Mooney 2014 Homecoming Did you attend, what did you think of it!

[RocketAviator]

Just curious how many from Mooneyspace attended the MAPA Mooney 2014 Homecoming in Kerrville TX this last weekend?

Also what did you think of it?

Would you attend again?

Would you attend again as early as next year?

What did you get out of it?

 

Full disclosure I am not with MAPA, not with Mooney Co just curious and interested in feedback.

In my 30 years of flying counting the Formation Clinic in Yuma a few weekends ago this was my second ever fly in event.

 

 

[carusoam]

Consider the East, West and Texas in the plans, if at all possible.

Lela and Trey have done a great job holding down the fort.

It's a long distance trip. The plane can go there easily. It's the passengers that have the difficulty...

These are the issues I have come accross over the last 15 years.

Just sharing an idea,

-a-

[Bob_Belville]

I was there this year for the first time (I started flying Mooneys in 1969, have 2500 hours in 2 M20Es. MAPA member since 1977.) I took my plane. Flew out Thursday, stayed for Jerry Manthey's Maintenance Class and returned today.

 

It was interesting to meet folks I've "talked to" here and on the MAPA discussion group, Trey and Lela Hughes, Don Maxwell, Mitch and Jolie, Paul Loewen and several more. 

 

I saw a lot of planes, talked to a lot of knowledgeable people and took a very interesting plant tour. I would go again.

[mike_elliott]

I would have loved to have gone, but my Son's wedding on Saturday trumped my need for a Mooney fix. Heck, I stopped at KCLW on the way back from dropping off family at KTPA today just to be near a friends Mooney

[Bob_Belville]

I got to see Don Kaye's new panel and got his reaction to mine. I think we're agreed that both are great examples of what can be done to bring an older plane up to date. 

[Txbyker]

My first. This was an incredible thing to pull off for those involved, Hughes, Maxwells, Mitch, Jolie, and tons of others.  They packed so much into a few days.  A hangar is the biggest covered arena to hold us all but with it comes challenges like temperature control, seating etc but MAPA did an incredible job.  Everyone I met were very nice and a true camaraderie exists.  I learned a lot starting with the premier of Boots on the Ground to MAPA providing pilots a chance to do their BFR with MAPA Proficiency instructors for only $90.  I did my BFR Saturday morning and due to the weather and delays had to miss the factory tours.

 

Would you attend again?  Yes

Would you attend again as early as next year?  Probably but perhaps for only a couple of days and depends upon location.  This year I was only an hour away.

What did you get out of it?  Lots of new friendships, contacts.  And I got to see your fantastic Mooney R/C!

 

Russ

[Sabremech]

I agree with the comments posted so far. I enjoyed the premier of "Boots on the Ground" and the seminars on Friday. Would have liked to do the tour through the factory, but had to head North Saturday morning.

 I would attend again as I learned some new things from each of the speakers. Good job by all.

 

 David

[DrBill]

This was my 2nd (first in 2011).

Both times I flew commercially due to the cost (less than 1/2 predicted fuel burn). (<$300).

I found this one slightly better than the first. I did find all the forums were interesting.

I will return but not every year.. Every 3rd seems about right for me.

I really enjoyed the factory tour.

I liked the painting presentation probably the best but they were all good.  I guess the paint one is most on my mind right now.

WELL DONE EVERYONE !!

BILL

 

[Bob_Belville]

This was my 2nd (first in 2011).

Both times I flew commercially due to the cost (less than 1/2 predicted fuel burn). (<$300).

I found this one slightly better than the first. I did find all the forums were interesting.

I will return but not every year.. Every 3rd seems about right for me.

I really enjoyed the factory tour.

I liked the painting presentation probably the best but they were all good.  I guess the paint one is most on my mind right now.

WELL DONE EVERYONE !!

BILL

Bill is right about cost, I spent about $650 on gas round trip from NC to Kerrville. (If Nancy had been able to go she would have traveled "free".) But getting in quality time with the Stormscope and NEXRAD (GDL88) yesterday was priceless. FWIW, I flew 3 of the 4 legs LOP @  ~8.3 gph @ 65% power @ 8000 and 9000. TAS was around 150k. I was impressed with CHTs vs. ROP.

[RocketAviator]

That is very good TAS at that fuel flow and altitude, Bob.  Not that your "E"go needs any massaging, but my J is no faster.    Perhaps even a bit slower.  Hard to know for sure without flying side by side, starting with fuel fuel, and then topping off together.  How about you other J drivers.  Can you get 150 KTAS on only 8.3 GPH at 8/9000 feet?

 

Jim   

HEY Hey hey there Bob & Jim.... Whats up with HIGHJACKING MY thread with YOUR ridiculously low fuel flow compared to my Rocket.... Well just for the record I can taxi at just slightly less than 8.3GPH so there, take that.... Hurts my feelings.... (well not so much that I would trade!

Sunday from Kerrville to Granbury was solid IMC, moderate turbulence with one event that flipped me on my side enough to disengage the autopilot, great experience (glad I did not have any passengers to get excited if you know what I mean!).  I came home from Granbury yesterday with an average of 34kts head wind and a true airspeed of 187 - 190 kts TAS at 16 GPH!!!! what would have normally been a 2 hr 15 min was 2hr 50 min... appreciate my blessings we made it safe and that is all that really counts!

