[Rhodes22-list] cheungs trip to edenton narrative (long)

[Mike Cheung]

Brad,

Be careful about the move up to a twin. I don't doubt the prices are very
attractive just now, but as they say "been there, done that".  Our ownership
record is 1978 Piper Warrior > 1975 Piper Cherokee Six > 1977 Piper Seneca >
1982 Mooney 231.  While I loved the Seneca ... rock solid in IFR, two of
everything, big airplane feel in moderate turbulence, could carry anything
you could figure out how to get to the airport and through any of the three
doors .... she cost a ton to keep flying.  In the case of the Seneca there
were twelve cylinders, four magnetos, two 7xx series vacuum pumps, ... to
keep working.  The 231 goes 5 knots faster for 1 hour longer on 1/2 the fuel
burn and, so far, less than half the annual maintenance cost.  I'd guess
you'll be looking at a 50% to 75% increase in your cost of flying per hour,
possibly more, compared to the V-tail doctor killer.  

Mike



brad haslett wrote:
> 
> Mike,
> 
> The truth is, I was in the market for a mid 60's M-20 when I stumbled
> across my V-tail.  You can't beat the Mooney numbers although I get 150
> knots at 10.5 gph and mogas makes up the difference.  Nothing, and I mean
> nothing, flies as sweet at the straight 35.  That said, I'm toying with
> the idea of trading for a Twin Comanche down the road - 170 knots at 16
> gph.  The wife likes the idea of having two of everything on board and no
> amount of logic and reasoning will change that thinking.  I don't like the
> way the Twink flies any more than the Mooney but we'd probably use it
> more.  Fan doesn't feel comfortable sitting behind just the one fan.
> 
> The big question is what will happen to 100LL?  Lycoming just announced
> that they are going to certify the IO-360 for 93 octane mogas.  And just
> where do you find 93 octane?  I'm betting airplane prices stay in the dump
> for a good long while at $150 a barrel oil.  
> 
> I'm about done buying toys, er, I mean tools for the hangar. I could start
> an FBO with all the stuff I've accumulated.  My hangar mate was just
> diagnosed with type-II diabetes and is selling his airplane.  Now I have
> to break-in someone new as to which side of the fridge his beer goes.
> 
> Brad
> 
> 

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