Introduce Yourself

[carusoam]

This thread never goes out of style...

My first entry was in 2008...

Please update. Add a pic. And if you haven’t yet...

Introduce yourself!  

Happy 2020!

Best regards,

-a-

[FoxMike]

Walt Bell, I soloed in 1966 at Ohio State University.  Since then I have accumulated 5600hrs (not much more 100/yr)..  When I got back from Vietnam, I used the VA bill to add a commercial, ME and instrument to my ticket.  I moved to Denver soon after I separated from the Army because I liked to ski..  I owned several E models during the 70"s and after a 15 year ownership of a T210 I bought a TLS in 2003.  I have put 2000hrs on the Bravo so far.  My interest in aviation is travel.  The Bravo has taken me down to the Caribbean Islands on several occasions once to Cuba and all the way around the Caribbean Basin on another.  I have travelled to all the countries in Central America in either the T210 or the Bravo.  

I have been a enthusiastic MAPA member in the past and always enjoyed the annual conventions particularly when Roy Lopresti was leading Mooney.  The Bravo has shown well at the conventions.  In 2009 it won the best in M Models and also won the Employees Choice award.  In 2014 it won the Employees Choice award again.  

Well, the temperature in Denver just hit 55 so I think I will head for the golf course.

[Denver98]

Scott Hager, started flying in High School but knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a professional pilot.  Grew up in the Denver Suburbs, got my PPL at KAPA. Started flying Mooneys (M20Js) in college for my Instrument, Commercial and CFII ratings.  Flew skydivers after college in anything from a C182 to a B90 KingAir,  eventually was I hired by Great Lakes Airlines, then moved on to TWA couple of years later.  I was furloughed following 9/11 and spent the lost decade at Allegiant Air.  Returned to American Airlines in 2013 and just last year transitioned to the B787 (FO) in May.  Hoping that the 787 is my last type rating as I plan to ride it to retirement.  (Even though I like Airbus better)  

I cemented my love for Mooneys when my dad and I flew N231BJ from BJC to LAS for my 21st birthday.  And now 25 years later, thanks to MS member Paul, I’ve been able to rekindle my love for the M20K and general aviation.  I’m hoping the same happens for my wife once we get couple of trips together this year.  She is a Denver International Airport Tower Air Traffic Controller.  Be sure to say “hi” to Michelle should you find yourself flying into DIA.  

[MooneyMitch]

34 minutes ago, Denver98 said:

Scott Hager, started flying in High School but knew at a very young age that I wanted to be a professional pilot.  Grew up in the Denver Suburbs, got my PPL at KAPA. Started flying Mooneys (M20Js) in college for my Instrument, Commercial and CFII ratings.  Flew skydivers after college in anything from a C182 to a B90 KingAir,  eventually was I hired by Great Lakes Airlines, then moved on to TWA couple of years later.  I was furloughed following 9/11 and spent the lost decade at Allegiant Air.  Returned to American Airlines in 2013 and just last year transitioned to the B787 (FO) in May.  Hoping that the 787 is my last type rating as I plan to ride it to retirement.  (Even though I like Airbus better)  

I cemented my love for Mooneys when my dad and I flew N231BJ from BJC to LAS for my 21st birthday.  And now 25 years later, thanks to MS member Paul, I’ve been able to rekindle my love for the M20K and general aviation.  I’m hoping the same happens for my wife once we get couple of trips together this year.  She is a Denver International Airport Tower Air Traffic Controller.  Be sure to say “hi” to Michelle should you find yourself flying into DIA.  

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful aviation story!  Congratulations and welcome.

[noobish]

Ian here, I've been mostly a military "big" plane pilot part-time for the better part of the last decade. Been itching for a mooney for some time now, lurking and reading all I could here. Finally a TN '59 M20A with original wings will be my new baby. Can't wait to fly a wing built on a Mustang jig!

 

I have submitted a request to join the wood wing mooney mailing list and am looking forward to knowing you guys and having discussions about turbos and everything about the glorious Mooney.

