BigTex

I've been eyeing a Stinson 108-3 project where it would need a full up restoration. Does anyone know if something like this allow me to perform the restoration without the watchful eyes of an IA? If so, I can see how this would really help get some old birds flying again.

Pretty tired argument. Most folks go into major upgrades knowing they will never recover the amount they put into the upgrades. It doesn't matter if it's a B or a J. For that matter any other piece of machinery one upgrades or restores will take a financial hit. Look at folks that restore cars to better than new. Everyone knows that the restorer looses and the buys wins. No different in airplanes. If someone wants to restore their vintage aircraft to be a modern day showpiece... More power to them.

I use manual... Oh yeah... I don't have a choice.

The question I'd have is when the time comes to sell. Would buyers given a choice of similarly equipped planes, choose the Certified aircraft over the one in this new category? If so, what would be the hit? It might be like when you do a sell by owner for your house, they know you don't have to pay the 6% commission so they try to deduct that as part of the negotiations. Would we see the same thing with buyers knowing you didn't pay the TSO/PMA prices so offers would be adjusted accordingly?

I've done my share of spins... Likely much more than Jet Pilot Byron... Stalls are apart of flight and should not be feared. But maybe you are right... when "Jet Pilot Byron" tells us something we all should get down on one knee and listen... Whatever.

Mark - Power on stalls in a Mooney is no big deal. It requires more attention than a Cessna 172 but nothing to fear. If you're not comfortable performing stalls of all flavors, I'd highly suggest you attend a Mooney PPP. It's provides invaluable training. They'll provide training throughout the entire flight envelope. Highly recommend it.

I'd like to also add, don't be too quick to purchase an aircraft. The last thing you'd want to deal with is a broken airplane or all the maintenance that comes from airplane ownership. You need to really focus on your license. And as mentioned above, make sure flying is something you want to do. Flying, especially aircraft ownership is not for the faint of heart. Also, you really don't know what aspect of flying really scratches that itch. When I got my license, all I wanted to do was fly upside down. The thought of going straight and level for hours on end was the last thing I'd want to do (obviously my mission has changed!). Make sure your mission matches the plane you'll end up with.

I'd personally stay away from the Tecnam as it's geared for the LSA license. If your end goal is to own a Mooney, you'll need a PPL. HOVA looks like they're geared more toward the Sport Pilot so I'd lean towards New Kent Aviation. They offer the Cessna 152 at a reasonable rate. Go out there and take their discovery flight and see how you like them.

Hector just did my seats and he said that my frame didn't support a head rest so there are some differences. It might be worth a call to to Aero Comfort and talk to Hector. He's about as knowledable about our seats as anyone I know. He can transform any pretty lousy seats into something that you will not believe.

I'm afraid you are right. I just don't see a market for the Acclaim. For what they'd have to sell it for, would put it in the G36 and Matrix price range. Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

If you're only looking at currently manufactured aircraft, you'd have to rule out the TBM700 since they're no longer manufactured.

There's a reason, Mooney quit building aircraft and that problem hasn't gone away. In fact, the market may have less of an appetite for the current fleet of planes now. So I will be really interesting to see what they come up with. Maybe they're starting things up to clear out the half built aircraft they have setting in the factory. To me, with the current M20, their only option is to create something that competes against the Arrow. The current Arrow sales for around $430K. So if Mooney could build something in the $450k range, I think they'd compete pretty strongly there. So maybe a smart play would start manufacturing the 201. For the PT6 version. There are folks out there that would like to have the worlds fastest four place single engine turbine aircraft. That;s what you'd have if you took the Acclaim and put the 500hp PT6 on it. If you priced it under $1.5M I bet it would sale. Right now, if you want to purchase a new turbine powered aircraft, you're looking at something like the Meridan at $2.1M or a Pilatus for $2.3M. Not that it's not a large market but there is a niche that's not being filled. Their only other option would be engineer a six seater and compete in that market.... Just my two cents.

Since you already have a 430, you might want to consider the GTX330ES. I have the GNS430W/GTX330ES combo and really like it. I really appreciate the TIS functionality. It's been a real life saver... Literally!

At my home airport, they where doing some construction. They dug a hole right next to the taxiway and put a temporary fence around it. Well the fence was too high and brain dead me thought that as long as I stayed on the center line I'd be okay. That might be the case for a Piper with a heresy bar wing, but not a Mooney. Needless to say I put a nice long scratch on the underside of my right outer wing panel. It's at Don's getting a new outer panel and right aileron re-skinned. While its down for repairs I had Don pull the interior and send it to Hector at Aero Comfort to have it redone as well. I figured after 48 years, it's due. I also took this opportunity to have a new windshield installed. Hopefully, I'll pick it up next week.

So what's your game plan while your planes being worked on? Mine's been in the shop for going on six weeks now and it's driving me nuts.

Oh Grasshopper... one doesn't know of what one speaks....

If you only plan on keep your plane for 5 years, I'd not invest too much. I do know that brokers will install a GNS430W because they will not sell otherwise. Not knowing what you have, you'll need at a minimum a good GPS installed to move it down the road.

Maxwell changed out mine to Lords due to a sagging engine during the pre-buy... no issues so far.

Anyone that has the 54 gallon bladders and want a chart... let me know. I created one for my plane. it's pretty accurate. The only issue is that there's 5-6 gallons in each tank when the stick reads zero.

Hell... I bet I still have some 8" floppy disks laying around! And yes, I'm old as dirt.

I'm glad it's working out for you but it's more than a perceived need. I've been in there 3-4 times this year doing upgrades and fixing stuff. My last IFR certification I noticed that the shop has two prices depending on the windshield. The 201 style was almost twice. I have a PMA7000B setting In a box waiting to be installed. This will require pulling out the only intercom and doing some wiring behind the panel. Again, it's a personal choice both with pluses and minuses. For me, loosing that access was a big negative so I opted for the standard one piece. Others went with the 201 windshield that's fine too. My only point is if you decide to do the 201 style mod, go into it with your eyes open knowing what you give up and with a fist full of AMU's.

The PT6 conversion costs $480K plus a donor B36 so you might be a little high but not by much.