MikeOH

Helluva relief tube going to be needed for that installation

@EricJ You're the A&P/IA, not me, so I'll take your word on how much theoretical responsibility falls to each individual IA based on your points. Practically speaking, I still believe there's no real financial liability risk to the IA. My argument is based on exactly what you said, "so a judge may have to decide at some point". What the judge is actually deciding is WHO has the money to pay! Out of everyone involved the IA is the LEAST likely able to pay! It's going to be the manufacturer and the fuel distributors. And, my guess is that GAMI is, in the scheme of things, VERY small in terms of assets...and furthermore, is structured to NOT hold many in the first place (very little net worth and retained earnings...all the profit is 'pulled out')! IMHO, the FAA should be accountable as they issued the blanket STC...but good luck successfully suing, winning, and collecting from the FEDS! The fuel disty's are going to get stuck. Especially ironic in that, if the Consent Decree is upheld, they will be FORCED to sell the fuel in the first place...and then have to pay for damages it causes!

You could be right, but I think from a legal perspective the IA is, practically speaking, probably safe from personal liability. His argument (his lawyer's) would be that he installed an FAA approved STC in accordance with the STC instructions. I doubt trying to prove whether he was even aware of issues with the fuel would be allowed into court. After all, some IAs might well NOT be aware even if they're well publicized. My objection is a moral one; I wouldn't want my customer to suffer any negative consequences.

Well, crap! You mean I need to go buy a new Pilatus PC12 because my Mooney, which runs well, is 55 years old???? I'll be sure to tell you "I hate it" when you ask

One takeaway from the Concorde instructions is that a CONTINUOUS charge, even from a 'smart' minder charger may deplete the electrolyte; you don't fly the plane continuously so that just flying the plane doesn't constitute the same risk. The other takeaway is that frequent flying (once a week) is plenty to stave off even the need for a battery minder. What a surprise, flying often is good for the plane

Not a chance.

That argument always sounds logical, but think about it, how many times have you asked someone with a new car how they like it...ever had anyone tell you they hate it and wished they hadn't bought it

Exactly one of the two reasons I've never believed in continuous "maintenance" charging; the other is I'm paranoid about the, albeit small, fire risk.

Top Gun is definitely proud of their work; pricing is Top Tier, I'll be the first to acknowledge. Honestly, I'd probably use them every year if the logistics of getting there from southern California weren't such a pain. They are very easy to work with, meet commitments, and no doubt they know Mooneys. Unlike some family businesses, the transition from father, Tom, to son, Mark, has been without issue. Yes, as a new owner, you run the risk of a big first annual. But don't you want someone who knows Mooneys to find all the flaws so you at least start with a known 'clean slate?'. Remember, after the inspection you'll get a clear, itemized, list of findings with costs clearly delineated with parts and labor broken out for each item before any work begins. You do NOT have to approve the non-airworthy items; I sure haven't. E.g. they wanted $29 for a new placard that was coming off; I politely declined that one!

THIS! And, if true, Braly isn't the good ol' boy many seem to believe. Remember, he's an attorney so it's not like he's ignorant of these factors.

Hmm, doesn't sound like the best business plan...

Just that GAMI now know there are problems in the field from the two airports already selling G100UL...now introducing another one!

G100UL is coming to KFRG with free STCs....just like RHV.

WOW. Time to triple-down on the risk, I guess

UGH! I hadn't thought about that possibility. I'm sure the vulture land developers would be happy to 'loan' out their bulldozers

Good point!

While the ruling is encouraging, the possibility exists that Santa Clara County doesn’t care! As evidenced by the mention that the County had NOT applied for any Federal grants in some time; they don’t want to be obligated. They might just pay back the 6.8 million of existing grants and tell the FAA to get lost!

So, after a VERY short time in the field we have a 7% (70,000 ppm) issue! That troubles me greatly. YMMV, I guess

Just soak 'em in G100UL for a bit, they'll soften right up

As I've never actually jacked up the plane myself, I'm curious how many pounds of down force are really required on the tail? My only reference point is that back in the day we moved C150/C172s by pushing the tail down by hand (I know, horrific!!) and it couldn't have taken but 50 pounds, if that. The barrels of concrete always seemed over-kill, BWTHDIK?

I am perfectly happy with my F but would have bought a J had the right one appeared. As others have said, initial price difference is just not that significant in the scheme of total cost of ownership. In seven years of ownership I've spent over 2X what the plane cost in OPEX!

WOW! I'm going to stick with Mark at Top Gun. The INSPECTION is performed quickly (a few days) and I get a very detailed, organized, 'punch list' with each item clearly labelled 'airworthy' or 'discretionary'. I 'sign off' on what I want done and return via email. AFTER that, the work is performed. Typically, when I call I can speak with someone immediately; if not, I've always had my call returned within a day. Emails answered within a day, as well.

Are the wings bonded/'glued' (i.e. not riveted) on those Grummans? If so, I'd be VERY worried.

Sadly, I think the judge's 'ability' to 'see through' this is going to depend highly on his bias. I'm still very concerned that the judge in this case desires the banishment of leaded fuel ASAP. As long as there is a thread of reasoning available to him, he will run with it. I hope I'm wrong.

Since Don is reputed to walk on water, I'm curious what 'things were all screwed up'?