Skybrd

Absolute not, that's not what I mean, I like freedom just like you.

I usually keep my I-pad on my lap and at times cover the screen with a map to keep sun light off. I have tinted glass and the mooney seats are lower than Beechcraft airplanes providing less direct sunlight to the screen. I had my I-pad over heat while flying a Beech Debonair. The seats are higher and the sunlight is more pronounced on the pilot and your I-pad sitting on the knee. I also think some window stick on tinting might help in extreme conditions. I would like to see a I-pad cooler assemble to attach the I-pad to protecting from over heating.

I had problems with the Skytec LS starter and exchanged it for a type NL starter. I found out the LS type uses over 100 starting amps more to crank versus the NL geared one. I wouldn't give two cents for the LS type.

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I flew the Mooney to Vacaville airport the other day. I found out lots of information about the former Nut Tree airport and their large operations. Years ago I went with my Dad to the Nut Tree airport and rode their train and ate at their restaurant. This was probably in the early 1960's. It was a great place to visit. Too bad they closed it down especially for the aviation part. I did enjoy my visit the other day even though the wind was gusting to about 19 knots. I walked to the area that they rebuilt and it was ok. I think I'll go back there again and check it out some more. The people working in the Main FBO were real nice. Good place to fly to.

About 3 years ago I purchased new glass and had shipped to Artcraft in Santa Maria. They changed all the glass, stripped my plane and re-painted as I requested. This came to about 15k. The plane looked like a new one. I had some tank leak repair at Loyds Aviation in Bakersfield, Ca (KBFL) and it wasn't too costly. Haven't had the entire reseal done yet but will have to do it some day. Mitch Lucus says he recommends a shop in Troutville, Oregon.

I think most Mooney pilots could fly a Twin Comanche with a little practice. They land like one, as you need to get the airspeed correct on approach. Concerning VMC, just rotate after reaching it. If you loose an engine keep the speed above VMC. Loosing an engine on singles at takeoff is deadly too. I like both planes and the T Commanche is probably the lowest cost twin for the performance. Concerning insurance the Comanche is higher, I got mine from Avemco, the Mooney from AOPA. Enjoy flying before they restrict us or take away our airspace. Remember Sky King show and his twin airplanes, the Songbird..

Could it be flooded. If your mags p-leads are grounded, it won't start. I know you already know this but have you tried to start it with the mixture all the way out (if it was flooded). I doubt if you got bad fuel or had a valve stick causing the problem. Good luck and let us know when it's up and running. -- Darrell

Today I bought fuel at Calaveras County airport KCPU in Northern California for 4.98/gal. Thanked the airport manager for the improved fuel costs.

Keith at Bakersfield Aviation has fixed mine a few years ago. He did some welding and grinding to fix the latching mechanism that wears down. I don't have their phone number but you should be able to google Bakersfield Aviation. Ask for Keith. Good luck. BTW, Bakersfield Aviation is located in Bakersfield, Ca on the airport KBFL.

For me flying is a lonely business. I don't have many friends and my wife won't go flying with me unless it's its a trip back and forth to our second home. Many of the people I ask to go flying are afraid and probably conditioned from watching too many crash movies. Yes flying can be lonely.

I had intermittent charging recently and it was due to the brushes were worn out. The carbon brushes slowly reduce size due to friction on the armature to the point where they don't make good contact.

I learned years ago that spark plugs can fail under pressure. We had a AC spark plug tester that you hooked up a pressure hose to it and could visually watch the spark during the test. Some plugs would spark fine until pressure was increased and the spark would quit. Since our Mooneys are high compression they need good plugs and plenty of voltage. If the plugs have extra resistance or too large gap possible the spark will be intermittent. I read the gap between the electrode changes to a higher resistance under high pressure. My bet is to use a plug that gives most reliability. Recently I put some tempest wire plugs on the lower ones to provide better starting, this was in my W8 Wittman Tailwind. It has a Armstrong starter.

I have the plane power alternator and notice during flight the voltage shows 13.2-13.4 volts. I was wondering if there is an adjustment to bring it to about 14.0 volts. I have to put the battery on a charger every now and then and I don't think that's normal since I fly it often. Right now it's going through an annual so any info about making an adjustment would be appreciated.

I recently had intermittent alternator problems and it turned out to be brushes worn out. The brushes slowly wear down and when they or one of them gets too short it causes intermittent operations. If your alternator has some age since since new or overhaul it might be good to check this and also it would be good to change bearings and check the diodes.

I fly with an I-pad and recently had one overheat while sitting on my lap exposed to the sun. The plane was a Beech Debonair. This problem never occurred while flying the Mooney. I think the raised sitting arrangement in the Beech airplanes exposes more sunlight to the Pilot. In the Mooney we sit lower and have less glass. I have tinted windows on the Mooney and that probably helps. Any of you experienced the same hot cockpit problems.

Tom, I used the web site you suggested and opted out. It partially worked but flight aware is still showing owners name and where he lives. Those scum bags must have some attitude about this process. Their site responds on a n number inquiry that the owner doesn't want flight information shown and then it shows their name and what town they live in.

Is it feasible to pick up a commerical passenger at Sacramento International airport using a general aviation airplane. I just looked at a aerial photo of the airport and it sure doesn't look general aviation friendly. My Mooney could fly there quickly versus driving for over 2 hours. What are your recommendations. Also do the fbo's have a ramp charge. Maybe my passenger should take a taxi to Sacramento Exective or Davis University airport.

Calaveras airport (KCPU) Ca. is having a airport flyin day today Sat 4-26-14. Looks like the weather improved and their phone asos reports good weather. (209) 736-2523. I'm not sure what the activities are but it will be an interesting day.

This worked for me. Much cooler number 3 cylinder.

Thanks Tom. The web site helped, personally, I still think "they should get permission first" for releasing flight information. Lots of people want their flights shown on the internet and they could sign up. Many people don't want it. I have noticed certain Banks do the same and release private information to who ever. They tell you that you can request to be oped out but most people don't know that. It's backward and in my option devious.

Good suggestion, I'll try to clean it. I have a timer above the analog OAT meter and it's dead. Haven't tried to pull it out since it's a pain to gain access and I think it doesn't have nut plates on the back.

Lee, I found the sensor under the right wing just as you said. it has been painter over, would that mess up the readings? Should I scrape the paint off the tip?

Thanks Lee, I have a M20J also. I'll check under the right wing. I hope I can find a broken wire or something and get the temp gauge to read right.