LevelWing

I should have specified from the beginning. The corrosion was in the right wheel well. Yeah, it likely didn't start over the past year but it's gone now and the mechanics have verified there's no other corrosion.

Update on this. I think there was a miscommunication between myself and the mechanic on what was corroded. The flap itself is not corroded, it was the hinge parts only. The mechanic got new ones from Lasar and is installing them now. The corrosion in the wheel well was small and he was able to clean that up. I guess once he got in there and took a deeper look and started cleaning it, it wasn't as bad. Unless there's something I'm missing, I think I dodged a huge bullet on this one. The annual should be done in a few weeks and I can finally get this to @Warren for the avionics he's been holding onto me for 3 years.

Well this isn't good. Looks like this is going to be an expensive repair. Just out of curiosity, if I chose to sell the plane as-is as opposed to fixing it, what kind of hit would I be looking at? Clearly it'll be significant, but I'm trying to figure out what the most cost-effective method here would be. Sell the plane as-is and get another plane (Mooney!) or sell my soul and pay the costs it'll take to fix. I'm aware there are other factors to include engine time, avionics, etc. Just looking for something to work off of.

I was hoping that wouldn't be the case. If it's really this bad, what are my options? Replacing the week will be incredibly expensive. What can I get for the plane with the wing like this? Salvage the whole plane?

Some corrosion was found during annual. One area was on the flap and one area was in the wheel well. While the mechanic continues the inspection, I wanted to get the take of the community here on how bad it is and what it would take to fix.

I've never done an aircraft interior and don't know anyone around here that has. But now I know you, so when are you free? Just kidding. I like the clean look of the Jaeger interiors but I'm not sure I want to attempt that on my own with no experience. I suppose this is where the price of the installation becomes justified.

What are everyone's thoughts on mixing and matching interior upgrades from different suppliers? I'm thinking about replacing the carpet with Airtex carpets, panels with a Jaeger/Wisconsin Aviation system, and then likely custom upholstery for the seats. For those familiar, are the Jaeger interiors actually easy to install?

It's interesting how check out requirements for insurance vary from policy to policy. Mine only required a single checkout flight and no requirements for actual or simulated IMC. I don't know that that would be the same today, but that's all that was required when I bought mine. I would agree as well. I've had to cancel several flights due to the lack of the rating when all I needed to do was punch through a layer of clouds.

This is nearly the same experience as me. I did one flight with an instructor as a "transition" flight and I was good to go for insurance purposes. I did my complex endorsement at the end of my primary training. I bought the Mooney without an instrument rating and had no issues flying it. I see no correlation between a complex aircraft and an instrument rating.

That makes sense, thanks. Once the new avionics are installed I'll have to get it re-done. Maybe the shop can do it in-house.

This is likely a dumb question, but can't you do it yourself?

I'll have to look at this during the next annual. I'll get a picture next time I'm out there. I think the bronze wool should work for the door handle but not the baggage compartment handle since that's painted, nor the screws for the oil door. Thanks for the suggestions!

What is the best way to remove surface rust from the exterior door handle and the exterior baggage compartment handle? There are also a few screws (such as on the oil compartment door) that have rust due to the humidity. I don’t want to ruin the paint since it’s a new-ish paint job, but would like to remove the rust if possible. Also, what are some products to clean the plane up? Specifically, there are heavy grass stains under the wings and the tops of the wings could use a good washing/wax/wipe down. Any recommendations on products to accomplish this? I’m not sure if a wash rack is available at the new airport (just moved it). Thanks.

Last week I finally flew the Mooney again. It was the first time since the fall of 2021. I've posted about the saga before and it's been a long process, but I'm glad to be flying it again. Now I just need to get it down to @Warren for the avionics upgrade I paid for 3 years ago. I'll continue to fly it and get comfortable with it again until I can get it into the shop. It's good to be flying powered planes again.

The one I found was a 1968, but that's a good point as well.

Thanks, I was able to find one. Also good to know about the digital versions. I actually didn't know those were there, thanks for showing me!

Does anyone have a digital copy of the POH for the 68 C model? Mine was stolen and now I can’t seem to find one online. Just need to print that so it can fly. Is it legal to have a digital copy? Thanks.

I don't keep gas and oil receipts, but if it goes into the shop, I keep the receipt. It shows a history of the aircraft and what's been done over time, to include when, where, and who did it. The logbooks show the required entries per FAA rules, but additional receipts is just a more in-depth recording of the plane's history.

Thanks.

Going through annual now after sitting for nearly 18 months and I think the prop seal is leaking on mine as well. Took the spinner off and noticed a small leak on the prop, but we'll see what the IA says. Once this ordeal is done, I certainly intend to fly as much as possible.

Is the altimeter still for sale?

I haven't been hit with a laser yet. I'm sure it's likely to happen at some point but so far I haven't been hit with one.

Thanks, guys. Replies sent.

I'm gauging interest to see if there's any fellow Mooney pilots in the PNW (west side of WA/Cascades specifically)that would be willing to ferry a broken Mooney down to @Warren for me. You'd need to have a CPL and I'll obviously pay for fuel and your costs for whatever you charge, plus your flight home. The brief back story is the plane was broken into in February and it has sat there ever since and it's now out of annual. I can get the ferry permit but I don't want to do that until I've got someone lined up to ferry it to Colorado and the weather works out. @Warren has been patiently waiting on me to drop it off to him for a much needed panel upgrade (which I paid for before the plane was broken into - nice try, thieves). It's down to one radio and VFR only. It's mechanically fine but the panel is messed up. The DG was stolen along with the wet compass (the wet compass will be installed prior to ferrying). I'd like to get the Mooney back into flying condition. It's been quite the journey over the last several years.

Thanks for all the recommendations,. I'll probably go with the SIRS since it seems easy to mount. I just need a compass to meet the requirement since I'll be upgrading the panel.