Airplanes with similar capability to F/J models

[knute]

We're not there yet, but when the time comes that I can't get parts for my Mooney, my exit strategy will probably be something like a Vans RV-10.  Great useful load (>1,100 lbs), fast (160+ KTAS), and efficient like a Mooney.  Engine choices are 210HP-260HP, so with the smaller engine, it's pretty much like a J. 

http://vansaircraft.com/public/rv-10per.htm

If I build it myself, I can also legally maintain it.  More than one cabin door would also be a plus as my family grows.

I think it's the nature of most pilots to always be thinking about what their next plane will be, even when they love the one they have!  :-)

[N601RX]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozy_MK_IV

[aviatoreb]

Quote: knute

We're not there yet, but when the time comes that I can't get parts for my Mooney, my exit strategy will probably be something like a Vans RV-10.  Great useful load (>1,100 lbs), fast (160+ KTAS), and efficient like a Mooney.  Engine choices are 210HP-260HP, so with the smaller engine, it's pretty much like a J. 

http://vansaircraft.com/public/rv-10per.htm

If I build it myself, I can also legally maintain it.  More than one cabin door would also be a plus as my family grows.

I think it's the nature of most pilots to always be thinking about what their next plane will be, even when they love the one they have!  :-)

[DaV8or]

Quote: knute

Engine choices are 210HP-260HP, so with the smaller engine, it's pretty much like a J.

[KSMooniac]

The Legacy and 360 lack something important... a back seat!  (They are fine speedsters for 1 or 2 and weekend bags, though)

[richardheitzman]

wing skins are preformed on a jig that forms the leading edge. The skin is streched on the form, under specific pressure, and then released. There is no other way to "form" a mooney leading edge skin. If you tried to use one from another aircraft it would most likely not fit, as each Mooney, we all know, is unique. The skins are sent to the mechanic undrilled so the mechanic can match the skin to the wing.

By the way, aluminum (T-3 or T-6) cannot be "pushed or reformed" to get rid of a dent / ding like a steel. Aluminum compresses and does not release like steel does. Therefore it becomes "work hardened" and if you try and push it out, you will end up fatigue cracking the metal.

I would suggest calling around to every Mooney service center you can locate and see if they have a skin in stock. I know a couple shops keep them on hand for reasons like this one.

Good luck

[aviatoreb]

Quote: richardheitzman

wing skins are preformed on a jig that forms the leading edge. The skin is streched on the form, under specific pressure, and then released. There is no other way to "form" a mooney leading edge skin. If you tried to use one from another aircraft it would most likely not fit, as each Mooney, we all know, is unique. The skins are sent to the mechanic undrilled so the mechanic can match the skin to the wing.

By the way, aluminum (T-3 or T-6) cannot be "pushed or reformed" to get rid of a dent / ding like a steel. Aluminum compresses and does not release like steel does. Therefore it becomes "work hardened" and if you try and push it out, you will end up fatigue cracking the metal.

I would suggest calling around to every Mooney service center you can locate and see if they have a skin in stock. I know a couple shops keep them on hand for reasons like this one.

Good luck

[fantom]

Quote: nosky2high

I'd like to see how the RV10 would do with a smaller 210hp engine as well.

[FBCK]

Richard I was recently at a MSC and pionted out that the top of my cabin over the windshield has two bubbles that are causing the seal to crack.  I aked them what we could do about it and they told me they could press (I cant remeber what the process was called) the aliuam back to its orginal shape.  He told me the windshield, part of the interior, would have to come out and it was a big job, he wasn't tring to sell it at all.

I also have a radar on my plane that I am going to take out and was hoping to replace the plastic leading edge with a metal piece but it doesn't sound to promising.

[DaV8or]

Quote: richardheitzman

wing skins are preformed on a jig that forms the leading edge. ...

[DaV8or]

Quote: KSMooniac

The Legacy and 360 lack something important... a back seat!  (They are fine speedsters for 1 or 2 and weekend bags, though)

[KSMooniac]

Quote: DaV8or

True. They're not for everyone. For me it would be fine though. In about 13 years of flying, I've only carried a second passenger about 5 times and I have never flown with 3 passengers. My ideal plane doesn't exist. It would be a Lancair 360, with a bigger baggage area and baggage door, made of aluminum and have a slower stall speed. I would be willing to sacrifice top speed for lower landing speeds.

[Lood]

Maybe something like this:
http://www.saravin.com/

[Seth]

Quote: Lood

Maybe something like this:

http://www.saravin.com/

[DaV8or]

Quote: Seth

 Isn't that the kit Commanche with the double doors?  Also, I thought one of them crashed due to an engine cooling issue - that may have been a different aircraft - just memory speculation.

 

-Seth

[DaV8or]

Quote: KSMooniac

That sounds like an RV-10 with the rear seats removed!    RV's are wonderful planes and do everything pretty well.  I especially like that they were designed by an engineer, and use standard aircraft construction techniques and materials as opposed to many (or most) other kits out there.  I started building a -6 long ago, but life got in the way and I had some mission creep in my brain, and ended up in my Mooney years later.  I've gone 4-up on trips multiple times, and 2-up with lots of volume of stuff (like camping at OSH) and just can't get by in a 2-place anything.  

My dream kit would be something like an RV-10, but with a more elegant and tapered wing and in an RG taildragger configuration.    My dream kit scenario also involves winning the lottery so I won't have to let work get in the way of construction and flying too.

[Lood]

Quote: Seth

 Isn't that the kit Commanche with the double doors?  Also, I thought one of them crashed due to an engine cooling issue - that may have been a different aircraft - just memory speculation.

 

-Seth

[jetdriven]

it had an LS1 engine in it.  It returned immediately after takeoff with smoke in the cockpit, and overshot the turn to final, stalled, and crashed.    http://www.ntsb.gov/aviationquery/brief.aspx?ev_id=20110505X90031&key=1

[richardheitzman]

I would have to see what you are talking about on the seal / window issue. The only bubbleing I have ever seen aluminum do was when it was suffering from inner granular corrosion and it would "expand" and flake off.

I have seen people take the radar units out of the wing and put in a patch but it looks like hell. I will see if I can dig up some pictures on that.

Quote: FBCK

Richard I was recently at a MSC and pionted out that the top of my cabin over the windshield has two bubbles that are causing the seal to crack.  I aked them what we could do about it and they told me they could press (I cant remeber what the process was called) the aliuam back to its orginal shape.  He told me the windshield, part of the interior, would have to come out and it was a big job, he wasn't tring to sell it at all.

I also have a radar on my plane that I am going to take out and was hoping to replace the plastic leading edge with a metal piece but it doesn't sound to promising.

[jetdriven]

A good sheet metal man can flush patch that leading edge  where the radar was at so well you can hardly see it.  I would try to mount a landing light or two in there with a clear leading edge.

[FBCK]

The bubble would be at the leading edge, prehap two inchs in lenght, and maybe at 1/8 of an inch higher than the other metal, prehaps when the windshield went in someone was pushing up on the roof of the airplane wedging the windshield in, stetching the metal.