omega708

Took the plunge and scheduled a partial panel upgrade. We're leaving for vacation on Friday, so I'm dropping the plane off on Thursday. On the docket is the replacement of my shotgun panel with a standard 6 pack, a new PS-Engineering 8000B in place of the OLD Narco audio panel... And the big one: the removal of my Apollo 2001 GPS, Apollo 360 Slaved Map, and my TKM Mx11 primary comm, to be replaced with a shiny new Garmin GTN-650 and a GI-106a. While the panel work is going on, Aero Comfort is wrapping the yokes and installing PTT on each as well. I also have the avionics shop pulling my inop ADF and installing a new Davtron Chronometer/OAT/Voltage gauge. I'll post before and after pictures after the work is complete, which should be complete by 9/28. Pretty darn excited.

If you're anywhere near central Texas, you're welcome to check out my Arctic Air a/c anytime...

I also have the "ice powered" arctic air unit and I love it. You really only need it on the ground and during climb out, but it works well. It probably drops the cabin temp by 25 degrees. The freon unit would be nice, but I can't give a pirep on it. I have the 52 qt dual fan version and it fits nicely in the baggage area of my '67 c model. You just want to put the ice in after it's in the plane due to the location of our baggage doors...

Awesome!

I leave mine on all the time as well... Anything to help us be more visible out there is a good idea.

After doing my night currency landings last night I have to confess that I still absolutely love my Whelen LED PAR46 landing light. Coming in on short final I can see well past the boundaries of the 150' wide runway and probably 1/3 - 1/2 way down it's 7,000' length. Of course as you get lower the distance that you can see drops, but it is nice to get that initial view to make sure that there aren't any of natures creatures down the runway or hanging out on the fringe...

Quote: mooneysteve I dont recommend falling out of the sky, but if you have to, do it well.

Pulled the trigger on the PS-Engineering 8000B tonight. It will be a little while before it's installed, but I own it...

Those look significantly better than my stock guages. Please post a copy of the 337 and let us know about the labor to install etc after you've got them up and running. Thanks, Justin

Or if you're just looking for a good meal, http://www.joeallens.com/ in Abilene has a mean ribeye. You gotta love a place where you order your steak by how thick you want it. 3/4" - 2"...

KLVJ -> KNEW (New Orleans Lakefront) is 274 NM. The airport is about 3-4 minutes from the French Quarter.... Plenty to do in New Orleans no matter when you go. -JLG

The offer I made on the 8000B was not accepted. The lowest they were willing to go was within $200 of retail new from AircraftSpruce. For $200, I'll take a new one... In a box... with a warranty!

Excellent information guys. I'm going to put in an offer on an 8000B this afternoon and hopefully we'll be able to agree on a price!

Quote: Antares I wouldn't think it would have been Hypoxia. He was only over 14000ft for around 30 minutes and not super high. Not saying there wouldn't be effects, but you're allowed to be at 14,000 without oxygen for 30 minutes and I can't imagine that 16,000 would cause you to completely "lose it" in such a short amount of time. Is it possible it could have been runaway trim, flap or gear failure?

Right now, my plan is to install a PS-Engineering 8000B, which you can get gently used for about the price of a new GMA-340, but with quite a few more features. Additionally, I'm looking at installing a GNS-430W for right now, with a deposit in on an Avidyne IFD440 with scheduled delivery in Fall of next year. Unfortunately, it really woudn't be worth me doing TOO much to this plane as I'll likely upgrade to a J model in the next 5 years, but since I'm starting my instrument rating, I'd like to have better avionics that what I've got right now. When it's done I'd end up with a new audio panel, modern GPS/NAV/COMM, one of my old TKM MX11 Comms and my Narco Nav-122 serving as secodary nav/comm funcationality. Although it isn't ideal, the Narco works well and does have ILS/LOC etc functionality and the cost of upgrading to a new nav/comm and CDI would cause a pretty big increase in my total cost.

I getting ready to perform a partial avionics upgrade on my '67 C model. I've read good things about the PS-Engineering audio panels but have never flown with one. I've got quite a bit of time behind a GMA-340 and don't have any major complaints. The ancient Narco in my plane is another story however... Anybody have good/bad experiences with PS-Engineering? Thanks! -Justin

Just checked them out online... Not looking for anything fancy, just a good safe tie down spot with rental cars or taxi service available. Lakefront looks pretty darn close to downtown, which is a bonus for sure!

I'm thinking about taking my wife to New Orleans for a long weekend. Any AP / FBO recommendations? Thanks!

Definitely interested in contributing. As a professional "database guy" I'm curious about the migration process, but regardless, I'm happy to contribute.

Howdy and welcome. My father in law is 6'5" and about 260 and he can barely reach the rudder pedals in my M20C (short body) with the seat all the way back. I don't think you'll have problems having enough room in an Ovation. The biggest difference for you will be the fact that you climb into a 182 kind of like getting into a mini-van, but you sit down into Mooney very much like a sports car. In Cessna's your seat is significantly raised off the floor in comparison to a Mooney...

As someone who needs upgraded avionics, I'd rather pay 8,800 for a new avidyne than 6-7k for a used 430w. I just wish they were out now, so I could put my hands on one. Are they still targeting a 2013 release date? Do you have to commit to a pre-purchase to get the discount? The advertised price I've seen is closer to 15k for the 440...

Welcome and happy flying Curt! Also, I sent you a PM regarding your 430W to GTN750 upgrade.

Quote: aviatoreb Let me take this opportunity to say that you have a very cool Texas Lone Star on your cowling.

Quote: jetdriven hold out for a J. we did.

I've been looking to step up from my '67 C model to a F or J model with newer avionics as well. I thought I'd found a good match and was just starting to talk numbers when I found out that an anticipated (and highly profitable) contract had fallen through for my business. Nothing that will decrease our standard income, just a missed opportunity. That being said, I may just sell my motorcycle and do some minor upgrades to ol'9638M... I sure was looking forward to the extra speed, rear seat leg room, and an updated panel. Back to saving pennies and being thankful that I'm gainfully employed!