New owner looking for recommendations...

[Papa K]

I'm new here with my first plane, a 32 year dream come true and coming off 17 year layoff due to medical.  Medically cleared, refresher training complete and new to me plane in the hangar.

I am looking for basic recommendations:

Windshield cleaner / shop towels - best brands or material

M20J towbar - did not come with one

Fuel Tester - did not come with one

Stratus vs Sentry to connect to iPad Forelight (I have Foreflight already)

Basic packing list of things to keep in the plane (tools, oil, etc)

Best way to do control wheel locks (I do have a hangar)

Anything else??

 

Thanks in advance..

[toto]

For the windshield, I just use the blue Wash/Wax all with a clean microfiber cloth. Works great and safe on plastic. 

Spruce sells tow bars and fuel testers. But I’ll bet @Alan Fox has a bunch of tow bars lying around from Mooneys that have been parted out. You might ping him. 

For the control lock.. if it’s in the hangar, I would never lock the controls. But if it’s parked outside and there is any chance of serious wind, I just hook the seatbelt around the yoke. 

[toto]

Oh.. and for stuff to keep in the plane.. I have a quart of oil, a little thing of CamGuard, and a tiny funnel. The tiny funnel is easy to forget, but adding a quart of oil is super messy without it.

I also have several small screwdrivers, for the inevitable screw that falls out of the interior - scaring the crap out of me when I’m flying along and it falls right in front of my face

[Tommooney]

Congrats on your new Mooney!

I've had a C model and now an R model: The Ovation tow bar from factory unfolds and holds a standard fuel sampler in one end so you can reach it under wing without crawling under. Especially nice for us mature pilots. I don't know if it would fit a J and older or not. My neighbor has a C model I can try and I can take a picture next time im at hanger if your interested. Someone else on here probably already knows? If it fits all Mooney nosewheels, I would suggest trying to find a new or used one.

I use Stratus / ipad/ foreflight / RAM mounted from under the yoke. I like it but never tried a Sentry. I also have an iphone / foreflight holder where the handheld mike originally hangs.

Wheel locks: If I am tied down outside on a trip I just put seat belts over yoke but very very careful of PTT and other buttons on yoke because when one button got knocked off accidentally, I tried super gluing back on and glued button down and had to call in Avionics shop $$ to fix my screw up. When plane is normally in hanger no locks but I leave all three doors cracked open with a towel over to keep dust out, to try to keep door seals working, with lubricant on seals also. I like the Knots-2-U door seal.

Someone posted a pretty complete cleaner / tool list somewhere on here a month or three ago if you search.

Good luck.

Tom

[GeeBee]

A while back, I picked up some water from a stop in KAMG. What I found is, you can drain a lot of fuel before you get some water on a Mooney. I went through about 4 of those little cups before I found water.  Those little cups don't cut it. I bought a GATS jar, and I bought the big one. I drain a minimum of 8 oz now. When you drain a lot of fuel, you create a current in the tank that pulls contaminants to the drain. The Gats jar has the added benefit that you can detect JetA contamination in the screen. I bought a little "garden pad" from Lowes I use to kneel on while I drain. Works great.

Sidewinder tow bar. Best 1600 dollars I ever spent. You can take it with you too.

Lots of good window cleaners. I use either "Klear To Sea" or Plexus. The KTS is Boeing approved product.

Towels for windshield. You can't beat those yellow microfiber towels from Costco. I don't risk getting contaminants in the laundry, I toss them when they get dirty. They are cheap enough. 

[201Steve]

From your other post referring to the special issuance of your third class medical, you likely will never have to deal with the special issuance ever again by simply letting it lapse and then operating on BasicMed from there on out. Since you’ve been away for awhile, might look into that new-to-you program that came out a few years ago. 

[Papa K]

4 hours ago, toto said:

For the windshield, I just use the blue Wash/Wax all with a clean microfiber cloth. Works great and safe on plastic. 

Spruce sells tow bars and fuel testers. But I’ll bet @Alan Fox has a bunch of tow bars lying around from Mooneys that have been parted out. You might ping him. 

