TWinter

Not changing the venue here..Keep this thread going regarding this Mooneyfest at EUF, but as a follow-up since a few are so tied up in May. Maybe a get together at (JKA) Gulf Shores would be fun. A Mooney lunch fest on the decks at LuLu's in June or July? Dates TBD? Just a suggestion? -Tom

If I was not pursuing the IFR so hard I would be no hurry and gladly wait for Brittian, I guess I'm a "type A personality" and when I'm on a mission I want it done then. I think they also call this disorder being, "anal". I have a goal in mind and really want to "learn the IFR system" and get my next rating under my belt. Without writing a novel about what I have in mind I'll just say that I'm hoping to continue diligently until I've earned my IFR and then on to Commercial. A friend of mine who is a Commercial pilot have been talking about a small business venture together and it will require a Commercial rating to do it, possibly even multi...and as far as what you are probably thinking, no, we are not wanting to be the next version of "Dangerous Flights or Airplane Repo"..lol,, Something much more realistic (and safer). We hope to line up multi and work toward it together, hoping to share some of the expense. I've used my current A/P set-up for several years. I'm just ready to get a dependable working system installed and ready to fly. I've been hitting the ground school work for IFR daily for a few a hours every day for several weeks now. I have a long way to go, but it's starting to make sense. I'm anxious to get in the air and start applying what I've been learning. -Tom

Looks like about 325 miles from here..Also looks like a nice trip and sounds like fun. I would prefer the 21st. -Tom

The DG is what the hold up is with Brittian right now. They have a new design (actually some small changes), but it had to get a new stamp of approval..They are still waiting, Jerry said hopefully it will be ready for those folks waiting this month. -Tom

I really was hoping to add the Aspen as well, but I've already broke the budget. Since I've started IFR it's enough to absorb all the new procedure and learning new equipment will just add to the process.. ....The Aspen may have to wait until the next go round unless my shop gives me a price I just can't refuse.

Well looks like the final decision was made as far as my upgrade on 7741M. I went back and forth with keeping my existing Brittian system and adding the DG when they come available. With the uncertainly and financial planning I decided to go ahead and change it out. I've decided on the following: STEC 30 A/P w/ GPSS STEC ELECTRIC TRIM GARMIN REMOTE AUDIO PANEL for the GTN750 JPI 930 PRIMARY - Cleaning up the panel. Have Monroy Long Range Tanks and reseal scheduled for October with Weep No More. "That's a Wrap"... -Tom

I ordered mine yesterday.. I went with the 930 also, will be upgrading from 830 to 930. The sale ended yesterday and they meant it. I called and asked if they could give me until Monday to order because my shop and I were looking at panel space etc..Trying to decide on the 900 or 930. There reply was absolutely NOPE. We need the order today or no rebate. The rebate sale expired on the 29th. Anyway we went with the 930 and installed price will be $7500 for unit and install. The 830 will be up for sale as soon as the 930 is installed. -Tom

Since I've been in the process of refinancing my plane I've found out that the VREF means little to nothing when figuring values of our planes. The boxes for options on the AOPA VREF leave out so many upgrade options. It still lists plenty of OLD technology options, but not much for current. A good example in your case is the bladders. They have a huge value to the buyer, while the VREF puts little or no value on a $12000 upgrade? I don't think I saw a box for that add-on. When plugging mine in there was no place for GDL88, the most modern radio it lists to check is a Garmin 530. I have a GTN750 There is a big price difference when we have them installed, but VREF does not even recognize this...the list goes on and on. The VREF will still generate a value even using omitted upgrades and still spits out a number that is pretty good value wise, mine came out in the $71K without even allowing adding in for GDL88, Flightstream 210 and several other high dollar upgrades that were just not found in the VREF list. I called a few aviation finance companies mentioned in different thread when I started my refi and most came back at ridiculous values of my plane. The average was about 56K +/-. They use the Blue Book value..also not very comprehensive when it comes to listing options. Pretty much all they are concerned with is TT and TSMOH. I also found it surprising that none of the banks or VREF chart ask nothing about complete logs or accidents? I know the VREF makes a disclaimer at the bottom stating it does not take EVERYTHING into account, but this seems to be about as far as the banks go when creating a value..either for a refi or purchase. The banks will only allow loan up to 85% value based on the "their" Blue Book. VREF is not accurate and the Blue Book is even worse. There are so many upgrades that have no impact on the VREF value.. If you are looking for $85K based on VREF I hope you do better than I did when the bank puts the value on it. My VREF came in at $71K on the AOPA site. I called AOPA as an option to refi and they came in with a value of $56K. He said they use a different schedule for assessing value..The add-ons like I mentioned made no difference to them ( I wish they made no difference to Garmin when I bought them). Long story short I ended up working with my local bank since they didn't rely so much on Blue Book or VREF values and more on my history. I don't put much value in VREF value estimates, but I guess a value has to start somewhere..The rest is between the seller and buyer. After all this rambling about guestimated values ...I say keep the Mooney Kris. Some things are priceless, like our Mooney birds!! -Tom

