Introduce Yourself

[Awqward]

Hi all....my name is Anthony Quick... N60GZ, a 1987 M20J 205 is the first airplane I have owned although I have been a private pilot for over 20 years...I am an Australian but live and work in Aberdeen Scotland - which is the self proclaimed "oil capital of Europe"...I actually learned to fly in Singapore because that is where I was living when I finally decided to stop dreaming and just do it!...along the way I have acquired pilot's licenses in Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Qatar, UAE, UK (JAA/EASA) as well as an FAA certificte (61.75) issued in 1996.... Over the years I have flown in FL, CA, AZ, NV & TX in the US as well as the UK, Norway & France .... I am now in training for my FAA Instument Rating here in Scotland (after going through the TSA approval process and flying to Sweden to get finger-printed!)....I plan to use a UK based DPE for the checkride at Le Touquet (France) sometime in March or April....oh and the written has to be done at Farnborough (England)....I have always loved Mooneys....ever since I saw them on the ramp at the Aero Club of Western Australia...until recently my relatively mobile lifestyle has always meant aircraft ownership was no practical....but once again I decided to stop dreaming and just do it!

[SkyPilot]

Hi Folks,

 

My name is Paul Kroeker (pronounced Cray Ker). I'm quickly approaching the Feb 2014 third year anniversary of Mooney ownership. I've been flying seaplanes mostly in Canadian uncontrolled airspace since 1984 and am having a little difficulty talking to ATC on the radio. It's not something I've done much of in the last 7000 hrs. I've decided to get my IFR though so that I can get in and out of Victoria from Lloydminster where I live. That way my daughter can pick me up at the airport and I can save 16 hours of my time each way versus driving.

 

I have a 1967 M20F with a 3 blade prop. It is an unusual color combo of black with silver and maroon stripes which the previous owner copied from the cover of a 1980 Flying Magazine featuring a Mooney. I like it. The interior need refit and I just got a new 8 hole instrument panel made up. I prefer the steam guages for primary flight indications. I have not done much to it yet (except pay it off) but I intend to install speed-brakes this spring and also the cowl closure.

 

Thanks all for your great comments and things. I have bought a Skytec starter on your advice. It work great!

 

Paul K

[DonMuncy]

Re: speedbrakes.

I have a K model with speed brakes. I really like them. They were on the plane when I got it, and I thought they were a "must have" item. But, if I had a plane without them, I would have to think long and hard before I would pay to get them.

If ATC keeps you high and dumps you at the last minute, they are kinda handy. If you were VFR and above an undercast trying to get  down through a small hole they may be very helpful. But I seldom use them and most of those times, I use them because they are there; not because I really need them.

Bottom line, I would put them down the list of things I would spend money on. Certainly after an autopilot with alt hold, an in-panel GPS and a GPSS.

Just my opinion.

[Matt Michael]

Matt Michael here.  Been lurking for a few months.  Just closed a deal on my next plane, a 66 E.  I was very fortunate to find it through a tip from a member here.  It was the 8th Mooney I looked at and I was getting pretty discouraged.  

 

I started flying in gliders in 86 and added airplanes about 6 years ago.  I've owned several gliders and still consider soaring my first and last love in aviation.  My first airplane was a Bowers Fly Baby that I overhauled and modified with a canopy and long range fuel.  Took lots of trips in it and learned a lot.  For the last 2 years I've had a Cessna 150 that I started instrument training with and have taken on lots of regional trips.  Last summer I did a long XC instrument training flight in a Mooney F with a couple friends.  After flying the 3.8 hr Wichita to Watertown, WI leg under the hood I handed over my credit card to buy the fuel expecting to get nailed for several hundred dollars.  I was amazed when the receipt said only $175!  I couldn't believe it!  From that moment on I knew I had to have a Mooney, a high performance airplane that I could actually afford to fly!

 

Now I just have to retrieve the new bird from a thousand miles away and learn to fly it.  It's going to be an adventure and fortunately I have some great flying pals to get me up to speed.  I intend to finish my IR in the new bird this year followed by adding on the CFI airplane.  Really looking forward to traveling in Mooney style.  I will also have a very nice C150 for sale soon.

 

I live near Ames Iowa and just completed my 24th season of making my living as a self employed tree trimmer specializing in climbing.  I sometimes instruct in gliders for the local club or professionally at Marfa TX and other soaring sites.  I'm pretty crazy about my 3 dogs, cross-country soaring, XC skiing, cycling, music, and my amazing girlfriend Sarah who is a great navigator and co-pilot.

 

I'm really grateful for this excellent forum and look forward to meeting other Mooney aviators.

[SkyPilot]

Re: speedbrakes.

I have a K model with speed brakes. I really like them. They were on the plane when I got it, and I thought they were a "must have" item. But, if I had a plane without them, I would have to think long and hard before I would pay to get them.

