N2652W will have a new home!

[hammdo]

Ha, I was sure tempted. Think Dr Johnson would mind? ;o) 

It is a beautiful plane, just amazing... 

The V-tail is also a beautiful plane... One of my favorites... 

-Don 

[hammdo]

Took her out today - beautiful day here in North Texas... 79°! Plane flew fantastically! Air was smooth, low winds, was able to do full stop/taxi backs, just wonderful.

When I flew last Friday, had com issues. That turned out to be my old headsets! These new Bose A20s are fantastic. Those headsets are clear, quiet, and the tower said radios were very clear... Whew, no radio issues ;o) 

Getting my speeds down, reviewing Don Kaye's videos and cheat sheets... Very fun and I was finally getting stable approaches... 

Great little plane. Going to update the Garmin db and just fly it until the G5 gets installed.. 

Finally flying solo... Exercising the license/medical I worked for ;o) 

-Don 

[hammdo]

This is what happens when you stick your head out the little pilots window and start smiling while flying the mooney:

 

[hammdo]

Got my free update to the databases done today -- need to find out why Jeppesen is $200 more a year for the nav db subscriptions.

I also noticed Jepp has an all in 1 subscription that includes charts for foreflight also -- about the same as the 'full' subscription from Garmin with no charts.  If anyone knows of a 'comparison' between the two, please let me know.

Will update on Sunday to make sure she goes in -- getting a couple of extra 32 GB SD cards so I can do the db changes.

Also gonna test the 'Connext' and transfer a flight plan from ForeFlight -- see how that goes...

Learning alot about this neat GPS -- waiting for G5/DG/HSI install in Feb... 

 

[hammdo]

Went out today and did my Garmin update - that was easy! I took advantage of the free update - one bit of advice, download to the SD card on a high-speed network. Skip the connext transfer from the laptop to the unit - having it preloaded on the SD card is the way to go. 

When I installed the SD card and fired up the GNC 355, it loaded b4 I could even get my Carmera ready! Short and sweet! Setting up the Bluetooth for ForeFlight flight plan transfers was just as easy. Nice to see how improved this process is now. 

Figured I get a shot of the panel - with the CO2 unit in place. 

Two items I have planned are the G5 in February and an updated PMA7000M-BT so I can add BT the easy way... 

Damn, another money pit ;o) 

-Don 

[hammdo]

C vs B panel. Pretty big improvement...

 

 

[hammdo]

Took her out to get fuel at the nearby airport KSWI (Sherman). Save over a buck a gallon!

On the way back, had comm 2 issues and transponder when landing at KGYI. Stopped by the avionics shop to have them check it out. Comm was an easy fix - mic gain was set too low. Transponder - was a bad board - needs repair. Sending out to Garmin — $400-$500 so not too bad. Found out it’s pretty common.

Got a loaner for now while I wait the two weeks for Garmin to get this one fixed...

Gonna test again on Wednesday...

-Don

 

[hammdo]

An interesting observation about my fuel gauges. I created tank sticks used the aviation department at Lowe’s. I cited the fuel in the tank - both below 1/2 (9.5 in left, 12 in right). Gauges showed both over 1/2 - closer to 3/4 tank in each.

I know the good Ceis are digital and would provide more accurate readings but, seems time is gonna be the most accurate way for the time being. When I filed it to the top, 28.5 gallons is what it took. So the sticks are a bit conservative (as the tanks hold 52). 
 

Need to keep track on fuel usage but just tooling around and pattern work (about 3.5 hrs), right around 9 gallons an hr.

-Don

[Sabremech]

20 hours ago, hammdo said:

An interesting observation about my fuel gauges. I created tank sticks used the aviation department at Lowe’s. I cited the fuel in the tank - both below 1/2 (9.5 in left, 12 in right). Gauges showed both over 1/2 - closer to 3/4 tank in each.

I know the good Ceis are digital and would provide more accurate readings but, seems time is gonna be the most accurate way for the time being. When I filed it to the top, 28.5 gallons is what it took. So the sticks are a bit conservative (as the tanks hold 52). 
 

Need to keep track on fuel usage but just tooling around and pattern work (about 3.5 hrs), right around 9 gallons an hr.