 

And now, gather around as I tell to you this story of mine:

 

I took up my kids in a C-172 for the first time some months back. I had been prepping them for a long time for the flight. Sure they've been on airlines, but this will be a very different experience. My youngest gets carsick frequently. Encouraged by friends who regularly fly their progeny all the time, even younger than mine, I thought they were ready. I put the one I thought was going to possibly have anxiety up front with me. Intercom was screwy right off the bat, with me not able to hear. I spent 5-8 minutes figuring it out while we baked in the sun. Turned out this socket required me to pull my connector part-way out to make a connection. When I finally could hear them and myself talk, I realized that the volume was alarming loud. Pissed that I just spent their first crucial minutes in the airplane listening to me repeat endlessly "can you hear me?", I vowed to make the rest of the flight enjoyable. Good kids though, they didn't complain about their ears bleeding...

 

Take-off and climb-out went great, especially once the cooling airflow started to comfort us. The little girl in the back was super excited about everything, until about 15 minutes in, when she stopped responding to me and I looked back to see her eyes drilling into the seat-back straight ahead of her.

 

Like a ticking time bomb, within 2 minutes she was crying out between big alligator tears, "I just want to be on the ground!" It didn't help that there were little occaisional bumps. As I was racing to get back to the originating airport I tried to sooth her with "It'll be fine, honey. We're going to be on the ground very soon." With intensity that I will never forget, her amusing but sad immediate retort was, "No, it's NOT ok! I just want to be on the ground now!" Attempts to hold her hand in an akward backwards stretch proved only momentarily effective. Big brother's attempts at comforting remarks equally so. How could she believe him when he himself didn't know quite what to think of this unnatural ability for man to leave the Earth? Finally the perch point is here, and she seems to finally believe me that all will be well with the world.

 

But nay, I was delusional! Just then she lets loose a slow stream of vomit onto her shirt and lap. And I could do nothing except tell her that we'd clean her up. "So that's why she was quiet in the pattern," I thought. "She was too busy holding her cookies to complain... At least her queasiness will abate for a few minutes..." Just 200 feet now, time for one of my signature greased landings. But, lo... "et tu, Anemoi, gods of winds?" A sudden downdraft elicited a very uneasy gasp from both kids as their tummies leapt up. Thanks for that final middle finger from the sky as we spent our final moments of slipping the surly bonds of Earth.

 

The landing was a greasy one, but I figured it wasn't the right time to ask tower to confirm whether I was actually on the ground (especially since there was no tower to ask). Taxiing clear and shutting down, I leapt out, picked her up, gave her the shirt off my back, and spent the next 10 minutes squeezing her tight under the shade of the wing. She said then that she would never ride in a small plane again.

 

But I am not deterred. Every few weeks I probe, "You want to go flying today?" or "Some day you'll go flying with daddy again." Each time is met with less negativity than the last. My last question to her was met with a promising, "Where would we go?" Doing mental jumping jacks of joy, I thought, "now to appease the flying gods for perfect weather." I wonder what sacrifice will suffice? Perhaps a very expensive annual w/ repairs is enough?

[Charles K]

Greetings MS,

After some time now, well 17 days, to be exact, I have decided to post my introduction to this thread. This is my first post, I am a CFII in RW with >3,500 hrs, a PPL (SEL) with <50 hrs and just took the test for UAS ticket today. All my RW time is military as I still serve, and the PPL was for the adventure; the UAS was just a target of opportunity.

What has brought me to MS is the next chapter of adventure and travel. The MSN is to travel at my own pace and leisure, something with legs to allow traveling from central to the coast or vise versa. Maybe bring the lady friend along with a two day trip or park on the lawn of Oshkosh. The Mooney was the choice for fast and economical, I know I am a low time PPL but wanting a J/K model. I am in no rush but do have the fever for wanting my own if anyone would like to know more, just ask.

Looking forward to learning and meeting new friends.

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard and thank you for your service Charles.

