jabodine

There were TFRs in the area, mostly to the southeast. The smell is pretty bad, it can give you a headache. The smoke plume went up to about 15,000 according to another pilot who was flying much higher. Terrain obscured Boise to Salmon and then in the smoke haze almost to Dillon. Great experience. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

Went to Boise, ID. today and back. Due to local forest fires IMC into Boise from the north and again when leaving to the north. Flew the BC LOC into 28L in IMC. My Mooney made the whole trip a great experience. On the field Northwestern Aircraft has a nice facility and took good care of us, recommended. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

Thanks for the input. I tried the Fltplan.com app and it worked like a charm.<br /><br />Again, thanks everyone for the input.<br /><br />Best regards,<br />Jonathan Bodine

I am looking for a Weight and Balance App for my Samsung Galaxy. Any experience/suggestions? Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

I am planning to fly to Boise, Idaho tomorrow (from Butte, MT). Never been, not familiar. Any recommendations on FBO, managing arrival/departure, etc. Most likely I will be filing an IFR flight plan both ways. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

Again to Marauders point:<br /><br />You are exactly right, its a lot of money and I don't know where you could get it done for $10,000 all in.<br /><br />By the way that sounds like great equipment.<br /><br />Best regards,<br />Jonathan Bodine

I know Harold very well. He helped me finish my instrument rating. I have flown my instrument proficiency with him. I flew procedures "under the hood" with him today for currency. He is a first rate CFII and a very honorable human being. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

To Marauder's point I probably put lots more into my Mooney than it is ever worth. On the other hand I like things to work properly within some reasonable limits, hence the reason I got so many things fixed/upgraded. Regarding the TAS and GPS-W its a matter of safety. My wife and I fly together and I feel a whole lot better with more information regarding the unseen that is going on around us. Just my opinion, others may vary.<br /><br />Best regards,<br />Jonathan Bodine

I just got my Mooney back from Aerotronics in Billings, Montana. I had a GPS (Garmin 430W) and a TCAS (Avidyne 605, TAS actually) installed. What a difference. Situational awareness navigation and safety much improved. The crew at Aerotronics (Steve, Gordon and those unnamed) did a magnificent job. In addition to the upgrade several things needed attention: addressed and fixed. The after installation instruction on the products and upgrades was second to none. I just can't say enough good about their shop and the end result. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

Marauder is right: conjecture is just that. On further investigation (referral to The Gospel according to Mooney: the POH for my craft): "...GEAR UP) shows continuously when the gear is fully retracted.". This is the way the indicators in my plane work therefore mine must be working per design. Sorry for the inconvenience of this question but thanks for the lively discussion and insights relative to the range ways various different planes work. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

Jim: I stand corrected, the gear is electromechanical as you asserted. Thanks for your input. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Mine is a 1971 M20e with hydraulic gear. When the gear is fully down there is an indicator on the floor where two green bars align. This is a positive visual indication that the gear is down. The green annunciator light on the panel is On as well when the gear is down. Nonetheless this is akin to what is often referred to as an "idiot" on an automobile. As for the Red Gear Unsafe annunciator, it is on the panel below the Green light. It comes on when the gear is retracted. It stays on until the gear is again extended. I thought it would be lighted while the gear was being retracted but off during cruise flight. If, as suggested in the replies so far, this light should be on except when the gear is fully down then mine is working properly. If not, I need a little help troubleshooting and fixing the problem. Again thanks in advance for the benefit of your experience. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

I have an M20e that is relatively new to me. With the gear down the Green annunciator light is lit, floor indicator indicates that the gear is down (green along side green). After take off when I retract the gear the green annunciator goes out, the green along side of green (on the floor) goes away, however the red Gear Unsafe light stays lit until I again lower the gear. My understanding is that it is expected that this light be lit while gear is retracting but then extinguishes during flight. Is my assumption correct? Your insights, observations, advice on trouble shooting/repair (if needed) please. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

Thanks for all the info. I have been doing some research and have decided on having an Avidyne TAS 605 installed to interface with a Garmin 430W. It is a pretty capable unit from what I can determine, with a free upgrade for ADS-B compatibility in the future. Apparently Avidyne is running a Sun & Fun show special pricing the TAS 605 very competitively vis a vis the TAS 600 which is less capable. I hope this helps. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

Recently I have been considering adding some sort of TCAS to my craft. Any thoughts, experience, recommendations? Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

I will be going to Orlando tomorrow to visit for a week. I would like to find a place to take a flying lesson or two or rent a plane while in the area. Thoughts or advice as to reputable establishment for same. Thanks for your help. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

Flaps retracted nicely today. Based on testing the other day I believe problem is intermittant in switch. I will be looking for a switch to replace the current one if problem recurrs. Thanks for the help. Any good sources for the switch? Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

After take off last wednesday the electric flaps on my 1971 M20 would not retract from take off position. Landed the plane thinking maybe if I recycled on the ground they might retract. They only extended to full, still no retraction. If I push the switch down I can hear the motor turn. When I try the up position nothing. Thought I would post to mine for good ideas to streamline trouble shooting from those with more experience. Thanks in advance for your experience. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

Plan to take my wife to Spokane tomorrow in the Mooney. Any recommendations regarding a good FBO? We will need to tie down for a few hours, use a complimentary car or rental for a short time and refuel before leaving. Thanks for your help. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

The new to me M20e, 1971 vintage, has no tie down rings. My understanding is that the attach points are just outboard of the mains on each wing, please correct me if I am wrong. I need to locate a pair such that I can tie the plane down when away from home. Thanks for your help. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

I need an inside door latch handle if it becomes available. Please advise. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

I have a new to me M20e, 1971 vintage, for which I need a Service Manual. Any help or leads as to where I can find one will be appreciated. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

I have a KNS 80 NAV System in the Mooney I recently purchased. With it came the Pilots Guide. There must be a more comprehensive Pilots Manual. Can anyone help me locate and procure same? Thanks in advance for your consideration. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

I followed your advise and made a good contact. I anticipate a successful pre-buy. Thanks for the help. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine

I am in the process of purchasing a Mooney in the North East. I am looking for a local (Massachusetts area) A&P to do a prepurchase insp. Your help will be appreciated. Best regards, Jonathan Bodine