DC_Mooniac

I took a look at a couple of these airports and the LPV and ILS minimums appear to be identical. LNAV minimums are higher, but LNAVs are different than LPVs.

Thanks, Bluehighwayflyer. I found a copy of the type certificate online and it states: NOTE 24: Aircraft models that originally were certified with vacuum powered attitude systems that have those systems replaced with a non-vacuum powered attitude system: If the Primary Attitude system has been replaced with an FAA Approved STC’d installation that meets the requirements of 14 CFR 23.1303(f)(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi), 23.1311(a)(1)(2)(5)(6)(b)(c), 23.1321(a)((c)(d)(1), 23.1331(a)(b)(1)(2)(c), thereby leaving no operational systems dependent on a Primary or Standby (if equipped) Vacuum system, then the Primary and Standby (if equipped) Vacuum pumps and associated lines, manifolds, etc may be removed from the aircraft. Refer to engine manufacturer’s instructions of removal and capping off of engine driven vacuum pumps. I have the original AI and DG but nothing else connected to the vacuum pump so it indeed looks like it would be fine to remove the vacuum pump and associated lines after replacing my AI and DG with dual G5s.

I am looking at doing the same thing and I'd be interested in knowing the final install cost and whether you will be allowed to remove the vacuum system. Also, will there be any issues regarding the limited number of 429 ports on the 430? I understand that the GAD29B needs both ports and Garmin is looking into a software workaround for this.

I'd like to be able to fly internationally (e.g., Canada) and my understanding is that this would not be possible without an FAA medical.

I recently moved to NYC and need to have my medical done this month. Any recommendations for local AMEs? Thanks!

Recognizing people have strong views about whether this is actually necessary, does anyone know who might have the SB kit in stock? Mooney apparently does not have any currently in stock.

Same with my J. My best landings are always with full up trim. Never had issues with go arounds.

I generally try to anticipate the route I will be given when I fly up to Boston, based to some degree on prior experience (the few times I have filed IFR) or previously approved routings on fltplan or Foreflight. My goal is to try to minimize the amount of knob-twisting I need to do while flying single-pilot IFR in IMC. The chances of ATC approving W00 direct KOWD in my experience is non-existent. I have to receive the clearance before departing W00 because it is in the SFRA, though often the very next controller (after departing) tells me he or she has a new (complex) route for me and to advise when ready to copy (it is never direct KOWD), and so begins the numerous routes changes from ATC. I forget if flightaware reflects what I file or if it is the amended route I receive from ATC before departing in the SFRA. I agree that not filing direct for other routes might not be necessary, but on my recent KSAV - KFMY flight, I had read about which routes to expect for the flight (it was my first trip to FL) and decided to file something that had been approved recently. My only point is that adding a Flightstream 210 is a decent improvement over just the 430W because for my flights that often take me over or around busy NYC airspace I can enter changes in my iPad and then press a button to transfer to the 430W instead of having to enter the route into both the 430W and iPad every time I receive a new route from ATC.

When I fly IFR from DC to Boston, I often will receive 10 fixes I need to enter into my 430W, and then will receive at least 3-5 lengthy new routings from ATC as I head north. That's why I always fly VFR for this route, weather permitting. The Flightstream 210 will save me a considerable amount of knob-twisting on my 430W -- both for my originally filed route and the enroute changes I inevitably receive from ATC. For less than one AMU, in my opinion, a Flightstream 210 is not a bad upgrade for those for whom a 430W or 530W is good enough, particularly when using Foreflight on the iPad for traffic and weather (in conjunction with a Stratus 2s and a 330ES).

Thanks, Mike.

Mike -- Thanks for the PIREP on the 900. Your panel looks great. I am getting a 900 installed in a couple weeks and like where you had yours installed. I was checking my panel and (at least on my '78 J) it looks like the 900 would be fairly close to the gear switch. Was this an issue for you when you had yours installed, or is it far enough away so it is not an issue? Thanks much. Hiram

I've flown to KOWD a number of times and can recommend it. I usually rent a car from Avis, which is located right by the FBO.

Unless you have bladders. Sorry to hear, Seth. Hope you are able to find a quick fix.

+1 on Russell Aircraft Refinishing. He did a great job on my J a couple years ago.

I am sure others can explain this better than me, but weight does not affect glide distance, assuming you adjust your best glide speed appropriately. At gross weight, you will land sooner than if you were lighter, but the glide distance should be the same.

Reid, Welcome to Mooneyspace. Count me among the Mooney pilots that would love the opportunity to install a 21st century autopilot into my 201. Many thanks for thinking of us.

Quote: CABANABOY I used Dorr Aviation Financing. I would recommend talking to them about financing. They were very professional and always available. I feel like they did a great job for me and at decent rate.

This is a great video. Thanks for posting, George

I have the same thing as pilot716 in my 78J.

Hey everyone, I am based near Washington, DC and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for where I could fly with my wife to go hiking. Ideally, there would be trails near the airport, which would save me the hassle of renting a car, etc., and the airport would be within 250nm of W00 so we could do it as a day trip. My wife enjoys flying with me, though she wishes that we went hiking more often, and I thought this would be a good way for both of us to do what we really enjoy. Any thoughts or recommendations?

I recently bought a 201 and have it based at Freeway, which also is IMHO a very good MSC. As best I can tell hangers are hard to come by in the DC area. Manassas has good hangers, but no idea if they have any available now and I think they cost $400/month. Manassas is not an option for me because it would probably take nearly an hour to get there on most days (even weekends). Also if you live near Manassas and need to commute from that far out into DC each day, I would guess the commute would be over an hour as well. As I am sure you know, if you are anywhere near the DC area, you will need to deal with the hassle of the FRZ and/or SFRA every time you fly. Freeway and Manassas are based in the SFRA so no need to jump through the hoops to get an FRZ pin, but you'll still need to do the SFRA training course on the FAA website and file an SFRA flight plan for each flight.

Quote: Vref Congratulations with your aircraft, looks to be in good shape and welcome to the 78 club! Whats the serial btw..? gr Luc

Quote: Barry Hiram ... Great plane !! All the goodies without too much extra. Just the way I like 'em. I wish it were mine. Yes, please keep us informed about the paint job. I'm in need of one, myself. Where are you keeping it ??

Quote: JimR How about some pictures of and details on your new bird? As a '78 J model owner, I think that you chose very wisely! Jim

So a couple weeks ago I made the plunge and purchased a 78 M20J. I am loving the plane and everything is great, but the paint is original (and not in good shape) so it will be painted in May. I was wondering if I should install any airframe mods before it goes into the shop for paint. I had hoped to get the Wing Tip Fairing mod from Lasar, but have been told that they do not have any in stock and they do not know when they will receive any more. Since that apparently is not an option, would it be worth having any other mods done? For example, would it be worth getting the Wing Root Leading Edge Fairing? Any others from Lasar that would be worth getting? See http://www.lasar.com/mods.asp. I know the M20J airframe already includes many mods from the earlier Mooneys but I figure now is the time to make any changes before she gets new paint. One other thought, is there a reason why no one has come out with winglets for Mooneys? No idea if the improved fuel efficiency would work for Mooneys like it does for Boeings and Airbuses (and we already have great fuel efficiency as it is), but I would have thought there could be a market for these since most pre-81 Mooneys have the cut-off wing-tip design. Many thanks for your thoughts.