You have come to the right place.

Best regards,

-a-

 

If anyone hasn’t introduced themselves... take the opportunity to write a few words... 

[Oscar Avalle]

Hi there! My name is Oscar Avalle. My home base is KGAI, Gaithersburg MD, close to DC. I own an M20C N9341V. Because of my work I spend some times abroad. So I took my Mooney to Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador. I hope to be back in DC soon and join you guys for some flight inns. In the meantime you can watch my flights on my YouTube channel. This is a great side!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[dominikos]

new M20J owner, cross-linking to a post in another thread, https://mooneyspace.com/topic/36267-new-mooney-pilot-m20j-at-9x1/

[201Steve]

Steve
 

77J

Current town: St Simons Island GA
Hometown: metro Atlanta GA 
Interests: Long walks on the beach, badminton, and avid collector of pogs.

just kidding (anyone remember pogs?)

You can typically find me meandering around the airport any day of the week. If not there, maybe I’m going slow in my JEEP CJ.  
 

I run a trucking company and specialize in multi axle heavy haul, oversized and overweight. I also run flatbeds and a little bit of Van freight. If your line of work could use help with this service, please let me know. 

The airplane is the best investment I’ve ever made into the company bc it keeps me working hard to keep and maintain it. Pure motivation.
 

 

[Miami_Mooniac]

Hello Everyone

My name is Michael David based in Miami as an A&P Technician on wide-bodies(mainly B767) at Miami International Airport(MIA). I currently fly at KTMB as a student pilot and am waiting on my medical for my solo flights. Have always wanted to own my own aircraft as my grandfather was a DC-3 pilot for LAN back in the days.

As I'm almost there with my PPL, I'm hoping to get my hands on the the most economical,decent useful load, fastest small plane there is(without getting into experimentals..)

So far my research shows me a M20C Ranger(hopefully65-67) is my best bet! Had one in Tenneessee that almost worked out,but seems like the owner choose otherwise.

Maybe I should post elsewhere for my question but.. am I crazy to want to own and fly a complex retract coming out of PPL training with no retract time?

 

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard AvT.

You have come to the right place...

With the right goal...

And... found the right thread to post your introduction...

Like you... I bought a 1965 M20C... 20+ years ago...

Get a good one...

Best regards,

-a-

[CFM56]

Just looking to get back into general aviation.   I don't own a machine right now, but at one point in my life I had a share in a Beech Travel Air.  Just starting the rust-be-gone process.  Lapsed CFI, but sons are asking if I could teach them to fly.  Starting the search for an airplane that will get me, my bride (also a pilot, though at least she is active), and perhaps a pax from Puget Sound to northern Idaho without too many headaches.

[Hank]

1 hour ago, avtech72 said:

.... am I crazy to want to own and fly a complex retract coming out of PPL training with no retract time?

Hey, Michael. Welcome, and happy hunting! 

This is exactly what I did! And others here, too. I had 62 hours, all in two 172s, when I bought my (electric)  M20-C.

Be aware:  1st year insurance will be painful! The solution is to fly at least 100 hours the first year. That cut my premium in half. Added Instrument rating for another third off.

Sadly, insurance rates are increasing rather steeply the last two years. My own has increased almost 50% . . . .

But you'll find that a good C is a great airplane, strong, fast and economical. I can make the same trip as friends in 172s, in a third less time and using 10% less fuel. And sometimes I can skip their fuel stop, greatly increasing my time and fuel savings. 

[Miami_Mooniac]

8 minutes ago, Hank said:

Hey, Michael. Welcome, and happy hunting! 

This is exactly what I did! And others here, too. I had 62 hours, all in two 172s, when I bought my (electric)  M20-C

 

Thank you for the confidence Hank! I really appreciate the following Mooney has(kind like the Prius following, I have one too) and appreciate the solid aircraft it is! Just had the insurance lady talk to me as if I was crazy to get into one so soon, but I had a feeling I couldnt be so out of my head! 

