The Mooney Summit is an annual gathering of Mooney pilots and prospective pilots. A 2 day even, now held in Tampa. It is an even based on becoming better and safer pilots. And it supports The Bill Gilliland foundation, which provides crisis intervention and financial assistance to downed Mooney pilot’s families.
First day started at noon with burgers on the grill at Peter O Knight Field (KTPF), the some presentations and some time to chat and show off airplanes. The ramp must have had 20+ Mooneys. After the presentations there was dinner of BBQ brisket and sausage. BTW, KTPF is interesting to fly into, as you have to duck under the Tampa Class B, and for Runway 4, not have too long a final or you will be in the MacDill AFB airspace
The second day was in the Tampa International Airport Terminal. There is an area that can be roped off for events. So you are in full view the the passengers in the terminal and they are in full view of you. The presentations included the Vice Chairman of the NTSB (yes, he knows Scott, I asked). Also a representative from the ATC and a couple of local approach controllers . A good give and take between the controllers and pilots about how to make it easier on each. They also highly suggested taking controllers on orientation flights, so they can experience from our side. A full day of safety related presentations.
After the day was over, it was go a local bistro for a "banquet" and the end of the silent auction and a raffle. I thought it was a great gesture, and a bit funny that Dan Bass (read his story here - https://www.aopa.org/training-and-sa...ccident-photos ) donated 5 CO alarms for the raffle.
Overall, a great time, I learned some things, and met some great people.
First day started at noon with burgers on the grill at Peter O Knight Field (KTPF), the some presentations and some time to chat and show off airplanes. The ramp must have had 20+ Mooneys. After the presentations there was dinner of BBQ brisket and sausage. BTW, KTPF is interesting to fly into, as you have to duck under the Tampa Class B, and for Runway 4, not have too long a final or you will be in the MacDill AFB airspace
The second day was in the Tampa International Airport Terminal. There is an area that can be roped off for events. So you are in full view the the passengers in the terminal and they are in full view of you. The presentations included the Vice Chairman of the NTSB (yes, he knows Scott, I asked). Also a representative from the ATC and a couple of local approach controllers . A good give and take between the controllers and pilots about how to make it easier on each. They also highly suggested taking controllers on orientation flights, so they can experience from our side. A full day of safety related presentations.
After the day was over, it was go a local bistro for a "banquet" and the end of the silent auction and a raffle. I thought it was a great gesture, and a bit funny that Dan Bass (read his story here - https://www.aopa.org/training-and-sa...ccident-photos ) donated 5 CO alarms for the raffle.
Overall, a great time, I learned some things, and met some great people.
Comment