I called Brit again today just to reconfirm what parts I needed to complete my current system. Jerry said the DG with the heading bug was what I needed and also what the hold up is on Brittians end. Apparently, they have changed some of the switching on it and they are waiting for the final stamp of approval from our Friendly Friends of Aviation. Should have already been approved, but they are hoping within the next month or so...,.I'm still looking at all the options..Just figured I would pass on what the hold up is for the Accu Trk units. -Tom

I'll give it a try..thanks!

Just thought I would post some updated pricing for those expecting to have to make a move on a reseal. I got a quote from Cole Aviation on install of 64 gal. bladder system. He suggested either he or I could buy the bladders direct from O&N (no difference other than sales tax). The bladders show a retail of $8575 and his quote to install is $6000 for the 64 gal. There is $2000 increase in labor from the 54.8 gal to 64.. So you are looking at $14,575 for 64 gal. bladders. Also looked at option #2 as a re-seal and adding long range tanks from Paul at Weep No More. Looking at $6800 for reseal and another $7000 for the long-range tanks and install. Total of $13,800 Bladders could be done pretty quickly. Weep No More is scheduling for October. -Tom

Well said On the other hand when I first got my PPL we had no such thing as GPS in the cockpit either. I like to think I paid my dues that go round. I'm now in the camp of if there is anything easy that will work and make me competent, but also help push the cart at the same time I'm all for it.. -Tom

I agree..Before pulling the trigger on anything I really want to put my Brittain through the paces and make sure it is dead balls on accurate just following a heading. I use it often, but it does require correction occasionally with fuel imbalance and stronger winds. I cut it some slack because the precision was not required as it is with IFR. Just seems to take time to settle in before following a semi-tight course(and I understand that is how the system works). I sometimes wonder if it's just older technology. This is in contrast to my STEC 30 Alt Hold. It picks up solid and works perfect, no deviation. I've used the Brittian pretty regular over the past several years and I know all the servos etc are good. One was recently (last 6 mnths) serviced and the others checked. I guess I just have some apprehension about the older ( but still valuable and working) technology. If I was not pursuing more training and the opportunity was not there regarding the refinance of my bird I would leave well enough alone. I think my mistake was by flying with one of the other guys on the field and watching his AP couple up on the approaches making life easier. Made my system look kind of antiquated. We later tried a few approaches last week in mine and I was a flying train wreck trying to get lined up at my entries at the correct altitude while using my existing system...The fact he was not familiar with IFR procedure on my GTN750 and I'm still learning IFR procedure and data entry into it probably did not help, but it was pretty ugly regardless. Lots to think about.. Thanks for the suggestions -Tom

Chris, Please don't tell it's already been a tough start to the week..lol

Taking those two items you mentioned off the total ( electric trim and DG ), that would have put you at about $23K.. Does that sound about right on yours?

I did and from what I understood they do not have a in house type unit. He did make some suggestions that would possibly work. He gave me the manufacturer names Icarus Sams, and Sigma Tek as possibilities. He really didn't expound about these options. Just mentioned they could be tied in for GPSS. The STEC 30 is really at the top of the list over the 55X. I would love to have the X, but that's a big $ difference. I have a call into a few other avionics shops looking for quotes. -Tom

