Speed Vs. Dollars

ATN_Pilot said:
It does! At first I wasn't sure how I would like it, but after flying it and seeing how easy it is to operate with none of the mx worries, I'm a convert.
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It will be fun to see if you can not "bobble" in the climbout while putting up the J-bar. Seriously though, I absolutely love Mooney's and it looks like you got a nice one. Also, they're kinda like a 32 Ford... endless opportunities to hot rod and you don't have to do it all at once. Cowling starts to get tired...you can have one of the cleaner ones put on. Flap gap seals, etc. All those things make a difference. Also, with a clean airplane like a Mooney, don't underestimate a clean and waxed airplane.
 
I do a cost benefit analyses of each flight, either commercial or private flying, it easy to divided the airspeed by dollars to see how efficient the plane is. But if you have to pay a minimum ground time each day on a rental that extra airspeed becomes expensive.
If your time is really valuable take a Citation X.
 
FWIW, in our CFM for the CRJ900, it has a table that shows us the "consequences" of speeding up. On the left vertical it shows different MACH numbers (our filed mach is typically .74 or .76, and then proceeding horizntally across from the increased MACHS it shows us the increased fuel percentage and the miniscule time saved over a 500NM stage length. If the numbers are true it is shocking how much more fuel you burn to save literally a few minutes.
 
MikeFavinger said:
I'd go with Frontier. Way faster and only $524. ;)
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Not such a great deal when you are buying four of them, though.

I do the math for most trips, the best deal is usually the good old P28R. Usually get around 135 true in the Arrow, and it costs only slightly more than a 172. The turbo 206 was probably my favorite for trips, and was cost effective if you actually filled all of the seats.

Faster is often better for me for other reasons - I'm typically over water, and in a single, the less time spent there, the happier I am.
 
See, the problem with "old" airplanes is that you hate to modify them in major ways lest you ruin the historical significance. You can get something like an old Mooney and modify it for speed and such and nobody cares. That's what is cool (also applies to 180/185's, Maule's and some others). I propose we make @ATN_Pilot new plane a "JC Project Plane". Let's suggest mods and such and make him do it. A 201 windshield, gap seals, new cowling, etc. Could be fun!
 
Vector said:
Welcome to the club. What is with you airline guys wanting to always fly with autopilots?! What ever happened to days of Lindbergh! :)
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knot4u said:
ATN is of the mindset that automation and instrument proficiency outweigh stick and rudder skills when it comes to safety. I suggest a new vacuum pump at every oil change.
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Renting in the NJ/NYC metro area, one of my requirements was a functioning two-axis AP. It's a work-load reducer especially in busy flight environments full of traffic. Finding one is challenging. It seems at least here the AP is the first thing to break, and the easiest fix to put a "IN OP" sticker on the panel.
 
WacoFan said:
See, the problem with "old" airplanes is that you hate to modify them in major ways lest you ruin the historical significance. You can get something like an old Mooney and modify it for speed and such and nobody cares. That's what is cool (also applies to 180/185's, Maule's and some others). I propose we make @ATN_Pilot new plane a "JC Project Plane". Let's suggest mods and such and make him do it. A 201 windshield, gap seals, new cowling, etc. Could be fun!
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Oh, don't worry, the whole list of speed mods is on my project list. :)
 
WacoFan said:
Ok, but can you measure a baseline, then add one at a time and let's see the differences of each? That'd be cool. I'd love to hot rod an old Mooney.
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A baseline is paramount. Any modifications need something to compare them to.
 
Not sure if Todd will go along with it (particularly the one at a time aspect) but it would be cool to watch on JC. If I could get off the antique and homebuilt fetish I would do it but I don't foresee that happening.
 
Real numbers are what drives people to spend money. I'd prefer a J-3 on a lazy afternoon over a hot rod on a mission. But we all look at airplanes differently and for good reasons. The fact that @ATN_Pilot has embraced GA is a step in the right direction, in my humble opinion.
 
knot4u said:
Real numbers are what drives people to spend money. I'd prefer a J-3 on a lazy afternoon over a hot rod on a mission. But we all look at airplanes differently and for good reasons. The fact that @ATN_Pilot has embraced GA is a step in the right direction, in my humble opinion.
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I've always embraced GA. I just think GA needs to pay its fair share, and some of you have perceived that as being "anti-GA." It never was.
 
WacoFan said:
Ok, but can you measure a baseline, then add one at a time and let's see the differences of each? That'd be cool. I'd love to hot rod an old Mooney.
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Yep, probably how I'll do it. I plan to have Mooney Mod Squad down in Sarasota to do the maintenance on it, so I'll have them do one or two things at a time when I take it in for maintenance. Upgrading to a 200hp engine will probably be the last item, though, because I've got 1,600 hours till overhaul.
 
ATN_Pilot said:
I've always embraced GA. I just think GA needs to pay its fair share, and some of you have perceived that as being "anti-GA." It never was.
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No flame here, but just genuinely curious. Now that you're a light GA owner, what would you consider reasonable for your fair share?
 
BaronPete said:
No flame here, but just genuinely curious. Now that you're a light GA owner, what would you consider reasonable for your fair share?
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My opinion hasn't changed. User fees need to be enacted to shift the burden off of the airlines. Guys like me need to pay for what we use instead of making the airlines pay for it.
 
knot4u said:
Is your Mooney ADS-B Out compliant?
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No, but I'm planning on having it done at the annual in December. It has a KLS transponder, so the new Avidyne ADS-B Mode S transponder is plug-and-play. Not cheap, but it will give me better ADS-B In with the Stratus, and I won't have to worry about the mad rush in a few years.
 
One of the often frustrating parts of being a pilot is explaining to your friends why can't "just fly them to Vegas for the weekend".

It costs WAY more than you think.
It's smaller and louder.
No bathroom.
If it's summer you'll be sweating your respective genitals off.
If it's winter, an icing forecast will ruin the entire trip.
You cannot bring the suitcase you want to bring.
etc. etc.

Traveling by avgas powered GA is still kind of an adventure when compared to other, more economical forms of transit.
 
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