If ATC keeps you high and dumps you at the last minute, they are kinda handy. If you were VFR and above an undercast trying to get  down through a small hole they may be very helpful. But I seldom use them and most of those times, I use them because they are there; not because I really need them.

Bottom line, I would put them down the list of things I would spend money on. Certainly after an autopilot with alt hold, an in-panel GPS and a GPSS.

Just my opinion.

 

Makes sense. I have to take-off from 2200', climb to 14,500', then drop down to a sea level airport after being kept high  by 3 hours of Mountains. (CYLL to CYYJ, Lloydminster Alberta to Victoria). I find the F is hard to slow down unless really reducing power. Plus I already have an indash GPS, a good Brittain Autopilot (just overhauled - no alt control though). My mechanic is independant and charges only $50 per hour. Makes it affordable.

[SkyPilot]

Congrats on the new plane Matt! I love my little F model but I want more speed. I'd trade up or sell mine and buy a newer model, but the market is tough and I have more into it then I'll ever get out. Might as well just burn the fuel eh?

[rainman]

Paul, I know what you mean. Love my 231, and spent lots upgrading that I'll never get back .....then boom a really nice Rocket becomes available at my home drome. No way to sell mine and buy the Rocket so I'll just fly the heck out of my 231 for the next ten years! Ray

[wishboneash]

Sriram Narayan, two year M20J owner. My first and only plane. Learnt to fly in 1991 in a C152. Mostly flew in a flying club and favorite aircraft then were a Piper Archer in which I got my instrument rating in 1998. Got checked out in a Mooney M20E which our club unfortunately sold due to lack of use. I was impressed by the speed and simplicity of this aircraft which ultimately led to my getting a Mooney.

Spent years trying to justify buying a plane. Finally did it and settled on the 201. My #1 preference would have been the 252. Ruled out all composite aircraft although I went and looked at Diamond DA20 out of curiosity. From my spread sheet analysis of my mission requirements, the 252 was tops except for the price!

I am an analog circuit designer by profession and I am fortunate that I can fly on work since we have a satellite office near Camarillo. Two boys, one of whom got his PP just before going to college. Various interests from SW radio, ham operator, hiking, backpacking, photography, weather, solar power etc …

My bible is Stick & Rudder. Having read that book thoroughly I have no problem with speed control of my Mooney! And that's a fact. Recommend every pilot read this timeless book.

I have posted here many times, and some of you, I have meet personally. Based out of Livermore, CA which has a fair number of diverse Mooney types on the field. Hope to meet more of you as the opportunities arise. Fly safely ...

[Awqward]

Hi all....my name is Anthony Quick... N60GZ, a 1987 M20J 205 is the first airplane I have owned although I have been a private pilot for over 20 years...I am an Australian but live and work in Aberdeen Scotland - which is the self proclaimed "oil capital of Europe"...I actually learned to fly in Singapore because that is where I was living when I finally decided to stop dreaming and just do it!...along the way I have acquired pilot's licenses in Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Qatar, UAE, UK (JAA/EASA) as well as an FAA certificte (61.75) issued in 1996.... Over the years I have flown in FL, CA, AZ, NV & TX in the US as well as the UK, Norway & France .... I am now in training for my FAA Instument Rating here in Scotland (after going through the TSA approval process and flying to Sweden to get finger-printed!)....I plan to use a UK based DPE for the checkride at Le Touquet (France) sometime in March or April....oh and the written has to be done at Farnborough (England)....I have always loved Mooneys....ever since I saw them on the ramp at the Aero Club of Western Australia...until recently my relatively mobile lifestyle has always meant aircraft ownership was no practical....but once again I decided to stop dreaming and just do it!

Just to remind you how good you have it in the US....I forgot to mention the eye watering cost of avgas here in Scotland....last fill $15 a US Gallon....

[TWinter]

$15 a gallon ...and another great reason to be flying a Mooney

[bonal]

I just looked through all the posts what a great collection of people and planes. A few years ago LASAR had a gathering for their 35th anniversary and we counted over 30 Mooney's on the ramp. We didn't have ours yet but they welcomed us and every one was real friendly I only wish I had my camera that day. I'm sure some of you were there. Seems like there should be a mooney space get together perhaps at the factory to celebrate its re opening.

[sixtypilot]

Hi all. I am just beginning to consider a mooney as my first airplane. I hold a commercial and instrument rotorcraft - helicopter license. I am working on a commercial IFR fixed wing transition and should be finishing up within the next couple of months. From what I know so far, I am looking at J and K models. I appreciate the help of the community so far and look forward to continuing to learn.

So far I'm enjoying the fixed wing world, still having to remind myself to keep the nose down and keep my speed up on the approach

[sixtypilot]

I feel your pain brother ...

I have 8.0 hrs fixed wing, so I'm sure it domes eventually

[sixtypilot]

Thanks David, Everything you said resonates with me. Im having a blast, I just have to keep that nose down on approach.  

