Dave Marten

Bob. What ply tires are you running? If 4 ply (as originally equipped) then your limit is 30 on the 4 plys. If you have 6 ply, then the rated pressure is 49psi nose and 42psi mains. From Gary's post: http://www.goodyearaviation.com/resources/pdf/db_airdatabook.pdf Good tire ed here: http://www.airmichelin.com/uploadedFiles/MichelinAirDev/StandardContent/Resource/databook.pdf Only gotcha is don't inflate 4 plys past 30!

Nice work orionflt! That's what I like about this forum-great effort! Unfortunately I think those 64-84 logs are long gone.

Paul, Note: "Airframe log starts in 1984 with the repair." The plane is missing the first 20yrs of the aircraft logs. Interesting that logs start after the accident. Perhaps a salvage? Definitely get the aircraft history from the FAA (registrations and 337s). I doubt it rolled from the factory as N6XM. Your google search for accident history of N6XM won't reveal anything prior to the N# change. The FAA database will tag up with the aircraft S/N. Ask All American for the aircraft S/N and do a quick search yourself. I'd ask All American to "show me the carfax" and provide the FAA aircraft registration history and 337s on file for the airplane. $10 from FFA @OKC. Granted its been flying for nearly 30yrs since '84, but without any logs prior and with the missing portion all pre-accident it will impact the value. How much? Well you're the buyer, so it's your call at the end of the day but she ain't a clean C. Personally near $60K you're in the price range for a nice F model (200hp/midsize body). "150kt screamer"? reminds me of my two daughters in the backseat of the Mooney!

NO. 49 Nose 42 Mains!

Excellent point Gary! If you have ditched the 4 ply tires and are running 6 ply on your vintage Mooney then go ahead and run em up to the 42/49 numbers!

Monthly. I'll use my compressor in the hangar to add a little air when needed. Use the POH tire pressures for your specific model not the max rating number on the sidewall or the numbers your longbody friends are using. (I think the M20C is 30 PSI on all three, but verify with your POH). Good read here: http://www.goodyearaviation.com/resources/pdf/aircraftmanual.pdf Avoid the $0.99 auto store tire gauges. Spruce has a decent gauge for $18 http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/to/gauges_tire/tiregauge.php If you've got easy access to hangar buddy or FBO with a nitrogen bottle then go for it. If not then don't sweat it just give it a squirt of air. Note: as BigTex pointed out, if you now have 6 ply tires on your short body then you can run the 6 ply tires up to full rated pressure 42 mains/49 nose like the long bodies.

Great! Zap Cowboy an e-mail chiefpilot@aviationdoc.net

Sheap, Cannulas are only certified to 18,000ft period. Not governed by part 91, but by the certification requirements of the aircraft's oxygen system. Part 23.1447 Sec. 23.1447 — Equipment standards for oxygen dispensing units. If oxygen dispensing units are installed, the following apply: (a) There must be an individual dispensing unit for each occupant for whom supplemental oxygen is to be supplied. Each dispensing unit must: (1) Provide for effective utilization of the oxygen being delivered to the unit. (2) Be capable of being readily placed into position on the face of the user. (3) Be equipped with a suitable means to retain the unit in position on the face. (4) If radio equipment is installed, the flightcrew oxygen dispensing units must be designed to allow the use of that equipment and to allow communication with any other required crew member while at their assigned duty station. ( If certification for operation up to and including 18,000 feet (MSL) is requested, each oxygen dispensing unit must: (1) Cover the nose and mouth of the user; or (2) Be a nasal cannula, in which case one oxygen dispensing unit covering both the nose and mouth of the user must be available. In addition, each nasal cannula or its connecting tubing must have permanently affixed— (i) A visible warning against smoking while in use; (ii) An illustration of the correct method of donning; and (iii) A visible warning against use with nasal obstructions or head colds with resultant nasal congestion. © If certification for operation above 18,000 feet (MSL) is requested, each oxygen dispensing unit must cover the nose and mouth of the user. http://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/Oxygen_Equipment.pdf and http://preciseflight.com/general-aviation/shop/oxygen-equipment-general-aviation/products/masks-cannula/ http://www.aeromedix.com/blog/2008/11/oxygen-for-general-aviation/ http://www.c-f-c.com/supportdocs/abo4.htm You wanna fly above FL180 put on the mask and that means your passengers also! I'll happily provide any CFI who's advocating cannulas above FL180 a swift kick in the junk. Don't screw around with O2! Dave Marten Former 231 owner- N231RX

