Kyle takes the controls

We have made some considerable upgrades since the last posting. An EDM-700 is added and with the GAMI injectors, we are seeing an average of around 9 GPH, runing LOP. The new cylinders are giving about 9 hrs/quart of oil at 175 hours on the engine since installation. We also have a new vacuum pump. That was discovered after the HSI showed considerable instability and the low vacuum light illuminated. After the pump was changed, a severe leak appeared and after a short IFR test flight about 2 quarts of oil drained from the engine. Fortunately, we were not on a cross country, otherwise we might be talking about a new engine or worse! The leak was corrected and the Mooney has been without problem since. I have abandoned the Samsung Q1 computer as a backup GPS system in favor of a Garmin 696. This is wired into the panel and can display the flight plan entered into the panel GPS units. The mount is attached to the right front seat by a semi-rigid RAM mount. The result is the 696 is lower in the airplane but both front seat occupants can read and adjust it. The latest modification was a GTX330 with traffic which is wired to show on both the 530 and the 696. It seems to be an invaluable tool for finding nearby traffic. I will post some photos of the mount later. Finally, I have a Cannon FS200 camera which can be mounted near the compass. We can input audio from the panel. It makes a great teaching platform. I made the attached video with it.


Speaking of teaching, I shot a few seconds of video with my son at the controls cruising with the Mooney. Normally, I would have included intercom audio but could not find a suitable extension in a hurry. With him in the front seat is Dan, his instructor and former Navy fighter pilot. Nothing like learning with the best. Dan tells me, my son is a great student and has a great temperment for piloting. We all had a great time.