N2652W will have a new home!

[Sabremech]

On 10/13/2022 at 7:16 PM, hammdo said:

Another 'good' Blackstone report! She's doing great, trends are wonderful. I just did a checkout after the cross country - she's humming along!

I'm  going to get a flow meter installed as I'd like to see how things are in near real-time.

A few squawks (small oil leak, fuel tanks to be touched up). My next upgrade will be an auto-pilot but, I'm seriously considering the GFC500 now. Have to plan that hopefully in the next year.

Really enjoying this plane...

-Don

 

Hi Don,

before you choose the GFC-500 auto pilot, check with other Mooney owners who’ve installed it. There’s a problem with pitch that Garmin has not addressed and seems to be avoiding. Don’t spend the money until they certify a fix which appears to be the gain setting. 
David

[carusoam]

8 minutes ago, Sabremech said:

Hi Don,

before you choose the GFC-500 auto pilot, check with other Mooney owners who’ve installed it. There’s a problem with pitch that Garmin has not addressed and seems to be avoiding. Don’t spend the money until they certify a fix which appears to be the gain setting. 
David

Gain setting seems to be maxed out for the smallish servo they are using…

Based on details posted around here, not actual first hand knowledge….  
 

David,

We we’re discussing non-dog house cooling for older Mooneys… any updates on the SaberMech cowl?

Best regards,

-a-

[hammdo]

46 minutes ago, Sabremech said:

Hi Don,

before you choose the GFC-500 auto pilot, check with other Mooney owners who’ve installed it. There’s a problem with pitch that Garmin has not addressed and seems to be avoiding. Don’t spend the money until they certify a fix which appears to be the gain setting. 
David

Yikes! I guess aero cruz is still an option - I was looking for IFR capabilities... I'll wait then.

looks like fuel flow and some fuel tank work first then...

Thanks David!

[EricJ]

13 hours ago, carusoam said:

Gain setting seems to be maxed out for the smallish servo they are using…

Based on details posted around here, not actual first hand knowledge….  
 

David,

We we’re discussing non-dog house cooling for older Mooneys… any updates on the SaberMech cowl?

Best regards,

-a-

There are parameters in the control loop that are also called "gain settings" that affect the closed-loop characteristics of the feedback system that makes up an axis of the autopilot.   They affect the bandwidth of the loop, the resonance, and how "peaky" the response is, which usually manifests in oscillation.   Damping the "peakiness" to reduce oscillation can also make the loop slower to respond, so there are tradeoffs.   I suspect whatever loop characteristics (aka, gain settings) the system is certified with are frozen at certification (which I think they should be), so although the experimental guys can tweak them all they want it's probably not trivial to fix it on a certificated system since it would change the behavior characteristics of the system.
 

[hammdo]

Contacted JD @ Southwest Texas Aviation about getting a new windshield for my Mooney.  We're working out the details -- he has another Mooney owner that wants one so we may tag team on that.  We discussed the fiberglass 'strip' and some ideas on working with that.  I'm sure the lead time will be a bit but, now is probably a good time to get it ordered and scheduled.

I also gave him David's @Sabremech info since JD doesn't have time to do a PMA.  Maybe they can work out something with the STC's.

Anyway, hoping to get that updated.

Ordered the fuel flow kit from Insight so hope to get that done real soon.  Have already paid for the update to the LHS -- just looking for a good time to pull it out and have it done before annual (December).

Little things that I think will improve the plane overall.

Tanks will come some time next year (probably go with Maxwell to do a patch).  Going to wait on AP until things get sorted out.  

-Don

[hammdo]

Finally got to fly in the soup solo! Waited for ceilings to get to 800 ft and filed a IFR flight plan to practice approaches. First takeoff into the clouds took a minute to get use to but, settled in and got it done. Did 2 RNAV approaches at HQZ - broke out @ 1300 MSL (800 AGL). Finally. Hoping for more tomorrow. Glad to get that done.

Plane is very capable and can't wait for the updated LHS - and auto pilot when supplies finally settle down.

Fun day IFR...

