Mooney in Oz

Sorry Mike, for some reason I thought this website forum and The Mooney Flyer were the same. Re Amazon - Done! kaba - I would also use T/O flaps as most here attest to from previous experience, including my own but nowhere near as high an elevation as some have indicated. I think the highest licensed airport elevation in Australia is 4,260 feet, which is nothing compared to what you have in the USA.

Thanks Mike and carusoam for the encouragement - and also your enjoyable posts I love reading. I viewed all the pics and my favourites as always were all the different Mooneys in the parking area. I have to say that you are very organised with the location and dates already set in motion . If work allows me leave for those dates with no other issues, I'll likely be there. Just one more question; do you guys sell any merchandise? I would like to show some further support by purchasing some Mooney clothing or other stuff. I could not find anything relating to merchandise in any of the monthly Mooney Flyers I receive. My apology to kaba for the thread drift.

Good question Byron. An unqualified guess; maybe it has to do with possible unporting of fuel in the tank due to an uncoordinated steep bank and Mooney are simply catering to that scenario? However, the wording does not imply either coordinated or uncoordinated. I'm sure there a technical answer out there.

You know Mike, I recently thought about attending a future Mooney Summit to the extent that only a couple of days ago I had a good surf through your website. I know this years has just ended, however are there any dates and location decided for 2018?

I was introduced to Mike during a factory tour, organised by former Sales Executive, (the lovely) Susan Harrison after the factory closure with only a small number of staff on hand. I was also there for Homecoming. I gained the same impression of Mike as you did Jolie, a most humble gentleman. I wish Mike well in his retirement.

How good would it be if we had the privilege of Bob Kromer (former Mooney factory test pilot) monitoring our forums.

Maybe it is in part reference to the following 'Warning' from the M20J POH, which I am sure is the same as the M20C POH: "Takeoff maneuvers, prolonged sideslips or steep descents when the selected fuel tank contains less than 8 gallons (48.0 lbs., 30.3 litres, 6.7 IMP. Gal.) of fuel have not been demonstrated and may cause loss of power" I couldn't figure out how to display the exact page, so I just typed the info as written. In the absence of a stall, low fuel below 8 gallons in the selected tank was found to be the most likely causal factor in a fatal Mooney accident in Western Australia some years ago when the pilot did a steep bank in the circuit.

Some years ago without warning, I suffered a sudden and total engine failure in my J whilst in cruise after about 10 minutes of flying. Glided into a paddock wheels up and survived with no injuries. Engine later ran fine when bolted onto the test mechanism. Fuel injection system was disassembled and thoroughly examined with no issues. Aircraft had approximately 160 litres of fuel remaining with no evidence of contamination. The power just very suddenly stopped as evident by the JPI data, which did not reveal any other issue. WTF? Due to the suddenness of failure, an electrical issue was strongly suspected. The only smoking gun was a broken P lead and much carbon inside the starter ignition switch with obvious evidence of arcing, probably for a lengthy period of time. The switch was original and changed out for the latest, which does not present this problem. Unbeknown to me or my engineer at the time, we later discovered this older switch was the subject of previous documentation issued by the New Zealand CAA (there was also another country authority, but I can’t recall the one) for this type of switch to be examined every 500 hours or replaced with the latest type switch. To my knowledge neither the FAA or even Mooney had actioned any documentation relating to this issue. No one can be 100% certain the switch was totally to blame, but the P lead and ignition switch was the only evidence relating to the failure. Despite less than 100% certainty, I implore all members who still have the old style ignition switch to PLEASE have it changed out. The later style switch is the same as in the Acclaim and Ovations. I don’t know if the early Ovations have the same. The later style key has the name ‘Medico’ on it and can only be acquired through Mooney. Mlm20c - Flying is risky business. I do it for a living and love flying my Mooney even more. We can only mitigate the risks as best we can. One of my mitigation’s is to avoid night flying as much as possible. Victor

1. My mechanic is about to use a product by the name of Cor-Ban for corrosion prevention within the wings. He is very Mooney experienced and I trust him. 2. Forget about previous generation strobes and power supplies. Save $ in the long run and fit LED nav lights and strobes. 3. Sorry to hear, glad it was caught. 4. Hobbs connected to gear switch. I assume this is what your mechanic is referring to. I have it and happy with the results. 5. New shop for a different perspective doesn't hurt. As long as they are Mooney knowledgeable and don't rip you off. 6. One piece belly = going to Mooney heaven! Victor

About the 50 second mark for about 2 secs:

I reckon you're right on the money Kevin. A G500 NXi perhaps? Victor

Any J owners or others who this may help, here are some photos of the vernier control knob that operates my cowl flaps.

Avidyne worked hard and conquered the compatibility issues I had between between my GMX200 and IFD540. Garmin also did their bit when I had JeppView issues associated with this compatibility issue. Thinwing - easy for me to say, but I'm confident a solution is near. Victor

Improper maintenance is a major cause of issues such as application of the wrong type of gasket, incorrectly torqued nuts and reusing lock washers instead of new. The search function will reveal all.

Sorry Marauder but the answer I can give is it doesn't need its own battery. As for the rest, my electrical knowledge is hopeless. Below is the link that I'm sure is the standby alternator fitted to my J. It just manages to fit the space where the vac pump was located. The unit was fitted by my aircraft engineer on the basis of the STC approval to PA32 type aircraft. Here in Australia an Engineering Order is obtained by the aircraft engineer from a CASA delegated engineer who specialises in issuing the EO based on information provided regarding aircraft type, the proposed addition, STC details and other information. Probably similar to your 337 field approvals. You will also notice via this link that a wiring diagram is available which hopefully should answer your questions. Victor http://www.bandc.aero/standbyalternatorandcontrollerforthepiperpa32cherokeesixlanceandsaratogastc-pma.aspx

I have the B&C as a backup on my J. It came in handy when the alternator belt became loose and probably not far from letting go. As soon as the Hi/Lo volts annunciator flashed, it took over without any input then provided enough power for landing gear and flap operation without loss of electrics to any other system. Worth it in my view.

Wow! 9.7" iPads displayed in a Mooney cockpit. I didn't think that was possible. I see your point regarding flexibility, but I think I'll try to go for the clamp style as previous experience of suction cups is they eventually give up. Victor

Thanks Ken. Much appreciated. Just for fitment in the cockpit, are your iPads mini or Air? Hard to tell from the pics. Victor

Awesome setup Ken. I have a 540 and love how it works. Can you please advise what your right iPad mount is attached to, the type of iPad and attachment? Victor

Just ordered mine with the discount via the provided link. Thanks Dan.

My J also slightly pitches up then returns to normal with gear extension. If I apply the speed brakes in level flight, my J will pitch up to a greater extent than gear extension.

I hope you are right Hank. Victor

It says there will be only 60 Ovation Ultras and 60 Acclaim Ultras built in the 2017 year range. These must be limited editions. What happens after 2017? Victor

I had the pleasure of meeting and having dinner with Paul and Shery when they visited Australia about 6 years ago and Paul was a guest for our Mooney maintenance program. A lovely couple. I still have a gift given to me from Shery that reminds me of their visit. I wish Paul a speedy recovery and both the best in retirement.

16 years and about 1,100 hours. I also fly a turboprop for a living, but much prefer my Mooney.