13 minutes ago, Hank said:

 

But you'll find that a good C is a great airplane, strong, fast and economical. I can make the same trip as friends in 172s, in a third less time and using 10% less fuel. And sometimes I can skip their fuel stop, greatly increasing my time and fuel savings. 

 

Exactly why I'm on the boat! and determined to find my beauty! 172's are going for similar and insane prices, but slower and with similar or more fuel(as you have confirmed) So thanks again, and hope to update my photo with my own M20C soon enough!

[carusoam]

Mike,

For an insurance guy that can be helpful to you...

MS has an insurance guy...  Talk to Parker...  @Parker_Woodruff

Parker has been around here since the beginning...

Can bring you up to speed with all things related to GA insurance...

A simple discussion can be very educational...

Experience, time in type, recent training, and the IR...  all can be very helpful to minimize your insurance cost...

PP thoughts only, not an insurance guru...
 

Best regards,

-a-

[CAV Ice]

Wow... this thread has been around for a while. Can't believe I missed it.

Anyway... I'm Jason, Operations Manager/Repair Station Manager/Technical Support for CAV Ice Protection (manufacturer of your beloved TKS systems).

6 years in the Army turning wrenches on Blackhawks, 6 years GA mechanic (mostly on PC-12's) A&P/IA, other odd jobs in between.

PPL and working on my IR in a Columbia 400.  Bad news is I have to pay for the fuel during training in the gas hog (40 GPH on takeoff... learning to lean it out real quick)!

Joined Mooney Space because I enjoy reading all the stories and posts on all things aviation.  

Need any tech support or have any questions on TKS feel free to reach out!  Hope to run into some of you at Oshkosh this year and yes, it will be my first time there... can't wait!!!

[Gearhead51]

Hello Mooniacs. My name is Don. This is my 37th day... sorry. Wrong group. I've been lurking for MONTHS.

I grew up with my dad getting his PPL in a Cessna 150. I read every book he had when he was finished, and I always wanted to fly. During the lockdown, I did a little evaluating and purchased a place in an airpark outside of Saint Louis. Now I have a 40x43 hangar on my lot that only has cars and trucks in it. I'm now working on my ppl in a 172. My neighbor is my instructor.  I understand that I'm doing things in the reverse, but I DO get to watch airplanes take off from my office window. So, even though I don't have a plane there is a benefit.

My work has me covering from North Dakota to Kentucky, and we STILL aren't allowed to fly commercial, so my mission is to cover that area for work and throw in a few vacations, etc.  It's just me, the misses, and a 7 year old son. I'm thinking 60% solo, 20% 2 pax (if available), and 20% 1 pax.  I THINK a Mooney will fit my mission.

My instructor has partnerships in a Bo and a RV6 amongst other things. He keeps recommending the Vans for cost of ownership. I'm not ready to plop down $200k for a RV10, so a RV7 would be what I'd get if not a Mooney. The 7 year old can't go with us in the Vans. Another neighbor has a Commanche and he recommends that. I just keep looking at that fuel burn in the Bonanza and Commanche. In that regard the Mooney compares somewhat favorably to the RV.  I'm not a big guy and drive sports cars, so the small cabin doesn't scare me.  I'm just torn on getting a $70k Mooney F with 4 seats vs a $110k Vans RV7 with 2 seats. It seems I can do a few upgrades or buy lots of fuel for $30k. I've been an auto technician and in the auto industry all my life. If I have a A&P in the neighborhood that'll check my work, how much more expensive is it to own certified over experimental? The Mooney (even a J) clearly has an advantage over the RV10 when you have $100k left over.

... aaand the RV8 across the street just fired up and is taxiing down the street. 

BTW, I've never been in a Mooney. If anybody is in the STL area and wants to take me up, I'll buy the cheeseburgers.

 

Edited April 30, 2021 by Gearhead51

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard Don and Jason!

Nice to have you here...

We have had discussions with Jason, just didn’t know who we were speaking with yet...