-Don

[hammdo]

Another great day of IFR flying!  I went up with my CFII and flew to KGGG (East Texas) did the RNAV 31, published miss, then came back to KHQZ (Mesquite) to do the RNAV 36.  Working to keep up my IFR skills.  Trip was great -- had actual IMC a good part of the way (there and back).  Controller's were great.  My plan was to fly from HQZ to KGGG, request the RNAV 31, asked to do the published miss, then ask to proceed to my alternate (HQZ).  I put that in the comments so ATC would know what I was planning.  I believe ATC appreciates letting them know what I was planning as they asked me when I got to KGGG if I wanted to do the RNAV 31 and miss -- and what my intentions were.  Worked out great!  I did have a EFC time in the hold to wait 30 minutes but, we negotiated with Longview Departure after 2 circuits in the hold and got direct to HQZ. All in all a great day and I'm thrilled having the IFR rating.

Here are some pics from the trip (one with Sabir -- a King Air CFII instructor and specialist -- great to work with - he loves the efficiency of the Mooney):

 

[Andy95W]

Way to go, Hammdo!

[hammdo]

Fun IFR flight to Galveston!  Weather was IFR once we got out of DFW.  Flight to Houston was not bad -- clouds were bumpy but decent.  Did the RNAV 14 to KGLS -- had clouds after the FAF so another official Approach!  Once we broke out -- it was clear.

After our stop at Tortugas (great Mexican Cantina on Sea Wall Blvd), went back and headed home.  ATC vectored us around the only BIG buildup -- it was right over the main airports (Houston Intercontinental/Bush and Hobby).  It appeared a low set in right over the airport and allowed the very muggy (almost 90°), hot air to really shoot up.  Wife didn't get a picture of that but, she did get the rainbow that was off the right wing. Flying IFR makes trips like this possible -- when weather and ceilings get low enough that VFR would not work.

A really fun trip and the Mooney was really motoring (TAS).  Mooney goes into annual next month and I'm getting the LHS updated and the Fuel Flow for the G2 installed.

BTW, was able to order a windshield form SWTA!  They'll let me know when it comes in and after that, I'll get the plane down there to get it installed.

Windshield is starting to craze so I want that fixed.

Pics of the trip below including the landing and take-off from RWY 14:

 

[carusoam]

Really cool!

Airport, houses, boats… sign me up!   

When you flew to KGGG did you see the DMax family?

Best regards,

-a-

[hammdo]

I visited DMax a while ago. I came there on a Sunday so not this last time.

Galveston is really a cool costal area...

-Don

[Steve0715]

Hey Don, next time you plan a trip to the beach, look at KRAS.  I much prefer Port A to Galveston.

I envy your trip…

[hammdo]

I'll do that! Always looking for new places. Wife likes the restaurant right by KGLS (Tortuga's) so, that's where I went ;o)

-Don

[Steve0715]

There’s a Tortuga’s in Port Aransas! 

[hammdo]

Nice!

-Don

[hammdo]

Flew to KGGG again today for IFR practice.  Plane did great -- flew VFR back to Mesquite as they gave me the Yeagr4 arrival IFR and that takes me too far away from Mesquite.

It was cold this morning (30 degrees) and after filling her up, notice the right tank wheel well had a very small fuel drip. Looks like I'll need to take this to DMax and see if they can do a patch for me.  I'll need to do that after annual next month -- so probably in January or February of 23.  I'm getting to know that route to KGGG pretty good now ;o)

Annual next month include Fuel Flow for the G2 and update for the LHS. IFR cert (Pitot/Static/Encoder/Transponder) is due in January 23.

I also had an issue with the G5 AI failing to restart after I did a master check and then turned it off.  Once I powered it off and then held the power button on the G5 AI, turned the master on and she fired up again.  Did fine after that.  That seems to happen to other periodically.  I have the latest software update so I'll keep and eye on it.

Outside of that, the Mooney just seems to love to fly. These are great planes.

-Don

[hammdo]

Planes doing great -- will go into annual end of December -- LHS, IFR Certs, and Fuel Flow are on the list.  I spoke with Don Maxwell about fuel tank patches and looks like March/April in 2023 -- Don says it needs to be over 60° in order to allow curing -- says it will take about a week.  Still waiting on the Front windshield from SWTA -- I'll get that done after the annual -- once I know its in.

I missed a couple of great IFR days due to work -- just couldn't get out there before the holiday break and too many honey-dos ;o)

Once the Fuel leaks are taken care of next year, I'm hopeful the Auto-Pilot situation becomes clearer.   I favor the AeroCruz but the GFC500 would give me better IFR capabilities -- time will tell.  Plans remain 5-10 hours a month of flying.

-Don

[hammdo]

Took the Mooney to Edge for annual today  - we were expected freezing weather so decided to take it today while we're still near 60°.