Okay here are some quotes: I had to swallow hard, but this is what I have so far. Brittain is still working on approval on a compatible unit that will allow me to get the full approach capture etc..Jerry went into a lot of details (some I understood, while some I did not), but in a nut shell what I am really looking for is still pending with unknown release dates. STEC- I called and spoke with STEC (Gensys) techs. They told me I needed either the STEC30 w/ GPSS or step up to the 55X. Quotes from my shop today: STEC-30 with GPSS comes in at $13,600 installed. STEC-55X - This will require moving some equipment in the dash and going with a remote audio panel (good and bad $$). Includes new DG, Auto Electric Trim and probably have to go with Garmin Remote Audio and the STEC-55X. A whopping $30,300 Since I'm rolling all of this into a refi either is possible. It's just that 30K is a lot of cash for auto-pilot. I've already got more tied up in this plane then I would ever see out of it so I guess it will be my keeper until the end :). My intention is to get the IFR and then follow through with Commercial and Multi. With this kind of money involved is a 55X that much better of a AP?. Looks like a 6 week order time on either unit. Two weeks install. I'll resell some of the existing, but will not even make a dent in the purchase of the new equipment. I don't mind doing it if there is enough difference because and I don't want to wish later I wish I had done the 55X if it is that good over the 30, but we are all CB members. Thoughts? -Tom

The canopy view is very cool! Enjoy.. -Tom

MyRadar Pro has good radar coverage..One of my favorites.

This is spot on...well especially the part concerning the half and her fear of flying and God for bid something happening to PIC (me) while in flight. From the progress I've been making so far toward the IFR, well lets just say anything that will help my less than epic learning curve copying and understanding charts, clearances and procedures will be beneficial..lol. On the other hand as Scott said, it would also be well worth it to see what it would cost to add GPSS. All of the Brittan Accu and Stec Alt Hold equipment was recently put in within the last 3-4 yrs. I can only imagine the wasted money of equipment and labor $s to remove and replace with a whole new system. When I had all the current equipment put in I thought at sometime I might pursue IFR, wasn't really planning on it so soon. Word to the wise..make a avionics plan with your future goals in mind. I'll be paying the price of poor planning I'm sure. My busy time at work is over and we are in the slow season. Now is a good time to start IFR. We took a few long xcountry flights last year. While doing the trips VFR was great and we did not encounter any issues I think having the IFR would just reinforce a feeling of confidence in myself and passengers. We hope to continue stretching our wings with more and more cross-country trips. I financed with a balloon note on the plane. It is coming up for re-fi so now is the time to include anything I need to update in the plane. I had a big wish list since I knew the re-fi was coming due, now I'm narrowing down to the "practical efficient" wish list. For you guys that have been looking for a full Brittan system etc..Stay tuned and lets see what my avionics shop says. There may be one coming up for sale..or not? -Tom

Mine has small aluminum 1" or so brackets that fit (drilled and screwed) onto the inside on the "bowl". Drill holes in the lexan to match the brackets that you mount on the inside lip where the light is. PIA to get lined up, but looks good when complete. -Tom

Hey congrats.. Flying is flying..As long a you are happy then it's all good!! Glad you found something that works well for you. Post some pictures when you get a chance and congrats!! -Tom

Looking for some solid input on auto-pilots. I have recently (very recently..like just a few weeks into it) started IFR. Mostly the ground school portion. I've been flying right seat with a friend of mine just watching and learning while he practices some approaches etc.. What I've noticed is..I really like the full feature auto-pilot that will do full approaches. I'm not lazy and don't mind hand flying, I just realize there is a lot going on copying ATC and clearances. A good A/P looks like a game changer in IFR flight. I have a Brittan Accutrk ll and just the a Stec 30 Altitude Hold only. The Brittan will follow a heading on my GTN750, but that's pretty much it. I made a few calls and tried to do some research, but not sure if I'm just chasing my tail. Given the combination I have above is there a next logical step in using my existing system to be able to have the GTN 750 and Brittan follow approaches. I called STec and asked what they thought the next step would be to upgrade my system. The sales lady was not sure and the tech line had a long hold wait and I needed to get back to work. I mentioned it very briefly a few years ago to my shop and if I remember correctly they pretty much said that to do it right I would really need to make some pretty costly changes to my existing system. Any good suggestions.. Upgrade my existing, add to it or compete change of equipment and resell my existing Accutrk ll? Any ideas?. I know you guys always like spending another guys money.. -Tom

The time is near for bladders or reseal for me. Still waiting on quotes from each option. Glad to see I will still have options. The places I have checked with have not mentioned anything about O&N having changes, as Chris posted, must just be internal. I'm still looking at options.. -Tom

That's quite the selections...Wish there was access to that kind of fleet in my area