jcollier

So, while on the ground the flaps open/close appropriately and also indicate according to their position. While in the air, the indicator doesn't move to closed, but also I am not getting a rise in CHT's nor am I gaining any airspeed. So it appears they are not closing. On one flight, I closed the flaps in the air (in which they didn't indicate closing), but I left the selector to closed position. I paid attention while landing to see if getting slower would allow them to close. About 20 sec after touchdown, the indicator started indicating them closing while rolling down the runway. Sorry if I wasn't clear. This is why I considered it might have something to do with the gear pressure switch, but when we put the plane on jacks, they again worked perfectly.

I tried that one. I took off with open, got to cruise, closed. Flaps wouldn't close, so I just left the selector to closed. They stayed closed till about 20 sec after touchdown.

That very well could be the issue. I'm going to dig into it. Well, it appears to be indicating appropriately. I have considered putting the gopro on the wing and seeing. Thank you.

The motor doesn't appear to be getting weak. I had someone lay on the ground and put pressure against them while closing and opening the flaps. They worked perfectly and are strong. Thank you GSXRPILOT, I will look into the roll pins and see if that is the issue and report back! Thank you again!

Hello Mooniacs!! I hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas! I am having an issue with cowl flaps not opening or closing in flight. For no reason at all, the cowl flaps stopped closing in flight. I don't think it is the indicator because I'm not gaining any kts with the selector in the closed position while in flight. They work flawlessly on the ground, open and close perfectly and indicating appropriately. I thought it could have something to do with the gear pressure switch. Put it up on jacks, raise the gear, flaps work perfectly, close without any problems and open without any problems. Take the cowling off, open and close perfectly. Put the cowling on, open and close perfectly. Once in the air and at any altitude or speed, the flaps won't close. It seems like it would have something to do with the pressure against the flaps when in flight. I slowed down to slow flight, almost stall...still won't close. Obviously, I'm happy they stick open vs closed, but it just doesn't make sense. I have tried having someone put pressure against the flaps while on the ground and seeing if they won't close, but again, they close and open without issue. Has anyone else seen this issue or have any idea what could possibly be the cause? Thank you in advance for any ideas! Joshua

Hey guys! I hope all are doing well. I have an issue we can't seem to find the "smoking gun" yet. Within the last few months, I have noticed a "roll" to the left when flying my Bravo. The roll is more significant the faster I go. I have attached a short video. In the video, I take my hand off the yoke when level, you see the roll to the left. I straighten to wings level and take my hand off the yoke again around 20 sec. A few points. There has been no hangar rash, no moderate or hard turbulence, looking down the trailing edges they are all straight. The gear has been swung and the shop stated the doors were firmly closed (meaning there wasn't anything able to come open and produce drag). The shop also checked all the rigging to the MMM standards. They even measured nose to wingtip and wingtip to tail for symmetry. All was good. During a maintenance flight, once the plane was trimmed for straight & level flight (and rolling to the left), if you input right rudder and swing the ball about "1/2 ball out to the left", the rolling stops and the plane flies without any rolling, whatsoever. This prompted us to level the plane per MMM Ch 8-00-00, then level the inclinometer to the Aircraft. The ball was literally 1/2 ball out to the left. We thought we had found the "smoking gun", if you will. However, after leveling everything, we went for a maintenance flight. Once at straight and level flight and trimmed, I take my hand off the yoke and it immediately begins the roll to the left. I put in right rudder and swing the ball to "1/2 ball out to the left" and the roll goes away. The autopilot is also being affected by the roll. The AP is strong enough to maintain straight and level flight. It has a very brisk turn to the left....(obviously). It struggles to straighten from a turn to the left. If I am in a descent to the left and gaining speed, it can't overcome the roll and straighten. Also, at S&L flight, the AP is very sluggish to the right, since it has to 1st overcome the left roll. I don't think this is an AP issue and it does it when the AP is not engaged. If the rudder trim is used to swing the ball "1/2 ball out to the left", the AP is very responsive Right and Left. Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated and I thank you, in advance. This is extremely frustrating. I can't point any one specific thing that started this rolling. Kindest regards, Joshua IMG_4218.MOV

Thanks so much DVA!!

DVA, I read somewhere that the BoomBeam HID required some modifications or something....is that true? If not, can you change it yourself or need your A&P to do it? Btw, either of you know what the Prometheus Plus LED part no is? DVA, do you know what the BoomBeam part no is? I wouldn't mind trying out your setup. I like the idea of super bright Landing lights and Taxi lights that everyone else can see me well.... The Prometheus Plus is the PAR 46 5 3/4", right? Model P46P2L, maybe? Thanks guys.

I have seen a couple of different threads regarding landing/taxi lights. I would like to hear what others have found that works well regarding Whelen LEDs vs OEM replacements vs any others like boombeam/lopresti XeVision etc... I would prefer LED, but I would prefer to see more than having LEDs. Thanks -Joshua

Yeah...I bought from Sporty's I think. Maybe I should buy one from Go-Pro. hmmmm.....

Thanks for the reply. It's only in the GoPro videos. Not in any radios or anywhere else. Only when I power the GoPro via the ATC cable. If I use the ATC not for powering and run off the go pro battery, it's perfect. As soon as I plug it into the USB or Cigarette Adapter...the recording of the whine/squeal is out of control.