Fly safe,

[Bob_Belville]

That is very good TAS at that fuel flow and altitude, Bob.  Not that your "E"go needs any massaging, but my J is no faster.    Perhaps even a bit slower.  Hard to know for sure without flying side by side, starting with fuel fuel, and then topping off together.  How about you other J drivers.  Can you get 150 KTAS on only 8.3 GPH at 8/9000 feet?

 

Jim   

I think my modified E is probably about as fast as published figures for a J. But it's apples to oranges, I was alone, several hundred pounds under my 2575 gross and even further below a J's 2900(?) gross with the same 200 hp.  When I was running best power at 5500' breaking in engine after o'haul I had 159k tas @ 75%. (My plane has a JPI EDM930 - extremely accurate fuel flow read out and % power display. And the Aspen displays TAS and winds.)

[gsxrpilot]

Since I'm only an hour away, I thought I'd just come over for the day on Friday and Saturday.  But a bad mag check on Friday and poor weather on Saturday meant that I was only there for a few hours on Saturday.  I did enjoy the factory tour and met some great people.  I would have loved to have had my C on the line to get opinions/suggestions/advice, etc. on it.  But again, I didn't get in until after noon because of the low clouds enroute.  

 

Next year I'll plan to arrive early and stay through the entire event.

[BigTex]

I had a blast! Flew in Thursday and attended the Boots world premier. Also enjoyed Dr. Chen's opening remarks Friday morning. The entire town was a buzz with Mooney re opening.

The ice cream social was great and the auction was really fun... Just two words... DMax & Speedo.

The banquet was good as well and a great way to close out the Homecoming.

Can't wait until next year!

[mike_elliott]

I had a blast! Flew in Thursday and attended the Boots world premier. Also enjoyed Dr. Chen's opening remarks Friday morning. The entire town was a buzz with Mooney re opening.

The ice cream social was great and the auction was really fun... Just two words... DMax & Speedo.

The banquet was good as well and a great way to close out the Homecoming.

Can't wait until next year!

 

Ok, I just have to ask..how much did that stinkin' speedo go for??

[RocketAviator]

Ok, I just have to ask..how much did that stinkin' speedo go for??

Mike,

I am thinking Trey, a retired Judge from Galveston, that gave me a ride from my motel to the airport one day seemed to be a great guy paid about $400 if memory serves me correctly, then donated it to the Mooney Museum!  After Don signed it of course!!  Someone feel free to correct me if my memory is erroring!

[aaronk25]

That is very good TAS at that fuel flow and altitude, Bob. Not that your "E"go needs any massaging, but my J is no faster. Perhaps even a bit slower. Hard to know for sure without flying side by side, starting with fuel fuel, and then topping off together. How about you other J drivers. Can you get 150 KTAS on only 8.3 GPH at 8/9000 feet?

Jim

Hijack continues ....I think the same fuel and altitude values would true me at 148-149kts.....if it was abnormally cold a couple knots more I suppose. 150kts seem to take 8.6-8.9gph at that altitude, for me.

Wish I could have made it down there but married life now, as I have found has additional responsibilities/commitments.

Thank you to all those that have put forth so much effort to help support and create enthusiasm in the mooney brand. See you folks at OSH this summer.

[carusoam]

No kids yet?

The J has a big back seat.

Best regards,

-a-

[yvesg]

Aaron, are you going to join the caravan for OSH?

Yves

[mike_elliott]

Mike,

I am thinking Trey, a retired Judge from Galveston, that gave me a ride from my motel to the airport one day seemed to be a great guy paid about $400 if memory serves me correctly, then donated it to the Mooney Museum!  After Don signed it of course!!  Someone feel free to correct me if my memory is erroring!

 

That just might be one of the largest draws to the new museum. A lot of history there.....

[docket]

It was a lot of fun.  Glad I went.  Sorry it was in an Aerostar instead of a Mooney.

[Sabremech]

Just curious as to who ended up with the landing gear preload tools from Vintage Airworks?

 Thanks,

 David

[DonMuncy]

I can't be certain, but I think Craig Stephan got them.

[aaronk25]

Would love to fly in the caravan, but I don't think there is any local training. I also think since OSH is only a 4 hour drive I might just take the RV again this year. Nothing like sleeping in a real bed!

As for you guys giving me a hard time about the the recent nuptials, all going good so far just didn't realize how family related activities/commitments a person gets shoe horned into

[mike_elliott]

Would love to fly in the caravan, but I don't think there is any local training. I also think since OSH is only a 4 hour drive I might just take the RV again this year. Nothing like sleeping in a real bed!

As for you guys giving me a hard time about the the recent nuptials, all going good so far just didn't realize how family related activities/commitments a person gets shoe horned into

You are ready for my advanced course in "maintaining a healthy relationship between your aluminum mistress and your bride", Possibly for wings credit at the next Mooney Summit! 

[BigTex]

I actually overheard one wife at the Homecoming say "maybe if I would put a propeller on my nose, he'd pay more attention to me!" We all have to walk that fine line.