 

I am doing the same thing with crosswinds, putting the slip in early just to figure out the right proportions, but I am trying to progressively do it closer and closer to the ground.  Its coming to me. 

 

I have never flown a Mooney, but my research says this is the plane for us (50% owner and I, do I call him my "partner"?), even though I have a special spot in my heart for a bonanza (Dont get mad).  I would love to take you up on your offer, but I am in the midwest and I dont see myself in GA with free time anytime soon.  If anyone is a little closer to home for me, I would be glad to travel for the opportunity to get my hands on an m20.  

[Bob_Belville]

I just looked through all the posts what a great collection of people and planes. A few years ago LASAR had a gathering for their 35th anniversary and we counted over 30 Mooney's on the ramp. We didn't have ours yet but they welcomed us and every one was real friendly I only wish I had my camera that day. I'm sure some of you were there. Seems like there should be a mooney space get together perhaps at the factory to celebrate its re opening.

You may or may not know that the MAPA convention is in Kerrville the 2nd week in April... 

[bonal]

I've never been to Texas might be fun especially with production of aircraft beginning again.

[DonMuncy]

Be careful about coming to Texas. Most folks who come here don't ever want to leave.

[Jsavage3]

My wife & I have been the proud owners of our '86 J model for 3 years now -- we love it!!! We recently sunk some dough in the panel with the installation of a GTN-750, GPSS steering and an altitude-hold autopilot which has transformed our bird into a true magic carpet!

I served in the USAF and flew the F-15C Eagle and then the F-16 (block 30s and 40s). I now fly business jets for a large fractional jet company....but that's just my job. My real interest is flying Mooney's and I don't fly Mooney's slow...

[CDF219]

Chris Ford      I have the amazing 1966 M20E and I have posted here before and might I say thank you for the valuable information from you all. I am a small business owner in Atlanta Ga. Im always looking to connect with any and all of you. I would like nothing more than to have a circle of friends with Moonies to hang out with and fly to wherever we want to. Im at KRYY and almost always available to go fly. PM me if your in my area even just to link up to say hello. Drop in and have some of out $6.67 avgas...(ouch) I bought her in march of 2013 and have a little over 100 hours on her since.

[Sonic]

Greetings,

 

I picked up my 65C while on my second tour in the high desert of California a little over 4 years ago.  I got pointed to this site by Norm Howell when I heard him present his paper last year and have been lurking ever since.  I decided it was time to finally say hello and thank you for the awesome information source.

 

This is the first plane I've owned, although I've been flying for about 30 years.  Most of my hours are in heavies, but I've been fortunate enough to land in positions that allowed me to fly a variety of different aircraft over the years.  I also picked up the glider bug a few years ago, although I don't feel the need to own more than one toy right now, so that is currently a rental activity.

 

I recently re-located from KWJF to KRMN, which was a bit of a climate shift.

 

CSEL, MEI, CFII, CFIG . . .

 

Cheers!

[Matt Michael]

Hey sonic, where do you fly gliders? Another pilot here Tim Taylor at Logan is also an avid glider pilot.

[Sonic]

When I was out west I flew gliders up at Tehachapi.  I haven't settled on a location out here in the DC area yet, although I'm planning on checking out St Mary's or Front Royal when the springtime wx gets here.

[neilpilot]

When I was out west I flew gliders up at Tehachapi.  I haven't settled on a location out here in the DC area yet, although I'm planning on checking out St Mary's or Front Royal when the springtime wx gets here.

Check out Blue Ridge Soaring Society at New Castle International (VA).  

[Tony__L]

Tony Liebold

I am in the process of purchasing my first mooney, a 1967 M20F Executive (see picture below - the plane in the foreground). I have some time flying the J model so am looking forward to manual gear ;-) . This will be my second plane. The first was a Cherokee 140 (with a 180hp motor). I cut my teeth learning to fly in her, in fact did my PPL training in her. My family enjoys flying so we have a lot of plans to see our country (South Africa) from the air. I also have a lot of plans to use her for business travel as this year I am planning on expanding and growing my business.

The only problem now is waiting for her to be ready for me to collect :-( :-) ;-). Hopefully she will be ready next week.

I have been reading a lot on the forum and have found a lot of useful info. Great forum and by all accounts great people.

Tony

Ho hum . . .

[glenv6]

Hello Mooneyspace! 

 

I just bought my 1982 M20J in June, and 1157Z is a cream puff with 2600TTAF and 900TSFMOH.  I have 34hrs in the airplane since I bought it, including one long cross country round trip from my home base in Dallas to Santa Monica and back.  The extended range Monroy tanks bring my total fuel load to 93 gallons making Santa Monica possible in one stop for a quick splash.  The airplane is also equipped with speed brakes, which I found especially useful when dropping out of 11,000 feet to land below sea level at Thermal, CA.

 

Good to be here, and I look forward to gleaning all I can from the group!

 

-Glen