I'm having the fuel flow added to the G2, sent back the LHS for upgrade (boy was that weird not hearing the callouts), then IFR certs.

I flew IFR to keep practice and the computer does spit out weird SIDs but I figured I could negotiate with ATC/Center. Its a fairly short flight but I didn't prepare as well as I should have.  I did the SID prep and all but, once I got in the air and was on the SID -- I did NOT load the approach for commerce yet (2F7).  That put me behind a bit but I eventually caught up.  It was bumpy and once FTW Center and I worked out the RNAV 18 IAF, I punched it it -- except the approach was set to vectors vs IAF -- so of course I fat fingered the FAF into the GPS instead.  I should have confirmed the IAF but, the IAF and FAF both started with 'O' -- yep expectation bias.  Center notice I was off about 10° and after checking the GPS, sure enough, had to reload the RNAV 18 and choose the 'correct' IAF -- after that -- all good -- lesson re-learned -- VALIDATE you're waypoints!

Anyway, she flew great, landing was just fine (sight picture is really burned in thanks to the LHS).  I should get her back in January with annual and IFR certs done.  Looking forward to FF and the updated LHS hooked up to the GEAR warning!

-Don

[rbp]

On 12/18/2022 at 5:23 PM, hammdo said:

RNAV 18 IAF, I punched it it -- except the approach was set to vectors vs IAF -- so of course I fat fingered the FAF into the GPS instead.  I should have confirmed the IAF but, the IAF and FAF both started with 'O' -- yep expectation bias.  Center notice I was off about 10° and after checking the GPS, sure enough, had to reload the RNAV 18 and choose the 'correct' IAF -- after that -- all good -- lesson re-learned -- VALIDATE you're waypoints!

there have been a few discussions on here about activating VTF. On some GPSs (older 530/430s, I'm lookin at you), activating VTF will remove all waypoints before the FAF. personally, I will no longer punch in VTF for exactly the reason you encountered.

[hammdo]

Yep, it was the default selection and I didn’t verify it. I’m going to from now on…

Just makes sense to pick an IAF and just activate a leg when needed if vectored…

-Don

[Ragsf15e]

1 hour ago, hammdo said:

Yep, it was the default selection and I didn’t verify it. I’m going to from now on…

Just makes sense to pick an IAF and just activate a leg when needed if vectored…

-Don

Yes, if you load an IAF, you still have the option to activate as vectors to final or go to the iaf.  If you load vtf, that’s your only option to activate.

[hammdo]

Annual update, going well (knock on wood). The AP said whatever I’m doing keep doing it!

Plugs, compression, bore scope looks great. Said my leaning technique is working well as no lead/carbon build up at all (yea!). Fuel flow is going great and hoses were ordered. Had to replace a wheel bearing and dust caps but outside of that good so far. I’m taking the LHS out Monday.  Can’t wait to fly her with the upgrades and certifications done.

-Don

[hammdo]

Annual is done! IFR certs, LHS with GPS and gear switch wired up, fuel flow for G2 with all new Teflon lifetime hoses, and finally the six pack Mitchell gauges have lights! I’ll be getting her on Monday and will test things out before heading to Mesquite. I’ll get some pics and vids if I can.

Mitchell lights (finally ;o):

 

[hammdo]

She's back after Annual!  Everything looks great according to the AP and IA -- new fuel flow and hoses done -- did an after maintenance flight before heading out -- she flys great. Its REALLY amazing what a 3 week layoff does -- took me a 'minute' to get back into the swing of things.  I did remove the side panels and double checked everything.  The G2 needed to be rest after I got back as the fuel flow and # of cylinders were for a 6 banger - not 4.  I'll have to do a normal Insight '1st flight' auto EGT flight to get things back in order and retest the fuel flow.  The default was showing a per cylinder flow and when I looked at the setup, it was set for 'injected' and not carb so I’m not sure if I should see a flow per cylinder (I'm verifying with the Insight/docs).

Next, I'll do a night flight to check things out - it will be nice to have my Mitchell gauges lighting up.

LHS so far is working great - need to still test the gear message but the 200 ft callouts are nice. GPS is not setup yet - have to wait for a firmware update to the LHS.

Pics of the FF and new Teflon fuel hoses:

 

[hammdo]

Confirmed with Insight fuel flow per cylinder is active for carbs too! Next flight I’ll give it a go!

-Don