Oscar Avalle

Quote: 1964-M20E I like the IFD-540 and I like that they are working on the IFD-440 to replace the Garmin 430s. I think Garmin missed the boat big time not wanting to support their loyal customers who have the 530s and the 430s by making the new models size and pin out compatible to the 430 and the 530 so the units could be a slide in replacement. In face Garmin should have made the 430 and 530 use the same chassis with only added dead space above the tray needed for a 530. That way if someone had the panel space and had a 430 they could upgrade to the 530 with little difficulty. On a similar but separate topic I think the other place we need competition is on the data updates. Jeppesen needs competition.

AOPA insurance will issue you a letter indicating that you are covered in Mexico and that you you don't need any extra insurance. Regarding Central America, the policy covers Central America.

I had the same issue and replaced my starter with a light weight one. That was three years ago, no problems since then.

Well, I just flew recently from Key West to Guatemala City overflying Mexico without landing there. I filled an international flight plan and no major problems. You have to be careful in Belice. Procedures in Belice are rather burocratic and may take LONG.... It took me about two hours to get out of the airport. Mainly because they were very slow... :=) A note of caution, gvien that the Mexican have now changed their rules regarding user fees, I would strongly recommend you check and double check with AOPA and/or www.caribbeanskytours.com about the new rules. Last but not least I would recommend you hire a handler. They are cheap and most of the times they get you out of the airport fast. Enjoy your trip.

I pull RPM back to 2400, but keep WOT.

I did the same and it really makes a BIG difference.

Sorry to bother the group again with a new question... but thanks to this exchange I have been able to resolve several small issues that have bothered me since I purchased my plane... So here we go. I removed the winglever in my Mooney and replaced it with a STEC 30. Since then, it seems to me that the plane tends to drift to the right. The ball on the TC is slightly off too. Thus I think that Iit has to be trimmed, but how can I do it? Thanks again in advance for your advice and attention. Once my avionics upgrade is finalized I will post some pictures.

That is exactly what I am finding out right now. I am changing all the wires for my new avionics suite and there are tons of old wires and installations that were simply left behind. I don't know how much weight I am going to loose... but at least it looks neater.

Dave, thanks for your remarks. I just checked my cowling and discovered that that I have a hole in the engine baffle system, where the ignition coill for the uper sparks plug in cylinder 3 is. So I would not be surprised if that actually compromises the air flow in the engine.

My Mooney is 1969 model. I believe that cowl flaps could help with my CHT temperature...

Funny...

Really great

Any recommendations on how to land and take off from grass... Until about two months ago I only flew out of paved runways, but now in Guatemala I have to use grass strips and I somehow I feel scared, in particular I am concerned about the ground clearance...So any advice?

One silly question, my M20C (S/N 700006) has not cowl flaps, somebody knows why, and would it be possible to install them?

Both are great planes. When I was looking for an airplane to upgrade from my PA 160, I considered a G model... but then my M20C crossed my path. True the G is a bit slower, but then you have more space...

Let me echo Hank's comments. Go flying... My N9341v has been in maintance since about 2 months (upgrading panel, installing ASPEN, WX 500. second 430 etc...). So I have been looking through the window desperate to get in the air.

Congratulations, gettting the IFR ticket is a big step forward and our mooneys are really a wonderful IFR Platform.

Really cool!!!

Looks really great. Congratulations.

+1

Looking forward to reading your paper.

Another most likely silly question of somebody who wants to improve its beloved Mooney (my wife always complains that I like to spend more time with N9341V than with her...). I have a LASAR ignition system installed in my M20C (O360A). From my previous Piper PA28 I know that the powerflow exhaust system really makes a difference in terms of performance... So I was wondering if somebody had both systems installed and if so what your results are... Thank you very much for yoru advice. Oscar

When I flew to guatemala I had to install a 406 Oscar

I just upgraded my 700 to an 730. I asked the same question and the answer was that only the 930 was approved as primary instrument. I received US$ 1000 for my 700, in exchange for the 730. Hope it helps. Oscar M20C N9341V

Really great. Thanks for sharing the information about the 337. Oscar