mulro767

I learned a technique a long time ago that I still use today. Assuming my tanks are close to being even on each side I will normally start up with the right tank. As part of my after start or just prior to taxi, I will switch to the left tank. Now I now it's working. I should have enough time during taxi and run-up to confirm that my fuel is good, no contaminants. I like this technique because at a low altitude engine failure, I can reach down without looking, and switch the tanks to the right tank easily. Just swing it over to the stop. If I take off in the right tank and need to switch, I have to look down and stop the lever on the left tank precisely. If I move it too far I could inadvertently shut it off. Just a technique.

I had the audio from my Aera 510 with XM wired direct to my Garmin 340 through the DME selection. I can play music in the background without it cutting out from every radio transmission. If it becomes too distracting I simply deselect DME and it is silenced. Works great!

Here's mine with 20" wheels. http://www.dahon.com/bikes/2011/mu-uno

I just bought a Dahon for my 201. There's a pic in my gallery. Mine is only a single speed because I fly to the beach. And I can only fit one in the baggage area then the other in back seat. Makes for a fun day trip.

I'd start watching eBay for Bose headsets being sold in your area. Then watch what other items the guy is selling. I caught three thieves when my car was broken into and my airline flight back was stolen. I found my telex headset and the leather flight bag itself on eBay and called the police who were investigating. They have all been convicted. They will have no use for the Bose and will not have many options for selling them. A pawn shop probably wouldn't give much cash for them. Good luck!

Anyone have any experience with bringing a dog in a Mooney? I know it's loud and can be quite stressful. My Brother has a very well behaved German Shepard that he'd like to bring along on an hour long flight to our cabin.

Congrats John! I'm new as of last year. Both with Mooney and ownership. If you haven't done so, join MAPA. $45 annually and it's well worth it. In the archives are tons of information from expert Mooney pilots and mechanics. That place and here are all the resources that I needed. Have fun!

Quote: GeorgePerry This is what I'd do....It's a simple, relatively inexpensive and extreemly capible panel. - JPI - EDM 730 w/ Fuel Flow - Garmin 340 audio panel with 4 Place intercom and music input jack - Garmin GNS 430W Nav/Com with a Garmin GI 106a glideslope - Garmin SL30 Nav/Com - Garmin 327 transponder - Garmin Aera 510 w XM Aera AirGizmo Panel dock (pre wired for power and XM Weather) - 4 Place Head Phone jacks (not panel power)

So I dropped off my J at Willmar yesterday for my first annual. When asked by Brian if I had a squawk list, I said everything was good except for some vibration that recently started near the floor in front of co-pilot. Of course as a pilot I had to throw my educated guess in there and said "loose cowl flap maybe?" After looking at the airplane for 5 seconds he said "No, your engine is drooping about 1 inch." I looked at the cowl profile and couldn't believe my eyes. The spinner was sagging below the top of the cowling. So far, impressed with a MSC. How did I not notice that anyway? So some questions: Anyone have this issue? He mentioned they could possibly shim it if the mounts were in good condition. Would it be best to just replace? Is this a big cost fix? I'm still plane broke and was hoping for a gentle first annual. And finally, could I expect to see some performance increase? From the front with the sag you can see the cowling opening where normally you wouldn't. Thanks in advance for the intel! I am glad that I'm doing this at Willmar. Thanks to those who steered me their way.

I give this iPhone/iPad weight & balance app a big thumbs up! It's $20 but I think it's worth it. Very simple setup and very user friendly. The iPad update just came out. All the other apps were worthless imho.

Maybe the Chinese will buy Mooney like they bought Cirrus?

So does anyone know of a good cockpoit camera that won't get that prop effect? My iPhone takes great video but also shows that bending prop look. Any ideas?

I bought my J almost one year ago. Best decision ever! But my best advice is to be patient for the right one to come along. I had a TAP subscription but ended up finding mine on Controller. Look everywhere and do your research. I found AOPA to have a lot of suggestions and the buyer's checklist was very helpful. Rate what is most important to you. I wanted a low time engine, fair interior, fair paint, older avionics and a good auto-pilot. I wanted to do a custom panel with my own avionics. Makes it feel more like mine. In time, I will take care of the rest. But for now I have exactly what I was looking for. Good luck finding your J!!!

I would take one bar per three hours. Mine loses 3 bars in 5 hours. I spoke with Garmin and they suggest using charge mode when Aera is not being used. Meaning, when I'm not navigating or using XM. Umm, hello??? What the hell did I buy this thing for if I can't use it while I'm flying? One of the many great features on this is the HSI mode. If I end up losing everything (electrical or pitot static) at least I will still have battery power backup and HSI mode to get me out of the soup. Well, as long as I have some battery life left. For now I'll just take it home with me after every flight and charge it at home. Thanks for the help!

I have a Garmin Aera 510 hard-wired to the avionics bus and panel-mounted with an AirGizmo. After 6 hours of flying and turning off avionics master, I get a battery low message on the Aera 510. I thought, How can this be? It's been in the cradle charging this whole time. Then my girlfriend plugged her iPhone into the cigarette lighter charger and said that after 3 hours her iPhone was barely charged. Again, this makes no sense as it would be fully charged 30 minutes in a car. So I had my avionics guy look at it today. He showed the Aera 510 and the auxiliary output power to be very good. So far, his only solution is to send the Aera back to Garmin and replace cigarette lighter.There must be something happening in flight where the output drops significantly. He was stumped. So am I. Anybody have a similar problem with this? Ideas?

I used to instruct out of DWH many years ago. It was my first time in a Mooney. N42MP. A Porsche Mooney. And the love affair began...

Just finished applying it. Piece of cake! Looks great. Thanks guys.

Anybody use it before? Results? Did you thin it? I know many prefer flat black spray paint as well. My wing walk is faded black, or grey, and shows fuel seeps when talk is full. It needs some cosmetic touch-up.

Chuck, Do you keep your Mooney at FTY? I think I've seen it at Hill. Is Don Maxwell worth the 3 hour flight to and from in your opinion? I will add him to my consideration list. Thanks everyone!