3rd Annual SW Mooney Caravan Formation Clinic Yuma, AZ-KNYL March 28,29,30 Schedule Friday, March 28 Arrivals: Afternoon on your schedule Basic and Advanced Ground School-18:00 Group Dinner: At Radisson-20:00 Saturday, March 29 Newbie Fam Flight Basic Training Sorties Advanced Training Sorties Group Debriefing/Taco BBQ Million Air Ramp Sunday, 30 March Mass Formation Sortie Departure Sponsorship provided by Million Air Yuma Clinic Fee: $50 Hotel: Radisson Yuma 928-783-8000 ask for Million Air rate FBO: Million Air 928-247-9571 Open to all aircraft types. Great training/great people/great venue Register in advance chiefpilot@aviationdoc.net or call Chuck Crinnian: 480-390-9080

3rd Annual Mooney Caravan Formation Clinic Yuma, AZ-KNYL March 28,29,30 Schedule Friday, March 28 Arrivals: Afternoon on your schedule Basic and Advanced Ground School-18:00 Group Dinner: At Radisson-20:00 Saturday, March 29 Newbie Fam Flight Basic Training Sorties Advanced Training Sorties Group Debriefing/Taco BBQ Million Air Ramp Sunday, 30 March Mass Formation Sortie Departure Sponsorship provided by Million Air Yuma Clinic Fee: $50 Hotel: Radisson Yuma 928-783-8000 ask for Million Air rate FBO: Million Air 928-247-9571 Open to all aircraft types. Great training/great people/great venue Register in advance chiefpilot@aviationdoc.net or call Chuck Crinnian: 480-390-9080

Thanks for that laugh - great post! You guys have fun in FL.

Well said sir! Regardless of whether or not your correct that's just darn funny!

Jose, I'm still working the coord for the east coast. Targeting May-June for an east coast clinic. Hope to lock in date/location within a month. Additionally, I'm working with our B2Osh bros for east coast aslo. Bottom line - if you're interested we will get you trained up!

Wings and Wine 2014 Southern California Formation Flying Clinic Enjoy a weekend filled with flying, friends, and fun in the heart of the California wine country. Pilots, BRING YOUR SPOUSE! While the guys are out flying the ladies will enjoy the day touring local wineries, tasting rooms, and the shops of Paso Robles! Following Saturday’s flying we’ll rejoin with the ladies for a group dinner Saturday evening. The primary goal of the formation practice session is to introduce the basic 2-ship formation procedures required for participation in either the Mooney Caravan or Bonanzas to Oshkosh 2014 formation mass arrival to AirVenture Oshkosh. For those pilots proficient in basic 2-ship formation they will have the opportunity to both refine their fundamentals and work on 4-ship procedures. Experienced formation pilots will be paired with new pilots to serve as safety pilots. Location: Paso Robles Municipal Airport (KPRB) Paso Robles, CA http://www.airnav.com/airport/KPRB Dates: March 21-23, 2014 Hosts: Dave Marten (Mooney Caravan) dandtmarten@hotmail.com (605) 390-8044 and Stephen Blythe (B2Osh) spb@blytheco.com FBO: Paso Robles Jet Center (805) 596-0212 http://www.airnav.com/airport/KPRB/PASO_ROBLES_JET_CENTER/link Arrival parking is on the transient ramp located on the west side of the field across from the airport terminal/FBO. Self serve field is available located immediately north of the terminal $5.25/gal. Ground School: Formation Academics will be held FRIDAY evening at 8:00 pm at the hotel: Initial Formation Academics: Introduction and review of fundamental 2- ship procedures focusing on training requirements for B2OSH/Caravan mass arrivals. Mandatory for those who have not previously attended a B2OSH/Caravan clinic. Note: Two offerings of Ground School Academics will also be available the week of the event via webinar (Tues/Thurs evening). Registrants will be invited to participate via e-mail. **Friday evening/on-line Ground School will maximize flying on Saturday. Registration fee: $75.00 to cover transportation, arrival social, happy hour beverages, snacks, and clinic materials. - B2OSH Pilots: The T-34 Formation Flight Manual is required for participation in this clinic. Also required is thorough familiarization with "On Your Own", the Bonanza specific supplement and general information on this web site. - Mooney Caravan Pilots (and others): Download and study the Mooney Caravan Formation Training Guide from http://www.mooneycar...gMaterials.aspx Each pilot is considered PIC and solely responsible for the safe operation of the airplane whether there is a safety pilot or not. Hotel: We've got a block of rooms at the Adelaide Inn http://www.adelaideinn.com/ Call for reservations: 805-238-2770 Hotel POC: Gregory Group Rate: "Wings and Wine 2014" King Suite (plus sofa sleeper) $113.40 Double Queen Suite $122.40 Each guest will be given $5 off breakfast coupons for Margie's Diner 6am-10am each morning. A block of 20 rooms is reserved for us until 21 Feb. After 21 Feb the rate will still be honored but the rooms will be open to other guests. Book early! Registration: ALL PARTICIPANTS REGISTER via the B2Osh website! https://www.b2osh.org/MbrPgm/Events/EventsOne.asp?R8r06=IDM Schedule: Friday 21 March: - 1600-1800: Arrival Social / Happy Hour hosted by LaGuardia’s Airport Deli. Food, beer, and local Central CA Wines featured - 1800: Shuttle to host hotel - 2000: Newbies: Initial Formation Academics (B2Osh/Caravan prep). Target audience is Mooney/B2Osh pilots who have not yet attended a clinic or would like a re-hack prior to flying. Saturday 22 March: - 0730: Meet at hotel lobby for shuttle to airport - 0800: Mass brief – flight assignments (Mandatory for ALL pilots) - 0830-1030: Sortie 1 (brief, fly 45min, debrief) - 1030-1200: Sortie 2 - 1200-1330: Lunch at La Guardia’s on field - 1400-1530: Sortie 3 - 1600-1730: Sortie 4 ***Group Dinner/Social 1830 location TBD Sunday 23 March: - 0730: Meet at hotel lobby for shuttle to airport - 0800: Mass brief - 0830-1200: AM fly for those interested Mooney Caravan: www.mooneycaravan.com Bonanzas to Oshkosh: www.b2osh.org Attached Files Wings and Wine.pdf 318.98KB 0 downloads

