rainman

Today I flew into 50R at Lockhart Texas. In the FBO hangar there is a 1975 M20F (N7431V) that has been parked with flat tires and lot's of dust for 11 years and never flown or annualled. According to the desk person at the FBO, the owner moved to another state several years ago. The owner has declined several offers for the plane in the past, and he dutifully pays his hangar rent (it's not abandoned). I understand the emotional connection to one's plane, or perhaps the loss of one's medical being issues for an owner. But really, letting the plane sit for years is like slowly killing any chances of the plane ever flying again. What am I missing? There may be more to the story than I know, but it just looks sad. Ray

Bob Cabe is a San Antonio based Mooney transition instructor. I used him and was very pleased with the instruction. He is well known in this area. His number is 210-289-5375. He's somewhat sought after so call him as far in advance as possible.

I've had very good experiences with both Ron Fisher and Dugosh. P.M. Me if I can be of any help. I live in, and keep my plane in Boerne. Ray

Just thinking that you may want to consider something pressurized as sometimes the little ones aren't too good at wearing their oxygen. What do you think?

TV news showed a crane with straps lifting the plane to clear the road. I don't know what damage the crane did to the plane.

News update states they overshot a private runway and went through a fence. The photo shows them both standing next to the plane on a road on Fox News KABB channel 29.

Just saw on the local news that N6868 went down north of San Antonio and both occupants had only minor injured. The photo showed the plane basically intact and upright. It is registered in San Antonio. I don't know the owner. Ray

I really like what you've done. There is nothing available new from a manufacturer that can compare for the money. If your intention is to have the plane just the way you want it and keep it for a while, then you've done it just right. Great looking plane.

Bob Cabe and his twin brother Joe (also a CFI) are local here in San Antonio and are a great resource for pilots transitioning to Mooneys. Bob was my instructor. Congrats on your purchase. Ray

Canada and Mexico are exempt from the tariffs according to the national news here

Mike, my Mooney is in for it's annual and my gyroplane is in the engine shop or I'd drop in to say hello from San Antonio. Enjoy the trip. Ray

I got on the list several years ago and follow the weekly prototype video updates. If the prototype flies this year, I still anticipate a couple more years before they get to my number. I think Peter states on the website that new folks on the list can anticipate five years before their plane is ready. Ray

I refer you to Norman Howell's masters degree thesis on cruise climb Vz. It includes getting furthest distance by cruise altitude. I found it on google.

I second what Bob has said. As your screen name implies you are in Texas, consider All American Aircraft for advice on purchase, and consider what they may have. Dave and Jimmy are experts on finding and evaluating use Mooneys. In Texas you have Don Maxwell in Longview, and Dugosh in Kerrville, for inspections. I'm at 5C1 near San Antonio, PM me if I can be of any help. Ray

Well Santa just got his sleigh out of "condition inspection" and flew over the house Christmas Eve. Well at least it's red and flies.....and his Mooney is leaking brake fluid.

I've flown into Concord, NC (KJQF) a couple of times recently with very good service from the FBO. I called in advance to arrange my hangar stay and rental car. They had my plane out and fueled at the arranged time on my departure day with no problems. Ray

Just a thought, but I had my avionics guy put a plug-in port for the handheld that connects to the airframe's comm antenna. It will increase the useful range for the handheld radio significantly. The only time I had to use it I was able to just plug it in and turn it on as I already had the cable connected to the handheld radio. Ray

As has been mentioned before, use a pulse oximeter. Do not think you can "tell when you get hypoxic" based on prior rides in the hypobaric chamber. Have a backup oxygen system/bottle. Monitor your oxygen saturation prior to getting high enough to be even close to needing to wear the mask/cannula. I have backup oxygen and a backup pulse oximeter. Fly safe. Ray

Raptor Aircraft (pressurized based on Velocity) will be having an open house this month. See their website for progress/details. Over 1000 refundable deposits already.

Welcome! I have one sister in South Lyon and one in Brighton. When I fly my 231 from Texas I keep it at Y47. When I had a maintenance issue, Andy and the Mooney guys at Y47 saved the day. You'll love your Mooney. Ray

The late Richard Zefro "Zef" wrote that article. He was a local here in central Texas prior to his passing from health problems. I have used his method, and his advice on standard rate turns in the pattern require a wider pattern. He was a Mooney promoter who constantly reinforced the need for speed control. He also bragged about winning a spot landing contest in a Mooney emphasizing speed control.

+2 for Bob Cabe, he was great when I got my Mooney. Also welcome, I'm based at Boerne Stage (5C1) near San Antonio. PM me if I can be of any assistance. Ray

280 gas Stations in San Antonio without fuel according to local radio. My gyro uses premium auto gas ......so no flying the gyro until all this settles down. Most station still has diesel for those folks. Ray

San Antonio Military Medical Command (SAMMC) has sent med-evac teams with specialist personnel and equipment.

I just saw this, it looks like the entire hail shed collapsed with several planes underneath. Terrible. Prayers to all involved. Ray