rockydoc

My mechanic replaced the cables and the step works fine EXCEPT...it won't stay in the fully retracted position. It gradually goes down about 10% of the way even though I keep using the crank to raise it. Is there some adjustment I can do or part I can replace that keeps it in the fully raised position?

Talking about retractable steps. My mechanic replaced the cables and the step works fine EXCEPT...it won't stay in the fully retracted position. It gradually goes down about 10% of the way even though I keep using the crank to raise it. Is there some adjustment I can do or part I can replace that keeps it in the fully raised position?

Yes. Exactly what I'm waiting to happen to me--or maybe even worse! Quien sabes!

Mark is Mark Baker, President of the AOPA (http://www.aopa.org/About-AOPA/Presidents-Page.aspx)

I imagine there are many people who agree with your point of view.

Anyone have an old Narco Com 11B they'd sell? It has 3 digits after the decimal point.

Yes, you understood correctly. Federal Law CFR 53.1 states it is illegal, to leave without a passport, but according to the response I got from Mark at CBP, there is no penalty for violating the law. Also, a US citizen, with DHS acceptable proof of US citizenship would not have to have a passport to enter the USA, BUT they might be delayed while US citizenship is being verified.

Yes, I see what you mean.

Here is a copy of my correspondence with CBP regarding the illegality of a US citizen leaving (or attempting to leave) the US without a valid passport along with the statement that at the present time there is no penalty for doing so: -CBP INFO Center<customs@customs-mail.custhelp.com> <customs@customs-mail.custhelp.com> wrote: From: CBP INFO Center<customs@customs-mail.custhelp.com> <customs@customs-mail.custhelp.com> Subject: What is the penalty should a us citizen leave the us without a valid us passport... Subject What is the penalty should a us citizen leave the us without a valid us passport... Discussion Thread Response (Mark) Currently there is no penalty for violating the law. For more information the best thing to do is contact the border port where you usually cross. The CBP officers there can explain their procedures for these situations. Mark Customer Thanks again Mark. I think we're making some progress. CFR 53.1 states: "§ 53.1 Passport requirement; definitions. (a) It is unlawful for a citizen of the United States, unless excepted under 22 CFR 53.2, to enter or depart, or attempt to enter or depart, the United States, without a valid U.S. passport. So Mark, if it is "unlawful" what is the penalty for violating the law? That is my question. Thank you for answering. CBP INFO Center wrote: From: CBP INFO Center Subject: What is the penalty should a us citizen leave the us without a valid us passport... Response (Mark) Officially a US citizen is supposed to have a passport or other approved document unless exempt, but currently there is no penalty for US citizens who do not have one. Here is a link to the CFRs. The best way to avoid any hassles is to get one of the approved IDs. Mark Customer Thank you Mark. Do I understand you correctly? Are you saying that if a US citizen LEAVES THE USA without a passport there would be no penalty or fine because he has violated no law?. That is my important question that I need answered please. I understand what you say that when the USA citizen returns to the USA he would be delayed if he didn't have proper documentation.

I had the same experience.

Since it is against federal law to leave (or attempt to leave) with out a passport and since a passport is a privilege (like a pilot's license) and not a right, you do in reality have to ask permission to leave.

Interesting you should mention needing permission to leave the USA. A couple of years ago I corresponded with DHS and was told that it is against federal law for a US citizen to "leave or attempt to leave" the USA without a valid passport. I asked what the penalty for doing so was. The said, "At this time there is no penalty." I remember with Linus Pauling (of Vit C and cholesterol fame) was alive--the only person in history to have won 2 earned Noble Peace Prizes and a long time tenured professor at a NW university. He, like Bobby Fisher, applied for a US passport to attend an international congress and, like Fisher, was denied by the US Department of State. This really surprised me. It sounds like the US, like China, Russia, Cuba, N. Korea, is holding its citizens as prisoners--should they so desire. Food for thought, eh?

After speaking extensively with John Yodice, general counsel for the AOPA and the guy that writes all of their authoritative legal articles, I consented to him having the AOPA follow up with the CBP/DHS about my incident. A few days later a couple of AOPA employees sent me an email saying: “AOPA had a sit-down with the folks at CBP yesterday and we met with the head of the Air Interdiction effort while Mark had a good meeting with the Commissioner. I briefly discussed the general circumstances surrounding your stop and the leadership was appalled. They asked if I could share the information so that they could conduct an internal review and take appropriate disciplinary actions. I advised them that I would need to check with you (didn’t reveal name or dates in my conversation) and would get back to them.” After receiving that email, I called AOPA and had a long discussion with them expressing my fears that should I pursue this matter with CBP/DHS as they encouraged me to do for the sake of “the cause” that CBP/DHS would go to the FAA and create all sorts of havoc for me. I’ve rarely seen a government agency investigation that didn’t try to somehow shift the blame to the complaintant and retaliate totally out of proportion to things. But, after discussing it with my wife, we arrived at the mutual decision that we have a duty to stand up and be counted and give AOPA the go ahead. Yeah, just like I did when I told them they couldn’t search my airplane without a search warrant and I wanted an attorney before I would talk to them anymore. I can’t express the anxiety that I am having over having made that decision, but its done. So what happens, happens. Keep your fingers crossed for me and wish me luck.