Wings and Wine 2014 Southern California Formation Flying Clinic Enjoy a weekend filled with flying, friends, and fun in the heart of the California wine country. Pilots, BRING YOUR SPOUSE! While the guys are out flying the ladies will enjoy the day touring local wineries, tasting rooms, and the shops of Paso Robles! Following Saturday’s flying we’ll rejoin with the ladies for a group dinner Saturday evening. The primary goal of the formation practice session is to introduce the basic 2-ship formation procedures required for participation in either the Mooney Caravan or Bonanzas to Oshkosh 2014 formation mass arrival to AirVenture Oshkosh. For those pilots proficient in basic 2-ship formation they will have the opportunity to both refine their fundamentals and work on 4-ship procedures. Experienced formation pilots will be paired with new pilots to serve as safety pilots. Location: Paso Robles Municipal Airport (KPRB) Paso Robles, CA http://www.airnav.com/airport/KPRB Dates: March 21-23, 2014 Hosts: Dave Marten (Mooney Caravan) dandtmarten@hotmail.com (605) 390-8044 and Stephen Blythe (B2Osh) spb@blytheco.com FBO: Paso Robles Jet Center (805) 596-0212 http://www.airnav.com/airport/KPRB/PASO_ROBLES_JET_CENTER/link Arrival parking is on the transient ramp located on the west side of the field across from the airport terminal/FBO. Self serve field is available located immediately north of the terminal $5.25/gal. Ground School: Formation Academics will be held FRIDAY evening at 8:00 pm at the hotel: Initial Formation Academics: Introduction and review of fundamental 2- ship procedures focusing on training requirements for B2OSH/Caravan mass arrivals. Mandatory for those who have not previously attended a B2OSH/Caravan clinic. Note: Two offerings of Ground School Academics will also be available the week of the event via webinar (Tues/Thurs evening). Registrants will be invited to participate via e-mail. **Friday evening/on-line Ground School will maximize flying on Saturday. Registration fee: $75.00 to cover transportation, arrival social, happy hour beverages, snacks, and clinic materials. - B2OSH Pilots: The T-34 Formation Flight Manual is required for participation in this clinic. Also required is thorough familiarization with "On Your Own", the Bonanza specific supplement and general information on this web site. - Mooney Caravan Pilots (and others): Download and study the Mooney Caravan Formation Training Guide from http://www.mooneycar...gMaterials.aspx Each pilot is considered PIC and solely responsible for the safe operation of the airplane whether there is a safety pilot or not. Hotel: We've got a block of rooms at the Adelaide Inn http://www.adelaideinn.com/ Call for reservations: 805-238-2770 Hotel POC: Gregory Group Rate: "Wings and Wine 2014" King Suite (plus sofa sleeper) $113.40 Double Queen Suite $122.40 Each guest will be given $5 off breakfast coupons for Margie's Diner 6am-10am each morning. A block of 20 rooms is reserved for us until 21 Feb. After 21 Feb the rate will still be honored but the rooms will be open to other guests. Book early! Registration: ALL PARTICIPANTS REGISTER via the B2Osh website! https://www.b2osh.org/MbrPgm/Events/EventsOne.asp?R8r06=IDM Schedule: Friday 21 March: - 1600-1800: Arrival Social / Happy Hour hosted by LaGuardia’s Airport Deli. Food, beer, and local Central CA Wines featured - 1800: Shuttle to host hotel - 2000: Newbies: Initial Formation Academics (B2Osh/Caravan prep). Target audience is Mooney/B2Osh pilots who have not yet attended a clinic or would like a re-hack prior to flying. Saturday 22 March: - 0730: Meet at hotel lobby for shuttle to airport - 0800: Mass brief – flight assignments (Mandatory for ALL pilots) - 0830-1030: Sortie 1 (brief, fly 45min, debrief) - 1030-1200: Sortie 2 - 1200-1330: Lunch at La Guardia’s on field - 1400-1530: Sortie 3 - 1600-1730: Sortie 4 ***Group Dinner/Social 1830 location TBD Sunday 23 March: - 0730: Meet at hotel lobby for shuttle to airport - 0800: Mass brief - 0830-1200: AM fly for those interested Mooney Caravan: www.mooneycaravan.com Bonanzas to Oshkosh: www.b2osh.org Wings and Wine.pdf