Great videos!! Were you able to get the ATC cable and record some? I have the ATC cable and put it inside. However, if I record without powering the Gopro, just recording the video and ATC and intercom, it works GREAT! If I try to power the go pro via the ATC cable, I get a ridiculous amount of alternator whine or something from the engine. I was just wondering you have experienced the same. It would be nice to be able to power the go pro via the cable to keep recording longer than an hour or two. - Joshua

Man...that was awesome!! I hope you are doing well, Joe. Got my Bravo. We should try to get together sometime. - Joshua

Jimmy, Great setup!! I have a question. I saw that you have the go pro ATC cable and mount on the ceiling. Are you powering your Gopro via the cable or only running off of the go pro battery? The reason I ask, I have the same Gopro ATC cable. The sound quality is impeccable when it is running off of the go pro battery, however, if I plug the ATC cable into a power source to power the go pro for a longer battery life. The alternator whine is unbearable. I can hardly hear ATC and myself in the video. Does anyone know of a way to use a go pro and power it via the ATC cable without getting the engine/alternator whining? Thanks, -Joshua

Flash, That's a GREAT airport. It's perfect to get in/out of SFO if needed. And certainly a perfect place to pick up family flying in/out of SFO. I have a Bravo and I am located in Santa Rosa (KSTS).

I have had the exact same thing happen a couple of times. Once was a couple of weeks ago in climb around 3500 ft. Just a quick 2-3 sec shutter. Everything was completely normal, other than the shutter. I had already backed off the boost pump in the climb. I had also checked they fuel via the drains, during pre-flight. The other time this happened was at 15,500 ft a month or so back. Had been in cruise for probably an hour and suddenly a shutter that lasted for probably 3-5 sec. Everything was completely normal prior and after the event. All gauges were normal. Someone mentioned possibly water in the fuel or prop needs balancing...but it is very sudden, and it's gone. Makes me a little nervous....still haven't figured it out.... -Joshua

Thanks so much everyone for the suggestions. I'm definitely going to take advantage if I can. I would be interested in hearing if they fix it to receiving the 3% on avgas.

Does anyone know of any decent credit cards out there that when buying aviation fuel, there could be some side benefits? I figure if I'm going to purchase the fuel, I might as well get some benefits if they are out there. Thanks

Tony, Thank you very much for the time you took to write this up. I haven't rode in a rocket yet, however, I really like the extra room in the Bravo. However, I'm fairly certain I would really like the extra speed as well. In the grand scheme of things, over the long trip, I'm not sure that 10-20-40 or 50 min slower would make a huge difference in my mission. That's the beauty of not being in a huge rush. Thank you again for your input. It is very helpful for me.

It was a pleasure to meet you and your wife! I have really enjoyed the TLS. But I have a lot to learn. It is abundantly clear, these planes do NOT want to stop flying! lol We are very excited to find the right ship and began our mooney adventures.

McStealth: 200k or less. Preferably staying under 175k. Charlie: Thank you for all the info. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain all of that. I would really like to have FIKI even though I have zero interest in flying that way. I would just like to have it for the "just in case" scenarios. Thank you so much for your insight, I'm sure that I will have many more questions down the road. Thanks again.

Thank you so much everyone for all of the advice and comments. FlyDave: I see you are in Petaluma. I am in Windsor, I would bet we have a common friend or two. I have been looking everywhere for someone in this area that owns a mooney to be able to pick their brain! I really really appreciate all of your great info! What is the chance I could buy you lunch sometime and pick your brain. I am beyond grateful for everyone's replies. I'm certain I will have many more questions as I dig deeper into my search.

Carusoam: That is an incredible plane! Wow!. Very nice. Thank you. Openwheeler3: I like the roughly 1100lbs for the 305, really like the speed and range seems good with the additional long range tanks. I don't necessarily think I would need the FIKI, even though, it would be nice. Thank you for your reply, I didn't know they are still supporting it. That makes me lean a bit more toward the 305 rocket.

Wow! Thank you guys for your replies. I really appreciate your input. My bride is a flight nurse and loves to fly as well. Using O2 will not be a issue for either of us. Does anyone think that parts or maintenance for a 305 rocket be an issue in the near future? I had read somewhere that the rocket conversion is getting older and they don't make it anymore, therefore they suggested/implied that it would be a dying bird. Carusoam: I think that sounds, perfect for everything except my wallet! lol Kortopates: From my understanding, a 305 Rocket is a 252 converted to a 305 hp as well as a couple other upgrades. Is that correct? KSmooniac: Thanks so much for your very thorough reply. It was very insightful for me. At this point, I haven't really dug into the Cont vs Lycoming issue. I'm sure there are arguments for each side. I will dig around and see what I can get myself into.

I'm sure this is a horse that has been beat to death, multiple times. However, when considering traveling across the country (i.e. CA to TN to FL to CA) multiple times per year (2-5 times per year). In your opinion, what is the better cross-country traveler? This is personal and not for business, therefore there are no time constraints. In other words, I wouldn't be required to leave one day vs the next, so I could wait for weather to clear. It is strictly myself and my bride, so baggage "shouldn't", I repeat "shouldn't" be an issue. LOL I'm not looking for folks to explain to me "how I should fly commercial" or "why would you do that" answers, I'm more looking for legitimate insight into the 305 vs 252 vs Bravo. Comfort, speed, weather, fuel burns, etc... If your options were 252 vs 305 vs Bravo, what would you choose, and why? Thanks for your time, in advance! Joshua