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For those of you who haven't tried it yet, I would encourage you to check out the CloudAhoy app and log some flights with it. It can give you valuable data about each flight such as speed and altitude profiles, ground tracks, distance flown, etc. Tonight I analyzed my last 10 landing sequences and the data was enlightening. First, my height AGL over the numbers was ALWAYS in the 20-30' range. This included fields with and without any VGSI. Not surprising, given that my brain has figured out what the appropriate approach path should look like so muscle memory just works me into that position. I'm sure you all do the same, but the consistency was still cool. Even more illuminating was the correlation between speed over the numbers and touchdown distance. If over the numbers at 65 knots, I touched down almost exactly at the 1000' mark, right on the IFR markings. Less than 60 knots had me touching down somewhat sooner of course. But the telling thing was that over the numbers at 75 knots gave me an extra thousand feet before touchdown. The extra float length isn't surprising, of course, but the consistency of it was. While I've long known the theory of it, it was neat to see the data born out in practice. What isn't in the data is wind factor for any individual flight, but averaged across all flights that gets evened out. Anyway, if you like to gather data from your flights and use it to help your understanding and your plane's tendencies, CloudAhoy is worth the $49/year in my book. Cheers!

There is a chance my weekly Utah to California commute "mission" may be changing. My M20J has been the PERFECT plane for this mission but that may be changing. I may be looking for a STOL plane. The new mission may involve frequent landings on a short (1000 ft) gravel runway. I don't know much about STOL planes. I could sure use some advice on which planes to consider. My requirements would include: 2 or 4 seats, cruise speed 150 mph, range 500 miles, price $100,000 +/-. The only plane I know much about is the Maule. What other choices are there? Thanks in advance!