Kurt, Tough call, but you've gotta have your priorities and set your budget. I just had to offload my 231 for similar reasons - no longer a need for business travel coupled with a potential relocation and job changes. Drove a hard decision to simplify for the near-term. My turbo Mooney wasn't my first plane and sure won't be my last. When the time is right they'll be another plane in my not-so-distant future. Until then I'll be self-loading baggage any open right seat! I also put a little of the airplane money to the side in order to scratch the aerobatic itch Good luck with the interview!

DELIVERED TO NEW OWNER TODAY! Godspeed N231RX! May she fly on for another 34 years!

Didn't you say you are 5ft 6? Try on a Mooney for size. You may be surprised by the fit. I have a friend who is barely 5 ft 2 and flies a Mooney. I ask what his pedal setup is. The mooney instrument panel is closer to the pilot than brand C airplanes so you can't use distance from the panel alone to determine your sitting position. Where are you based? We gotta get you in a plane and have you try it on!

Don, Where are you reading about hard landings and unpaved surfaces contributing to fuel leaks? I suppose if we tried substituting a Mooney into an Alaskan Bushplane operation you'd have an increase chance of fuel leaks (in addition to many other complications). I agree with Jose's post. Age and enviornmental factors are the two key ingredients to leaks. If you did land hard enough to bend metal/pop rivets then yes, you will by default now have a tank leak in addition to your structural problems. There are many concerns/considerations with proper landing site selection and landing technique - fuel tank issues doesn't even make the top 50 on my list.