For the control lock.. if it’s in the hangar, I would never lock the controls. But if it’s parked outside and there is any chance of serious wind, I just hook the seatbelt around the yoke. 

Obviously a noob question, but on Aircraft Spruce the Mooney tow bars are L-shaped. Is that correct?  I just want to be sure before I buy.  I am at a small airport with only 15 planes and most are high wings / tail draggers

[Papa K]

2 hours ago, 201Steve said:

From your other post referring to the special issuance of your third class medical, you likely will never have to deal with the special issuance ever again by simply letting it lapse and then operating on BasicMed from there on out. Since you’ve been away for awhile, might look into that new-to-you program that came out a few years ago. 

Thanks for the special issuance tip.  My CFI advised asking for a letter of instruction to take to the FSDO for a one time check flight and getting a permanent exemptions from the special issuance.  He took a 60+ year old student who only had one eye and got it approved. 

In my left eye, I developed central serous in 2006.  I left my medical lapse - I was about 3 months shy of being able to qualify for Basic Med.  My vision is now corrected to 25/20 but, being an honest guy, I reported central serous on my most recent medical exam.

I should probably call OKC and ask some questions.

[EricJ]

5 hours ago, Papa K said:

I'm new here with my first plane, a 32 year dream come true and coming off 17 year layoff due to medical.  Medically cleared, refresher training complete and new to me plane in the hangar.

I am looking for basic recommendations:

Windshield cleaner / shop towels - best brands or material

Water and microfiber cloths.   I use the cheap cloths from Harbor Freight.

5 hours ago, Papa K said:

M20J towbar - did not come with one

Fuel Tester - did not come with one

Stratus vs Sentry to connect to iPad Forelight (I have Foreflight already)

Many of us use a Stratux, which is a home-brew/kit/DIY version that is cheaper and arguably better featured.

5 hours ago, Papa K said:

Basic packing list of things to keep in the plane (tools, oil, etc)

I think the main thing while travelling is a few quarts of whatever oil you use.   If you're handy then a few tools to do basic things like removing the cowl, fix a wire, change a plug, etc.   I keep a spare used spark plug just in case, and have only ever needed it to fix a friend's Cherokee when we were remote together once. 

5 hours ago, Papa K said:

Best way to do control wheel locks (I do have a hangar)

A bungee cord, or even better a river strap, between the yokes is all many of us use.  On a J model the internal springs will keep the elevator from moving too easily, so just strapping the yokes together keeps the ailerons restrained.

5 hours ago, Papa K said:

Anything else??

Tons, but that's what this site is for.    You'll figure out what's important and useful to you as you go along.

[toto]

14 minutes ago, Papa K said:

Thanks for the special issuance tip.  My CFI advised asking for a letter of instruction to take to the FSDO for a one time check flight and getting a permanent exemptions from the special issuance.  He took a 60+ year old student who only had one eye and got it approved. 

In my left eye, I developed central serous in 2006.  I left my medical lapse - I was about 3 months shy of being able to qualify for Basic Med.  My vision is now corrected to 25/20 but, being an honest guy, I reported central serous on my most recent medical exam.

I should probably call OKC and ask some questions.

Might be worth signing up for AOPA Pilot Protection services. They have medical advisors that may be able to help steer you in the right direction. 

https://pilot-protection-services.aopa.org/

[toto]

24 minutes ago, Papa K said:

Obviously a noob question, but on Aircraft Spruce the Mooney tow bars are L-shaped. Is that correct?  I just want to be sure before I buy.  I am at a small airport with only 15 planes and most are high wings / tail draggers

Yep, that’s what my factory tow bar looks like, more or less. The Spruce one looks like it extends a bit longer, which is probably better tbh. 

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/deluxe_towbars2.php

[Yetti]

Goop hand cleaner for cleaning the belly

I have found that Meguiar's Plast-X Clear Plastic Cleaner and Polish works well on old windows.

Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Wax puts a shine on a 40 year old paint job.   To be fair I ran a buffer over it several years ago.

I carry two tubes

2 spark plugs and wrenches to change. 2 stainless brushes.

tywraps.

