Flew With Rainman

[Mcstealth]

Got to do a couple of hops with Rainman in his nicely appointed 231 this past weekend. Winds that would have had the 172 bumping around doing a dance, the Mooney plowed right through with nary a complaint. Ray basically squeaked a full deflection, direct crosswind landing in Fredericksburg (good bit of flying there) and I noticed how the plane felt 'stiffer' on its gear than the planes I have been flying. I guess that is normal?  We parked between a C22 and a Lancair. Yes they were pretty, but I was jealous of neither. Also got to see how a real auto pilot works. So that is how the other side lives! How would you ever go back once you have one of those? The speed and the climb of the turbo Mooney were as advertised and you sure can gobble up a lot of distance in a short amount of time. I have got to get me one of these is what I was thinking the whole time.

Thanks Ray

David