butchgilbert

For oil changes, I use a 4 foot piece of PVC pipe. On one end cut the tube in half so you have an open half pipe about 6" long. The PVC pipe fits under the mags just like the aluminum trough, only stick a rag in the other end of the PVC pipe, no drips, no runs, no errors. Make sure you put a rag under the filter before you start so you catch any oil from the filter mount. Good luck, have fun.

For oil changes, I use a 4 foot piece of PVC pipe. On one end cut the tube in half so you have an open half pipe about 6" long. The PVC pipe fits under the mags just like the aluminum trough, only stick a rag in the other end of the PVC pipe, no drips, no runs, no errors. Make sure you put a rag under the filter before you start so you catch any oil from the filter mount. Good luck, have fun.

1975 M20F, very similar story in 2002. Oil leak, found a cracked case. Overhauled the engine (Zephyr Engines), new Lord mounts, installed new JPI, new exhaust system, same alternator, vacuum pump and VR, plus the annual. Overhauled the engine with new cylinders, new cams, new plugs and harness. Overhauled the prop and governor. All told, $30K. Worth it since I fell in love with the airplane all over again. It will be worth it, good luck.

I'm not an electrician, but I have had a bad battery relay before. I would take the time to check out the entire system before I applied external power again. A bad battery relay will also slowly deplete the battery without you being aware of it. This also might be part of the problem.

Check to make sure all the slip joints in the exhaust system are tight and have NO GAPS. this will cause popping in the flare. Been there, done that, good luck.

I had a similar problem, turned out to be broken oil rings. If the plugs are really fouled, I would pull the cylinder and inspect, oil in the cylinder can really screw up the ignition and eventually you'll see very high oil consumption.

I just spent two nights in Palm Beach and I tried BCT Signature. The ramp fee was $30 (waived with 10 gals @ $7.10/gal) and overnight parking was $29/night. A little pricey but they found me a National rental car ($57/day) and were VERY accomodating. Next time I am going to go to F45, North Palm Beach County airport, uncontrolled, has instrument approaches (ILS 9) and a great FBO.

Speed is important, but situational awareness is much more important IMHO. If you have a good autopilot, use it, and I mean use it now. Get the airplane on autopilot as soon as practical and then you're whole scan opens up. Altitude, heading, airspeed and engine management all become easier to fly when the autopilot is on, if you are comfortable enough with the autopilot and navigation system. Once the autopilot is on, then communications, weather avoidance, airspace recognition and overall enjoyment go up exponentially. Learn to fly the autopilot, keep you speed within a few knots of target, and have fun, or you're not doing right. Butch

My personal reminder, or memory tick, is the airspeed going through 120mph, this should key something regardless of your position or configuration to put the gear down and complete "a" checklist, written or memorized. IMHO.

I have played around with the Garmin Pilot on my IPad. It takes a little getting used to (am using Wing X Pro), but I was able to navigate around the app fairly well. If you get a GDL-39, you'll need to get smart on Garmin Pilot, as this is the only app that it connects to (for now). The GDL-39 sold very solid at Osh Kosh am I told by several avionics types.

I will also try to be there.

I have a Zaon XRX mounted on the glareshield as well, but it is connected to a yoke mounted Garmin 496. I have to agree with Bennett, it is better than nothing and has saved my butt numerous times, but you do get a lot of false traffic (you can tell if the target is moving at the same speed as you with no altitude differences), and sometimes traffic doesn't appear at all (even the company user manual states this). However, having said that, I still think it is better than nothing as long it doesn't distract you from clearing outside and flying the airplane. It can be annoying in the traffic pattern or in busy airspace (I use the middle envelope settings otherwise you get too much traffic info, which is almost as bad). Even on IFR flightplans I turn it on in case VFR traffic becomes a factor. Overall a good safety investment, but I too am looking forward to something more accurate and reliable (and of course inexpensive). Butch Gilbert N6902V

Trying to talk my wife (who is a pilot) into going this year, will let you know if we can make it. Thanks for the invite. Butch Gilbert

I would recommend flying into Fond Du Lac, and either renting a car, or taking the bus. We stay at Marian University in FDL, drive everyday (early) and really like the atmosphere, plus the university puts on a free hot breakfast for all EAA vistors. IMHO. Butch Gilbert

Mooney Passenger Briefing Card<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Normal Operations - Pilot In Command Designation - Risk Management Acceptance - Weather Briefing - Aircraft Status (Fuel, Oil, Mx) - IFR/VFR Operations (Traffic Seperation/ID) - Route Briefing (Airspace Overview) - Weight and Balance (Including Baggage) - Seating And Boarding Procedure - Seat Belt Use/Cabin Ventilation - Active Noise Reduction Headset Usage - Life Vest/Raft Usage Emergency Procedures - Engine Failure Immediately After Takeoff - Door Operation For Off Airfield Landing - Emergency Procedure Checklist In Seat Pocket QUESTIONS?

I flew with a family member the other day and after the flight I asked her if there was anything I could improve on. She mentioned that it might be nice to have a passenger briefing guide to make sure I covered all aspects of the flight for the non-pilot passengers. Below is my attempt at a passenger briefing guide, your inputs would be appreciated. Butch

Avoid, Avoid, Avoid. A few years ago astronaut Scott Crossfield was killed in a Cessna 210 in very similar circumstances. I thought a PC-12 had onboard radar, which makes this accident even more puzzling. IMHO.