Stratux for ADSB in

 

[LANCECASPER]

8 hours ago, Papa K said:

 

M20J towbar - did not come with one

Fuel Tester - did not come with one

Best way to do control wheel locks (I do have a hangar)

 

Thanks in advance..

If you want the most well-made towbar this is it: https://redlineaviation.com/ul-hand-tow-bar/

It easily fits in the baggage compartment but expands. It's powder-coated, locks in your nose wheel opening, etc, etc.

I like this fuel tester:

https://flyboyaccessories.com/product/fuel-tester-bracket

I mount the top screw where one of my interior screws is already, just inside the baggage door to the right.

 . . . 

Control locks:

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/atcontrollocks-mooney.php

[GeneralT001]

What about cleaning gas/oil off the paint of the aircraft?

Edited January 16, 2022 by GeneralT001

[ZuluZulu]

10 hours ago, Papa K said:

I'm new here with my first plane, a 32 year dream come true and coming off 17 year layoff due to medical.  Medically cleared, refresher training complete and new to me plane in the hangar.

I am looking for basic recommendations:

Windshield cleaner / shop towels - best brands or material

M20J towbar - did not come with one

Fuel Tester - did not come with one

Stratus vs Sentry to connect to iPad Forelight (I have Foreflight already)

Basic packing list of things to keep in the plane (tools, oil, etc)

Best way to do control wheel locks (I do have a hangar)

Anything else??

 

Thanks in advance..

Windshield cleaner: I use Plexus or Prist.  Any shop towels will work, just make sure they're soft and won't scratch.

M20J towbar: I might be willing to send you mine if I can score one of the Redline ones.  Anyone know if Redline lets you pick it up?  I'm close to SEE...

Fuel tester: I have the original that came with mine.  But I have a GATS jar so I don't need it.  PM me if you'd like to work something out.

Stratus vs. Sentry: I vote Sentry.  Weighs less (stays on your window better), has a CO monitor.  I've owned both, and if I was going to buy one again I'd get a Sentry.

Packing list: Definitely oil.  Oil funnel.  Screwdriver (better to get the set with both Philips and flat-head).  Batteries for headsets.  Flashlights, head lamps.  Air pressure checker.  If you don't have LED lights, replacement bulbs for your nav lights (keep in a padded box).  Sick bags for pax, and a pee-pee solution.  Invest in some airframe screws (Aircraft Spruce sells screw sets) in case you lose some.  I checked the plane's belly in my first couple months and ownership and found three missing!

Control wheel locks: After calling the company directly (referred by Spruce) to help me pick the right one, I got this, and it works great: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/controlsaver13-15505.php?clickkey=4469

Anything else?:  Aircraft cover, if you don't have one already.  Amount of coverage depending on the weather and how long you expect to leave the plane out during trips.  BatteryMinder.  

[Yetti]

10 hours ago, GeneralT001 said:

What about cleaning gas/oil off the paint of the aircraft?

Goop hand cleaner.   can find at homer dan

[Papa K]

14 hours ago, toto said:

Yep, that’s what my factory tow bar looks like, more or less. The Spruce one looks like it extends a bit longer, which is probably better tbh. 

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/deluxe_towbars2.php

That is the one I was thinking of getting with the longer handle

[graham28105]

Congrats Papa K! I just bought the Sentry and used it on a round trip to Key West. I've used both, and the Sentry is the better value. Longer battery life, smaller, stays on window easily and has CO2 detector. Also, a great place to mount it is directly behind passenger. That way you can see status lights and easily turn on and off if needed. Hope you have many hours of fun flying in the near future.

[PeteMc]

12 hours ago, LANCECASPER said:

Control locks:

In the picture it looks like there might be something attached to the console to prevent elevator movement.  If that's true, how does it connect in a Mooney?  (Pic is of a Piper)   I'm not thrilled with the common use of the seat belt through the yoke, but it sure does lock it down.  I can adjust my seat so that I get a neutral elevator.

And @Papa K congratz on the plane!  I'll agree with most of the things all the people have said with a couple of notes.  Everyone has given you a HUGE list if you put it all together.  Give some thought to places you go and what you need to carry.  My list to add to that huge list you'll need to whittle down is:

Paper Funnels:  You can pick up a box at most Auto stores or Amazon, etc.  After you add oil, you just toss the funnel and no mess in the plane.