-Don

Those fuel gauges are pretty accurate as you close in on 1/4 tank and less. 
David

[hammdo]

Ah, good to know! 
 

Thanks David!

-Don

[hammdo]

Another great day to fly! Flew her ~2 hrs today. Man, she is a slick plane! I have to work at slowing her down. I feel like a soloing student Pilot again. Flown her over 7 hrs since I got her on 12/4. 

The loaner transponder confirmed my old unit was defective. Worked flawlessly. Radio issue was the Mic gain in the GNC 355. ATC could hear me fine now. Mic gain was -12 and that was the problem. Avionics shop set it over 0 (anything 0 or more should fix it on the 355).

Fun flights, landings improving, lot for me to get used to flying a complex (checklist, checklist, checklists ;o)

More good days ahead before Xmas. Hope to fly a couple more times over the next week. 
 

Didn’t realize how much I missed flying...

-Don

[hammdo]

Another great day to fly, this time a direct cross-wind day (12-15 knots)! I’m taking @donkaye’s advice while flying in the pattern . His guide for the ‘C’ works great.

I do however land, full stop, then taxi back. This gives me time to settle down, review after landing ck list and, before take-off ck list. More work taxing back, working the ‘dive away/climb into’ wind corrections on the ground.

If you see where KGYI is located, you’d know why. Great airport and outside DFW Bravo. I fly enough in the bravo that this becomes a nice break from all the traffic.

I’m more relaxed that way and I’d rather do 5 good stable landings than 10 t-n-g where I may rush.

Radios working fantastic, loaner transponder chugging away, plane is flying great. I like the pattern work this way so I get the extra work with the ck lists.

Gonna sneak out hopefully before Xmas..weather looks good!

-Don

[gsxrpilot]

15 hours ago, hammdo said:

If you see where KGYI is located, you’d know why. Great airport and outside DFW Bravo. I fly enough in the bravo that this becomes a nice break from all the traffic.

I learned to fly in that part of the country. I spent more time at DTO and 5TX0 but went into GYI many times along with many stops at SWI for cheap fuel. I'll have to check the log book, but I think my very first landing in a Mooney was at SWI.

I'm glad you're enjoying the Mooney. Looking forward to the trip reports as you discover that the whole state of Texas isn't big enough for a good Mooney.

[hammdo]

SWI is still cheap, I do cross country trips to Bridgeport (XBP) - almost the same fuel price - just for the practice with center and regional.

DTO was still a small non-towered airport when I started taking lessons in the 90s. Man, it’s crazy now! 

I have a CC planned to LBX (Texas Gulf Coast Regional) once I get a few hrs flying her under my belt. G5 hopefully in Feb, then restart the IFR up again...

Its fun again and the plane is really fun to fly...

-Don

 

[hammdo]

Well, the Temps were great today (near 70°!) but, it was a 3 strike day. 

Wind started out ok early so figured I'd go fly. 

Got to the airport and wind was 280° 18 gusting to 28! Forecast was from 310. 

Strike one. 

Wind began changing directions at a whim, 260-320 not good. If I were to fly and had to go elsewhere, would the family get me? 

Strike two. 

Drive down just to ck on the plane (it was outside waiting) and what do I see? Plane off the runway! Runway closed. 

Strike three - of course if I saw that first, my day would surely be done. 

Talked to the pilot. Nice older gentleman. Basically said he looked down after landing for a second (commuter plane) and off she went - buried deep in the mud. EM services were there but, he said they had to call the the 'Lift service' to get her out

I just keep hearing my CFIs - 'You never stop flying - even on the ground - until the plane is tied down or hangered. 

Felt real bad for him as he had passangers waiting too.. 

Some days it is better to wish you were flying ;o) Today's that day... 

-Don 

[hammdo]

Went up today, windy but not too bad - 18 gusting to 22 @ 210°. Tried reduced Flaps for landing... She didn't like that as much - wants to drop in. So, full Flaps unless the cross wind is crazy. 

Installed the xmas presents - glare screen for the GNC and the control holder for the Bose - like both. 

