craftyboy

Update: Local shop said its not the prop leaking. They found oil coming out of 1 or 2 bolts holding the crankcase together. The bolts/washers and lockwashers were reversed according to the shop. I believe they reinstalled the bolts with proper washers and added sealant. They also found that the oil separator did not have the required vent hole. They think that pressure built up forcing oil out of those 2 boltholes. They cleaned the engine and prop and sent us on our way. So far no leaks after 3 hrs flying.

Going in the local shop next Monday for assessment.

Thanks guys. Sounds like the worst case is 3.5 AMUs. I thought an Overhaul was more than that, no? I'll keep you posted. Ed PS.. those chord wise scratches on the blade roots were there before we owned the plane. I assume they got there from cowl removal.

Hi All, I need some advice about our Mooney prop. After last nights flight from Florence to Hartford I noticed oil on the blades and cowl (pictures attached). We fly this plane quite a bit, and really love it. Its a 1990 20J with a Hartzell (HC-C3YR-IRF) 3 blade. It has 1500 hrs since install in 2001. Anyone know of a fair prop shop to work with? We are in Hartford, CT. Thanks, Ed Oil on Blade1 Oil on Blade2 Oil On cowl. Oil on Blade3 Oil on cowl.

San Felipe (entry to mexico) couldn't have been easier. I had my folder with all the required docs. The officials just picked what they wanted and made copies of some of it. Process took 30-45 minutes. Chihuahua (mexico exit) process took longer and was not as straight forward. Seemed like they wanted to find some faults in my documents, but eventually told me I was all set.

That didn't make sense to me either. I was on the Rnav approach. Turns out the 737 was preparing for takoff and tower wanted me to slow down so the jet could have time to taxi and take off.

Want update you guys on my trip (Mooney N1077G)... I flew from CT to Utah, Picked up my friend and we headed south to San Felipe, Couple days in Alamos, then Chihuahua and enter the US in Presideo Texas. The trip was great. As anticipated I did have a problem raising anyone prior to crossing to texas. I was at 9500. No joy on any flight service freq, Nor ABQ center. I climbed to 11500 still no joy. I was doing 10 mile legs on the mex side trying to raise anyone. Finally I got a Flightwatch guy that was helpful in that he relayed my request and got me a squawk to cross. Customs folks could not have been nicer in Presidio. Here is a video set of my entire trip in case anyone is interested. PS: thanks to all for the encouragement and advice. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpeuVaVrQZjIDAP_eSqelfSuvBmgJ_Cqe

Ok I found my answer: Part 99 for ADIZ border crossing: 1: Active Flight Plan 2: Discrete Transponder Code 3: Talking to ATC If Mexico doesn't forward my ICAO flight plan to the US, I can have a dummy FP setup in the US from KPRS to KPRS. Or.. Just create a new flight plan in the air with FSS prior to ADIZ.

Yeah your right about Fltplan.com I will file the ICAO at Chihuahua (towered airport) to KPRS in Texas. When I call US FSS on the radio prior to crossing the ADIZ, will the FSS know of my flight plan or will I need to have one on file from the border to KPRS? I'm just hung up on the outbound flight plan.. whether the ICAO transfers to the US. I want to triple confirm everything for this trip. Thanks. Ed

I know most folks file a DVFR flight plan when crossing to/from mexico. I also know that IFR is an option too. Anyone know if I need to file an international ICAO IFR flight plan or can I use the regular domestic IFR filing as found on the duat.com portal? I'm departing mexico VFR from Chihuahua city airport. My desire is to call FSS 10 miles before crossing the ADIZ and activate my domestic IFR flight plan at that point. I assume at that point they will clear me to my destination (KPRS) and hand me to ABQ center. Is that a proper procedure? I will fly that domestic IFR plan and cancel it when I have KPRS in sight. Thanks much. Ed As a side note, I want to file domestic ifr entering mexico a few days earlier. Bullhead city Arizona to San Felipe Mexico. I fully understand the eapis system other than my IFR question. Ed

Thanks for the feedback. Its a big help as info is kind of sparse for that area. I'm heading out next Saturday from CT. Cant wait for the 5000nm adventure in my Mooney. Ed

Hi All, I'm heading to Mexico this April and was hoping some folks can comment from experience on Los Mochis airport (MMLM). I need to keep the plane there for a few days. I'm a member of Caribbean sky tours so I have some info, but would love to hear from anyone who has used that airport. Thanks much. Ed

Whoever buys this.. I'm willing to deliver it for free saving you the $2500 fee. All you need to do is add me to your insurance policy. Ed

Price Slashed! This plane was advertised a month ago with Northport Aviation on controller $87,900.00 Now re listed a month later (same broker) with the slashed price of $87,900.00 Nice looking plane. Slashed price made me chuckle. Ed

My Partner handled the sale. I believe the crank was fine. The plane did need the required work post propstrike (non engine stoppage). Problem was that the engine was run out. Airframe time was over 6000. I think it would have cost us 40k to get it back in good shape with new engine. We were going to buy an Ovation as a group (4way). After the sale of this plane, 2 partners lost interest. So now Its me and maybe one other looking for a nice 20j, If I go solo, maybe a C, but really want another 20J because that what I'm used to flying for the past 15 years. Ed

I'm 6'4" and feel comfortable in the J. I could fly it all day. Is there less pilot legroom in the C?

yes. we sold it for 20k N9656G. Boy do I miss it.

Hi All, I was in a 4way partnership in a 1980 20J for the past 10 years. It was great. I flew all over the country and have memories I will cherish forever. Earlier this year one of the partners had the unfortunate encounter with a propstrike. We ended up collecting the insurance and selling the hull with my expectation to buy a new plane. Unfortunately for me, most of the partners aren't motivated to continue with the partnership. I cant wait month after month trying to get them to open their wallets for a replacement plane. Loosing the plane is like taking candy from a baby. We continue to do nothing except own an empty hanger. So here is my question: Is it realistic for me to shop and purchase a nice 1980s 201, Put 200 hrs on it and sell it at not much of a loss? I am going to try to get the partners on board with buying in to it. Once they see it in the hanger they may be tempted. But I need a way out if after a year or two I am still solo. I'm a cash buyer so if a good deal comes up, I could swoop in quick. Any advise or guidance is appreciated. Ed from CT

How much would it cost to do a major overhaul to this engine? Is 25k realistic? Thanks. Ed