Oil: 1 qt definitely.  CamGuard: I use it, but if you don't need to carry it in the plane in you're tight space or weight.

Jumper Cables: As careful as you may be, there will be the time you leave the overhead lights on or your battery gets to that point where it needs to be changed, but it's a cold winter day when you find out and you're not at hour home airport.  If you're at a small airport, no one may be around with the cables, but if you have your own you just need to find someone with a car.

Tools:  Some small kit with the things you need to change light, tighten small screws that come loose, etc.  But don't go overboard again for space and weight.  Your car trunk (or hangar if you have one) is a much better place for the majority of  your tools.

 

[toto]

5 minutes ago, PeteMc said:

I'm not thrilled with the common use of the seat belt through the yoke, but it sure does lock it down.

For whatever it's worth, the seatbelt thing is the recommended procedure in my J flight manual.

[kortopates]

I’ve used every tow bar out there and for a non-powered tow bar, the Bogert is by far the best one out there. it’s both light and it’s design guarantees you won’t end up on your ass.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pnpages/13-01810.php?gclid=Cj0KCQiAoY-PBhCNARIsABcz771CAyFq6xjnaO5JucUYMTwk14FG_XHBY_mIHb1MEYEWTxxckem2e-saArQ0EALw_wcB

Personally, I think every Mooney needs a Gats jar in order to get a good sized sample of fuel, especially after your plane has been parked outdoors in the rain on a trip. Those small ounce or two fuel testers are dangerous with our o-ring sealed fuel caps that are so prone to leaking. We all need to be diligent in sumping our tanks given the number of accidents from departing with water in the fuel.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/gatsfueljar.php?clickkey=20309


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[PeteMc]

1 hour ago, toto said:

a. Park the airplane facing the wind.

Checked Spruce again today....   Still can't find a portable lazy-susan so my plane is always "facing the wind" while parked.

[PT20J]

I also have a Redline towbar and really like it. The Redline Sidewinder electric tow is also a great way to get it in and out of the hangar. https://redlineaviation.com/by-aircraft/mooney/

I use a GATS Jar for fuel sampling. I like that I can see contaminants on the screen as I pour the gas back into the tank.  https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/gatsfueljar.php

I like Novus products for the plexiglass. #1 is good for general cleaning and #2 and #3 for polishing out inevitable small scratches. Use with microfiber cloths.  https://www.amazon.com/Novus-7100-Plastic-Polish-Kit/dp/B002UCYRZU. 

I always carry a screwdriver with interchangeable bits, oil, rags, Novus #1, tire pressure gauge, wheel chocks and tie down ropes in a plastic box with a lid that lives in the baggage compartment. 

Skip

 

[Fly Boomer]

@kortopates you said " the Bogert is by far the best one out there. it’s both light and it’s design guarantees you won’t end up on your ass".  Can you elaborate on how it helps prevent the "on your ass" thing?

[GeeBee]

6 hours ago, kortopates said:

I’ve used every tow bar out there and for a non-powered tow bar, the Bogert is by far the best one out there. it’s both light and it’s design guarantees you won’t end up on your ass.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pnpages/13-01810.php?gclid=Cj0KCQiAoY-PBhCNARIsABcz771CAyFq6xjnaO5JucUYMTwk14FG_XHBY_mIHb1MEYEWTxxckem2e-saArQ0EALw_wcB

Personally, I think every Mooney needs a Gats jar in order to get a good sized sample of fuel, especially after your plane has been parked outdoors in the rain on a trip. Those small ounce or two fuel testers are dangerous with our o-ring sealed fuel caps that are so prone to leaking. We all need to be diligent in sumping our tanks given the number of accidents from departing with water in the fuel.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/gatsfueljar.php?clickkey=20309


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Absolutely! The larger jars are required to create a " streaming current" towards the sump drain in the tank as not everything sits right on top of it. The Gats jar can create a good stream towards the drain within the tank. I found that out fortunately without harming myself.