First takeoff of the day and cut myself and broke the thumb nail good on the buckle when raising the gear. I know how to avoid that but damn... Still, so much fun... Worked in the pattern with full/stop taxi backs - I prefer those to touch and goes. 

Hope everyone had a great Xmas...

-Don 

[Sabremech]

Ouch! I’ve been bit by that buckle before, but not that bad! 

[carusoam]

When raising the gear?

Mine was the biter when lowering....

Find the threads regarding seat belt alternatives... like push button activated...

Heal quickly!

Best regards,

-a-

[hammdo]

Raising the gear right after take off. Didn't even feel it. Right after I reached for the throttle did I see it. Just clenched my fist for a bit to stop the bleeding... 

Not a good enough reason to stop flying ;o)... 

-Don 

[hammdo]

Looks like my G5 HSI is shipping today from Chief! I have to wait until February but, at least I’ll have it!

The only items I really want are the PMA7000M-BT and...

TruTrak — I know GFC500 but, David already wired up for the TT...

That will pretty much do it for a bit, then maybe a G5 AI and electric step vs vacuum.. later ;o)

-Don

[hammdo]

Beautiful day today to fly here! 67° with typical wind ;o)

Working on my 10 hrs solo - only have .7 to go! Flown her 11.4 hrs in the last month!

I had to add some permatex #3 on 2 screws I saw leaking fuel - ever so slowly. Got the left tank down enough to do the 2 screws. Letting it sit a while and gonna get some rubbing compound to buff out the stain.

Once the 10 hrs are up, planning a longer cross country trip.

Hope to keep flying as much as possible! All my medical tests going on this month — gotta keep that going for the FAA - EVERY year - but at least I’m flying...

-Don

 

[hammdo]

Here is the lower left panel that was leaking around the screws. I didn’t get one from today that shows the blue stain. I’ll get that before I rub it out. The 2 that are leaking are pretty obvious when you clean and fly it.

-Don

 

[Flybeech21]

On 8/17/2020 at 1:03 AM, Fred as in Flintstone said:

Do you have any advice for someone buying their first M20E or M20C based on your first experience and your most recent one? 

Everyone has weighed in accurately on this one.

I will say this:  

Be very very cautious of A&P engine overhauls.  Stick with factory or well known/reputable engine shop overhauls with warranties.  

My M20E has a 160 TSMOH engine that has been completely disassembled and reassembled twice to find issues with the initial incompetence of the A&P overhauler.

there are some super capable A&Ps out there that could do as good a job as an engine shop.  However, you should interview, get references, do google searches, and know the blood type of their first born in you decide to go with a field overhaul from an A&P.

I will say the M20E is a surprisingly peppy.  The 20 extra horsepower on the short body airframe equals full right rudder on takeoff.  And, don't even think about lifting off really early in ground effect with a big right crosswind.  I noticed the same issue with my 2652W but it is a bigger deal in the E.

E vs. C.  2652W was a great machine.  I loved it and would love to still have her.  I am glad Dave got it.  He is a great guy that has improved that airplane beyond belief.  I knew this was going to be the case when I delivered the airplane to its new home and it was pushed into the hanger beside a pristine F86 saber and every other warbird we have all dreamed of flying.  I mean just damn!  However, I must say that the 200HP stock airframe with just the lazar cowl closure performed exactly the same as 2652W when I had her.  And, short field performance at max gross weight is definitely improved.  52W is improved now for sure.  But, when I sold her, she had just about every speed mod available.  I sure do love being able to take those panel off in front of the factory windscreen.  The engine monitor would have been a nightmare instal without them.

Either way, I still wish I still had 52W.  What a great airplane she is.

 

[hammdo]

I agree whole heartily ;o) 52W is a hellova plane...

-Don

[hammdo]

GTX 327 Transponder is back from Garmin! - I need to have it recertified again for IFR. Working with Grayson to do that and have it installed when I’m out there. One of those unexpected repairs but, at least I know it’s good to go. I’ll let everyone know what it cost from Garmin - think it was around ~$700 just for Garmin’s side.

I’ll need to do a maintenance flight and have Center verify for me. That should get my solo hrs done and while I’m out, do a fill up to confirm leak is fixed...

-Don