Being an auto mechanic is a great background for being a Mooney pilot... we have quite a few automotive/truck mechanics around here...

Having mechanical skills is really helpful... having a relationship with an A&P... can be extra helpful.

Best regards,

-a-

[503Guy]

hey all. new member, wanted to introduce myself here.

name is troy, 28 at the end of next week, and live in the PNW. i call portland home, but travel for work. currently i am stationed on a project in boise, id (commercial construction).

started my pilot certificate studying in march, passed the written and started flying in april, studying up for my checkride which is coming up here in a week or two (~50hrs). i fly with ponderosa aero club, great club where the main focus is getting people flying. we have 10 aircraft, pipers cessnas and one citabria. we fly out of KBOI.

i've been lurking the forums for some time. once i get the PPL behind me, and get some more hours under my belt, i plan on working towards an instrument rating. 

thanks for having me - seems like a great community of people! if anyone in the boise/portland need someone to fly right seat or need a hand with something in the hangar, drop a line! trying to soak up as much aviation knowledge as i can. cheers.

[jaylw314]

1 hour ago, 503Guy said:

hey all. new member, wanted to introduce myself here.

name is troy, 28 at the end of next week, and live in the PNW. i call portland home, but travel for work. currently i am stationed on a project in boise, id (commercial construction).

started my pilot certificate studying in march, passed the written and started flying in april, studying up for my checkride which is coming up here in a week or two (~50hrs). i fly with ponderosa aero club, great club where the main focus is getting people flying. we have 10 aircraft, pipers cessnas and one citabria. we fly out of KBOI.

i've been lurking the forums for some time. once i get the PPL behind me, and get some more hours under my belt, i plan on working towards an instrument rating. 

thanks for having me - seems like a great community of people! if anyone in the boise/portland need someone to fly right seat or need a hand with something in the hangar, drop a line! trying to soak up as much aviation knowledge as i can. cheers.

I'm down in the Corvallis area if your ever that way and want to poke around a Mooney.  FWIW, I purchased the Mooney to do my IFR training in, it's a great platform for learning!

[M20F-1968]

On 4/13/2016 at 9:29 PM, BradB said:

Hi John,

 

I will be coming to Boston frequently from KERI (Erie, PA).   I have been using KBED, near my daughter's home.  Where are you based in Boston? Which hospital are you working in?

 

brad. 

Brad,

Was looking through this old thread and saw your reply to my post.  I am still in Boston, trying to be mostly retired.  Have worked 120 hour weeks day and night for a long time.  It is time to take a sane approach to life.  Are you still coming to Boston?  PM me or reply here.

John Breda

[503Guy]

On 9/11/2021 at 3:43 PM, jaylw314 said:

I'm down in the Corvallis area if your ever that way and want to poke around a Mooney.  FWIW, I purchased the Mooney to do my IFR training in, it's a great platform for learning!

hell yeah jay, may have to take you up on that! thank you for the offer.

-troy

[ScottyP]

Hello everyone, 

 

My name is Scott, I’m a 52-year-old rusty pilot who got his PPL back in 1988 at 19 yrs. old At Northwestern Michigan College.  I now live in Arizona working in law enforcement for the past 20 yrs. After reading your wealth of knowledge and amazing videos on the web you have pushed me over the edge to buy a Mooney (My first ever plane) when I retire in the next few years, or sooner being law enforcement these days. LOL 

I have about 150 hours, was so close to getting current before Covid hit. But my instructor called and said let's get back at it. So, my plan is to build time and experience. Work towards my complex and instrument rating before I find my Mooney. My mission is a plane to Fly AZ to MI a few times a year, and the 100-dollar hamburger.  

So, any advice is greatly appreciated, and looking forward to being part of the Mooney family down the road.  

 

Thanks guys and gals 

 

ScottyP 

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard Scotty!

We have a few LEOs around here…

Advice… time your ownership to start about the time you finish your PPL…

Training for the IR goes extra well with doing it in your own plane…

PP thoughts only, not a CFII…

Best regards,

-a-