Gentlemen,

I too hope the other posting encourages more info on actual flying.

My only comment is with regard to high altitude flight, I always cruise at FL 220 to FL 250 for any flights over 1 hour.  The added spped makes up for climb time and I have been successful keeping the temps in line (CHT under 380) using GAMI injectors and 50 LOP operations at 29 in and 2450 RPM.   Plus fewer spam drivers to worry about running into and smoother air.

As for the risks of loss of pressurization, I did lose my engine once at FL250 which caused the cabin to go from 8,000 ft to FL220 in about 45-50 seconds.    The O2 worked fine and the only thing I have changed is I now have a mask which has a built in mic as communications were next to impossible otherwise.

As for the pattern, I agree with 1500 AGL as its more appropriate to the speeds we are at as well as allowing a margin for error if we lose an engine.

Looking forward to others experiences and thoughts.

Dave Riggs