Fysiojohn

Thanks for the info. I have of course seen just about every video on youtube, haven't found one that has an aerocruz or trutrak installed in a Mooney though. John

As I’m probing the various avionics shops in the area, I am developing second thoughts on the Aerocruz. But then I hear from an A&P IA, who has his installed in his own bird and it functions very well. getting a modern Autopliot and have 20K less to spend is not a small thing to consider.

Yes, was finalized then apparently pulled by FAA, now good for Mooneys since spring of 2024

Hi all, I’m looking to upgrade my autopilot from the original Accutrak to the TruTrak, now Aerocruz 100 AP, which recently got the okay for my Mooney M20C. All I’m looking for is an AP that follows the my WAAS GPS’s magenta line, holds attitude and can do turn anticipation. I did a general search on Mooneyspace but didn’t find many that may have gone before me. i’ve done some research but it seems to be the only one that does not require a G5 or some other intermediary and can run straight from my IFD 440, AND is approved for use in the Mooney. Any advice before I take the plunge, and secondly, being based in Northern VA, any recommendations for avionics shops that do the install? thanks!

You will need an RS232 serial wire from the 430W to the 330ES

A seemingly simple question about how many pilots it will take to change a lightbulb… I have these Soderberg manufactured cockpit lights, but can’t for the life of me figure out how to get it to open to change out the bulb. The internet has been no help, or, I was unable to find it. suggestions are welcome, and needed! it appears to be an S1990/12

Hi all, It’s been “only” almost 2 years, but I finally have ADS-b out working. It all started with the purchase of my bird in 2017. I was assured that it had everything that was needed for the 2020 mandate: it had a 430waas gps and a GTX330ES, so, it should be fine. Three avionics shops later, we finally figured out that for the GPS unit to be the position info source, the GTX needed a RS232 connection, not the existing ARINC 429. And while the GPS gets traffic info from the transponder via ARINC429, you need to have the system configured so that on the GTX330ES the 429 “in” port is set to “OFF”, and the RS232 in port is set to “REMOTE”, and finally, the 430WAAS, RS232 out port is set to “ADSB+“ (on the IFD440 set to ADSB+g). if you leave the ARINC429 “in” port on the GTX330ES on, the box will prioritize the info coming through 429 over RS232, and your ADSB-report will show a fail. im mentioning the IFD440, because I swapped out the 430 recently, and while Avidyne tech support has been very supportive throughout this process, they were not aware of the 429 vs Rs232 issue/settings. if this info helps just one pilot, then it was worth me reporting on my experience. John

My 1968 m20c has a Vne of 189 mph, and a Max structural cruising speed of 150 mph, whereas the 1970 m20c's are limited at 200 and 175 mph respectively. I can't seem to find any structural changes in control rods, control surfaces that would constitute these upgraded limitations. Since my Mooney typically cruises at around 160 mph IAS, I wonder if being in the yellow arc range should be any concern? John

Thanks all for the referral, my mechanic has contacted Alan Fox.

Hi all, After discovering exfoliating corrosion of a right side flap, most right sided block hinge, my mechanic has been unsuccessful locating a replacement part. I think it is p/n 240015-502. If anyone on this forum can direct me to a solution, that would be great! Part may also be contained in a salvage right flap, of which we would need the outer 4 inches of said flap. Thanks, John

A, thanks so much for the summary and will take your advice to heart. John

Cheers all, always good to have more food for thought!

Hi everyone, I have been getting conflicting messages regarding aggressively leaning the mixture while taxiing, or being on the ground in general. My 1968 M20C Ranger POH clearly states to to keep it at full rich and propellor RPM high during taxiing to prevent overheating. Prevent running the engine at low RPM to prevent fouling of the plugs. My mechanic who has been taking care of my Mooney since 2017, says to not lean on the ground and so far reports that my plugs are very clean and are checked every 50 hours. Seemingly everywhere on this forum, most indicate that they all aggressively lean on the ground, what seems to be the consensus on either method and why? Thanks, John