enough fluid 3. Turn it on at least 5 min before you bet your life on it 4. Have a plan if it doesn't work as expected 5. Turn OFF the windshield spray on final approach 6. Use the cabin heater to help with the windshield

Mooncharlie, Under what regulations are you operating FAR's, EASA, CAA, SCAA, other? The regulatory regime will determine how often you MUST perform inspections. The Mooney maintenance manual will provide what SHOULD be done during those inspections. The Pilot is responsible for deciding what WILL be done and when. I am not trying to be pedantic, sometimes it is necessary to ask more questions before providing the right answers. There is a tremendously helpful group on this board that is eager to share their knowledge. Geoff

A rare sighting of the nearly extinct Cessmooney!

Vikings are super fun to fly. The wing is smooth no rivets and the aileron response will feel fast compared to the Mooney. Go fly ground maneuvers and have fun with the turn rates. They do not float on landing and the pitch trim is on an overhead spinner which I can never remember which way to turn. Glides like a Steinway piano so you can make an high approach with no problems. Need ANR as they are louder inside than a Mooney.

It was not my intention to raise a contentious issue or be critical of the STC or anyone who has chosen to do it. I only suggested that anyone considering it should seek as many perspectives as they want before making a personal decision.

One very experienced mechanic I trust when I asked about the upgrade said the STC on turbocharged engines unduly increased the stress on the motor and he was not a proponent. This was not a message that there was/is something wrong from a safety standpoint but rather a longevity perspective. There are a lot of variables that could go into his observations but he has seen a lot of the fleet over many years. just another perspective to consider.

Talk to some knowledgeable mechanics before deciding on the 310 upgrade.