For Sale: 2 brand spanking shiny new, never installed brake disks, Mooney PN 164-20 as can be seen in Mooney Parts Manual #203 for Mooney M20 series beginning with 1965 Mooney M20C, page 102, Figure 24-9, Part Number 164-1. I purchased these disks from AircraftSpruce for $109.00 each ($218 for the pair plus shipping) using that PN (164-20) for my 1961 M20B which was a mistake. The Parts Manual #203 is NOT for a 1961 Mooney M20B, but only for 1965 M20C’s and later. Duh!!!! I didn’t discover my error until we went to install them and they would not fit my M20B. Returning them to AS is not an option since I discarded the boxes. Duh #2! So now I am wanting to sell them. How does $150.00 for the pair shipping included sound as a fair price. One doesn’t have a scratch on it. The other has a few very minor superficial, cosmetic scratches on it where my AP tried to fit the caliper over it in the process of discovering it was not the correct disk.

Yet another horrible example. i.e. a young mother, US citizen, with her children taking them home from school, stopped by CBP, threatened with a tazer, tire slashed and her left in the middle of the desert during the day with her children to fend for herself!!! My case pales in comparison to this and sooooooooooo many others. http://reason.com/blog/2014/04/29/border-patrol-threatens-mother-slashes-h

Well, how about that. Live and learn. Thanks for sharing.

Yes, I have 2 working iPads. One for pilot and one for co-pilot.which are yoke mounts so I don't have a problem with overheating. i also have 2 cigarette lighters with iPad charging devices--one for each iPad. thank for the info.

Does having a working iPad with Foreflight and current aviation charts fulfill the requirement that FAA has to always have current charts on board for the area in which you are flying?

Oops, made a typo above. I was pointing out the language the FAA uses on the reverse side of FAA form 8620-1, Aircraft Condition Notice, wherein the are asking us to give them personal jurisdiction over us. i.e. "We (the FAA) would appreciate your cooperation in completing and signing the certificate below and forwarding it to the FAA,,, so tha FAA can be assured that the Aircraft Condition Notice was received by the owner and that corrective action has been accomplished.... Privacy Statement. ... Submission of all the data is voluntary. ... There is no penalty for failure to complete and return the certification to FAA."

After doing extensive research on the internet and speaking directly with John Yodice, general counsel for the AOPA, one point becomes blatantly apparent. i.e. The burden of proof on any action taken by the FAA lies totally on the shoulders of the FAA. It is best that we refuse to say anything and immediately ask if we can leave. If we are told we cannot lWe would "appreciate your cooperation in completing and signing the certificate below...and forwarding it to the FAA office...so that FAA can be assured that the Aircraft Condition Notice was received by the owner...and that corrective action has been accomplished. Privacy Act Statement. Submission of all the date is voluntary...There is no penalty for failure to complete and return the certification to FAA." In other words, the FAA is wanting you to give them personal jurisdiction over you so that they can do with you as they see fit!!!!! We should NEVER voluntarily give the FAA (or any other government entity) personal jurisdiction over us. The burden of proof is on them to prove that they have personal jurisdiction. This is a difficult thing for them to prove. Based on my experience last week and what I have learned on the internet and from John Yodice, I would react differently in the future as follows: 1. I would leave the AWC displayed in the airplane, lock the door, and when asked to present the AWC, say that the FAR says the AWC must be visible from the outside of the airplane and to passengers and crew. And, pointing through the window, I will say, "There it is." 2. I would point out to the inspector that there is no such thing as a ramp check for Part 91. That it only applies to Part 135 and Part 121. 3. I would definitely not let my pilot license nor any other documents out of my hands. i have now made copies of them. I would hold the documents up, gripping them tightly and say, "Here they are. Inspect them. Here are copies for you." But, I would never let the originals leave my hands under any circumstances. let them use force to take them from me, but that's the only way they're going to take them. 4. Immediately, ask them, "Am I free to go?" If they say "Yes." I leave immediately. If they say, "No," i tell them i want an attorney. And, refuse to say anything else. Based on my experience last week when i did this, after asking for an attorney, he immediately told me i was free to go!!

Point well made!

thanks for the info. It is exactly what I needed. Rocky

I am wanting to change my spark plugs on my 1961 M20 B, Lycoming O360-AID engine to the fine wire plugs. Will someone please tell me what is the best brand and what is the part number for that brand. Thanks

I did not go direct to KNEW from KBRO. I got flight following and went north to Corpus Crist, then to Galvaston then to Jennings, LA (3R&) taking care to avoid restricted areas and ADIZ. I landed in Jennings (3R&) and refueled. Took off again and went from 3R7 to KNEW where they were waiting for me even though I had cleared customs at KBRO the day before.

By all means. Use my story in anyway you please.