LevelWing

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.

Donated for another year.

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.

I posted a few months ago that my plane had been broken into. I'm working to get it airworthy again and it needs a whiskey compass and a push to talk button for the radio. Looking for recommendations on both. The push to talk is meant to be temporary until I can have the wiring re-done but the compass obviously needs to stay in. Thanks.

As long as it's mechanically sound (and I think it is; I just want to have a mechanic give it a once over to make sure) then I can ferry it to an airport with a few minor repairs on site. The bolded statement is rather concerning. Not only should I not be dropped for something outside of my control but not having a lot of options in the insurance world is also not good. The entire panel wasn't scheduled for an upgrade, just a few instruments. I may have to add a few extra things to it now. I'm not convinced I should file a claim yet, though. Good to hear. I haven't been overly impressed with AVEMCO when dealing with them on the phone, but I've never had to file a claim. Agreed. Just a matter of getting it setup. Anybody interested in flying with me to drop it off at @Warren's shop?

I just renewed mine!

My Mooney was broken into a couple weeks ago. The thieves stole the DG (and cut the vacuum hose), whiskey compass, removed the leather wrapping on the pilot side yolk, the mic button, cut the mic wires, and attempted to steal the attitude indicator (joke is on them, it wasn't working very well anyway) bent part of the metal panel trying to remove stuff, and broke the faux wood panel covering into a few pieces. There were cameras at the airport but conveniently not working. I've filed a report with law enforcement but there's really not much chance they're going to catch them. At this point I'm more worried about what happens next. I called AVEMCO and they were very reluctant to speak in generalities/hypotheticals and they refused to commit to not dropping me when my plan is up. However they said with vandalism being out of my control it's not likely they'll drop me or raise my premium. I probably don't have it insured for what it's worth in this market, but it's insured enough to take care of all the damage. This leads me to my questions. What experiences do you have with filing insurance claims? Anybody ever had vandalism damage before? I already paid a deposit on new equipment in the panel with @Warren, however we're not located anywhere near each other and so I'll need to get it airworthy enough to get it to him. For those curious, that upgrade includes a G5 and a Garmin 375. I'm open to other suggestions if insurance is going to take care of this for me. I've already contacted a mechanic (who hasn't gotten back to me) about doing a once over to ensure it's mechanically sound so I can at least ferry it to another airport. Getting it to @Warren is a problem for another time. Thanks for any suggestions you have.