Here is an article written by an avid Mooney Pilot. AirVenture 2014 is right around the corner. Much more to follow so get ready! The Mooney Caravan: A Brotherhood of Pilots by Chuck Crinnian Little did I know that signing up for a mass arrival of Mooney aircraft into Oshkosh years ago was going to result in a continuing aviation experience of a lifetime. Simply put, pledging this fraternity of aviators and going through the first ritual of the mass arrival of Mooneys into AirVenture created a lifetime bond with pilots from not just the United States, but from around the world. This bond is regularly strengthened with gatherings to perfect the craft of formation flying. The Mooney Caravan is not just a once a year group adventure into AirVenture, it is a total package of flying skills, camaraderie, mutual support and long lasting friendships. Let me tell you our story. The concept of the Mooney Caravan began in 1998 when a post was made on an email list to recruit Mooney pilots to camp together in the North 40. This attracted 42 aircraft to arrive at the same time in a string of aircraft into Oshkosh. Safety was the primary concern. However, over the years, it became evident that this “gaggle” of aircraft was not a “formation” of aircraft- safety was not enhanced. There were no incidents, but a few close calls. There had to be a better way. The Beechcraft B2OSH group had adopted formation flight practices from the get go. It was decided to have a hard look at this format and change how we did things. In 2011, the Mooney Caravan became a hybrid flight with the first half in 3 ship formation elements and the last half in the traditional gaggle of 2 lines of aircraft. The basic formation training in the lead half showed superior safety and arrival style points. Thus, in 2012 the Mooney Caravan became all formation. To achieve this goal, we needed to get participants trained in basic formation skills and keep them proficient. We needed to accomplish this mission with pilots from around the country with a wide range of aviation experience and attitudes. Chris “Toro” Shopperly, as president of the organization, went to work with his organizational skills and started things rolling. To our rescue came Maj. Dave “SARDOT” Marten, a USAF test pilot and Mooney driver. He reviewed the training manuals from the various formation flying associations and devised a complete training manual to cover not just the basics, but also offer the formation student a path up through advanced maneuvers. The next step was to implement formation training clinics at various locations around the country. A typical formation clinic starts with a ground school on Friday evening to cover the basics, often coupled with a demo formation flight in which the new formation pilot can ride along as a right-seat observer. Then the next morning, get the “newbies” into the air with a safety pilot and get their first exposure to station keeping. Over the next day and a half, the newbie will fly several sorties and gain competence in station keeping, element (2 ship) takeoffs, and element (2 ship) landings. These are the foundations for the Caravan and all that is required for entrance into the ritual of the Mooney Caravan from Madison to Oshkosh. I should tell you, once your basic formation training is accomplished, you will be assigned a call sign. There is usually some significance behind this name. We have found in our clinic experience is that most pilots end up wanting more. So, we give them more. Once a newbie has progressed and is competent in the basics, we introduce more advanced skills. The next layer will introduce cross-unders, echelon turns, more advanced station keeping with lazy eights, and overhead breaks. After this intermediate stage, we then transition into 4 ship work. Through this progression of developing a formation pilot we emphasize safety with comprehensive briefing and de-briefings on each sortie. We now have a cadre of Mooney safety pilots across the country. They have become our “Formation Evangelists”. Enough about flying, let’s get back to the “brotherhood”. Although AirVenture is about airplanes, it is really about people. The foundation of a fraternity is a common goal or experience. We all went through the trials and tribulations of learning formation skills. In each clinic, strangers meet newbies and friendships start. We all arrive in Madison one or two days early. Some of the safety pilots assist others in honing their formation skills. The evenings are spent together sharing stories about life and flying. Throughout the year, clusters of “Caravanners” get together at impromptu gatherings throughout the year to fly together. Finally, for the week at AirVenture, we all camp together, and gather in our large Mooney tent for nightly activities. Throughout the years, I have amassed a fair number of close friends through association with the Mooney Caravan. This is a diverse group with folks from many walks of life and experiences. Many are willing to lend a hand in either an aviation issue or answer a question in business, medical, or legal matters. I know that when I travel to some other area of the country, I can call on a brother Caravanner to ask advice or get together and talk Mooney. In fact, now many of us who are based in the same region of the country fly formation across the country to get to the Mooney Caravan assembly point in Madison. You may ask, “so why is this important”. One real life example from last year involves a flight of 6 from Norfolk NE to Madison. Three quarters of the way there, one of the aircraft developed a bad mag and was falling behind. That aircraft was escorted by one of the wingmen to the nearest field that had a mechanic. Our flight lead “SARDOT” coordinated with ATC to get priority handling. Also, he secured a mechanic to standby for the ailing aircraft. “Smash” in the sick aircraft only had to concentrate on flying the disabled aircraft while “Buzz” escorted him looking for traffic and keeping watch on fields in case of a dead-stick landing. If you fly a Mooney and want to go to AirVenture, I strongly recommend you look into the Mooney Caravan. The basic formation skills can be obtained with just a little effort. But be warned, it is addicting. Before you know it, you may find that your first “ritual” has evolved into an experience that will last a lifetime. You have become one with the brotherhood. Your commitment, flying safety, flying skills, and overall enjoyment of aviation will be intensified multifold. As your first step to pledge the brotherhood, go to www.mooneycaravan.com or www.mooneycaravan.shutterfly.com Feel free to contact any of the directors listed. Chuck Crinnian MD, EAA 1021464, holds an ATP and CFI certificates, flies a Mooney 231 and a CJ-6A, is an aviation medical examiner. E-mail him at chiefpilot@aviationdoc.net Mooney Pilots,

He will be, solid pilot upgrading from an M20E. He also should be at Oshkosh since 2014 Caravan registration fees and Oshkosh BBQ tickets were included with the sale.

Great video, thanks!