230KT

Here's the link to the interpretation: Click here for full text: .../interps/2009/Bell.pdf

There's an icing discussion available (see link below), but the latest FAA interpretation that I'm aware of is that it is the "composite" information, not an icing airmet alone, that would constitute grounds for an FAA enforcement action. See the following discussion and scroll down till you get to the post about the FAA's 2009 interpretation of "known icing": http://mooneyspace.c...s-non-fiki-tks/ Here's a link to the FAA Chief Counsel's letter of interpretation: Click here for full text: .../interps/2009/Bell.pdf Understand I'm talking about being legal here, not being safe.

I have a somewhat different perspective of Summit. I've been working with them for about two years on a non-Mooney aircraft I fly, and have been pleased with their responsiveness and willingness to explain the problems to me. Understand though that they have a contract with my employer and work on several of our aircraft, so they're more worried about our business than a one-off transient annual inspection. Their helicopter retrofit work is a big part of their bottom line, but that work occurs in a separate hangar with different mechanics than those who work on GA fixed-wing aircraft. The GA hangar seems to be consistently full of a wide variety of aircraft, most recently a Cessna 206, a Fairchild, a King Air, and a Kodiak. I'm not sure I've ever seen a Mooney there, and they probably do more turbo-prop work than piston, so it might be wise to ask how much Mooney experience they have (if that's important to you). Otherwise, be clear about your timeline for getting the work done, and they're usually pretty good about making that happen...especially if you're likely to be a repeat customer.

Parker, The FIKI aspect is about being able to dispatch the aircraft, and hence, revenue. I've decided TKS is a "gotta have" for that reason, but FIKI isn't a requirement, and I don't think it would really improve the bottom line. So, why would you go for the Rocket instead of the Bravo?

I thought it was very simple. Rocket is the fastest plane out there under $200K, therefore I wanted a Rocket. However, after reading some Bravo posts and talking to some self-proclaimed Mooney experts, I'm also considering the Bravo. The typical mission is 1-2 persons, little baggage, 400-1200nm flights, get there as fast as possible burning 20 gph or less, and not be afraid of ice in the winter. Here's how this judge's scoresheet looks so far: 1. Rocket seems to be 5-15 knots faster at typical cruise altitudes, and can be honestly said to cruise faster than 200 knots at 12,000 and above. 3 points to Rocket 2. Bravo has a longer cabin. 1 point to Bravo 3. Bravo has FIKI, Rocket only has non-FIKI TKS. 1 point to Bravo 4. Bravo is factory (so hopefully good support), Rocket is after-market. 1 point to Bravo 5. Bravo has newer airframes and often nicer panels. 1 point to Bravo 5. Bravo has 2000-hr TBO ($50K overhaul), Rocket has 1600-hr TBO ($42K overhaul). Tossup 6. Useful loads all seem to hover between 825 and 1000 lb. Tossup 7. Reliability and dispatchability (is that a word?). Tossup This gives an ever-so-slight edge to the Bravo, but I'm not sure I agree with my own scoring system. I'd like to hear from some of you who have flown both aircraft and can offer some additional deciding factors, or tell me I'm way off regarding my analysis so far.

David, Thanks for the numbers. That means your non-TKS Rocket is 6-8 knots below published values regardless of altitude. That, along with FoxMike's input, suggests I should expect 10-15 knots below published values for a Rocket that is TKS-equipped (and with a smooth paint job!).

The payload issue I understand. However, I've been told everything from a 10 KT loss (I assume due to increased drag and weight), to an INCREASE in airspeed because filling the fluid tank shifts the CG aft (so the horizontal stabilizer creates less negative lift. I guess the bigger picture question is whether the Rocket will achieve the published true air speeds. I've been searching flightaware but haven't yet seen a Rocket flying 230KT at FL240.

Hi all, I'm in the market for a Rocket, and would like some opinions on whether buying one with a TKS system installed will reduce airspeed from the book values, and if so, how much?

Have you found a buyer yet?