Ross Taylor

Exactly this! I spent a recent decade doing technical work on wind turbines around the world...and learned that split washers, once compressed, are no better than a flat washer. And if you torque to the values required for proper bolt tension/stretch, on larger bolts anyway, it would actually spread the split washer open. If the aircraft and component designers had Nord-Lock wedge-locking washers back then, I'm sure that's what we'd be using. Those things are impressive - they're made up of two layers, which interlock. When I had to remove a bolt with a Nord-Lock, the layers would separate and the loosening torque actually had to overcome the increased thickness created by the internal ridges (sort of like shallow saw teeth or waves). Damn...I'm not explaining this well...let's say the washer was 1mm thick when installed and torqued...when loosening the fastener, the washer would actually increase in thickness slightly which meant we had to overcome some additional bolt tension (and resulting torque) before it popped free. This was on fasteners tightened to 700 foot-pounds, using a torque multiplier, so they may not work as well on our smaller bolts and nuts. But, circling back, split washers are indeed useless crap.

That is super kind of you, but I'm not doing that anytime soon. I was just trying to provide a little input from my electrical engineering perspective for the original poster. But I am glad to hear it's not a big deal to do it. When that time comes I'll certainly consider it as an option myself. Thanks much!

I love my Halos but my wife doesn't...she's not a fan of the inside-the-ear-canal headset. So, I'm selling the pair we got for her. She's only worn them twice and they are in great shape. $250 shipped FedEx in the US. These are in the zippered case and include all the original ear inserts, except for the one pair she used (which I'll discard). Feel free to text/call me at 928-554-5219 or DM me, if you're interested. Thanks much! Ross

In terms of function, a regular SPST switch in a circuit protected by a circuit breaker would be totally fine. The breaker would last longer, as it's not being cycled regularly, and the switch is cheap. Unfortunately, I don't think its allowable without an STC or whatever rule would apply here...

We've got a '66 E which we bought early last year. I found that if I left the landing light on for any length of time, then turned it off, it wouldn't come back on until after some cooling time. It never switched itself off, but if I turned it off that's when it would balk. So, I didn't turn it off near the field. Switching my landing light to an LED bulb solved that...for now. The current draw is lower, so there's less heat build-up in the breaker. But I expect that someday (maybe 20-30 more years) even the LED draw will cause issues with heat, due to the wear inside the CB switch detent.

Very interesting! I love learning the history and about the people behind the scenes. I thought it was interesting that Mooneys were described as, maybe, having anemic runway and climb performance. Granted this is only the second aircraft I've owned...but I've flown lots of single engine planes and I'm quite impressed with our E at our high altitude.

Like @R-Banger we have the Top Prop scimitar. And, like him, ours was put on the plane before we bought it last year. So I can't give a comparative review, but I'm very pleased with the performance of our plane...but I like that there's no recurring AD. Our field elevation is right about 7,000 ft, with density altitudes of 10,000 or more during the summer. Even with all of that, our E performance impresses me.

After my last post, I'd decided to bow out and let others continue arguing their point. I really don't have a point or a position...and if anyone reads my prior posts on this matter, you'll see that I quoted our Arizona Department of Health Services (or articles that quoted them) about what's going on here. I wasn't just nay saying or calling others names. For those just catching up, here's a quick summary. A couple of weeks ago, someone posted a photo from a newly-opened restaurant/bar and in that photo people weren't wearing masks. Enter the authoritative warning that all the reckless Arizonans were going to die and we could check back in, in a couple weeks, to see if anyone was left alive here to comment. Yes, I'm being hyperbolic in the hope of being a little lighthearted here. Fast forward two weeks and we're given an article headlining a spike in cases in Arizona as confirmation that our reckless behavior is leading to an increase in cases here. I posted an alternate possibility...that the increase in cases might be the result of greatly increased testing, which was significantly ramped up. Because, of course, even without any change in behavior if you increase testing you'll increase the number of positive cases found. But that was dismissed and the metric changed to the percentage of positive cases, not the number referenced in the article...and the numbers offered to show an increase in positive case percentage don't match what our State is reporting. Not wanting to argue, especially with changing metrics, I thought it best to just back off and not fan the flames. But since I'm the "esteemed community member" mentioned above, I feel it's appropriate to address a few things. First, since ADHS data is 4-7 days old, and there's some incubation period before corona-virus symptoms appear, would our behavioral changes and the opening of businesses a couple of weeks ago even be showing up in the data yet? Yes, we're seeing more cases...but we're also testing more. Since that's not a good measure, let's look at ICU usage - that's remained statistically flat since May 14th (see Arizona DHS chart, below). Okay, then let's look at corona-virus hospitalizations - oh, that's going down and has, consistently, trended downward since May 1 (see that chart, below, too). All of these are from our official state data: https://azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/covid-19/dashboards/index.php Let me be clear, I'm not an authority here. But why does anyone who points out conflicting data, or asks questions, become a flat Earther or other easy-to-dismiss conspiracy theorist? This guy has a PhD and seems to be an authority, too. He's just an example of many who present alternate views. Why do those of us, lay people, who read and examine both sides become labeled? I don't know if I should believe him or not. I just present him to point out that there's more than one authoritative view out there and I'd ask for a bit more kindness and compassion in these discussions. Presenting quality data sways people...insulting others doesn't and, really, when people stoop to insulting their "opponent" it causes me to question their motivation or confirmation bias. I presume that referring to me as esteemed was meant sarcastically since the post went on to imply that I (or, at least, those who...like I did...raise questions) may be an unsafe pilot because I question the data and reporting. I am really surprised by the level of disrespect shown to those who dare to question an authority, especially when there are other authorities saying the exact opposite...or when the data upon which presumptions are made are shown to be suspect...or when the diversity of expert opinions is just plain confusing to those of us who aren't experts. People who question the ever-changing guidance and models are called names or dismissed as wackos. And the name calling, or judgmental assignment of derogatory terms or attributes, takes away from the opportunity to have a civil and respectful discussion. So, I'll move permanently away from this thread and focus on those more flight related themes...so that I can improve my flying and hopefully restore your confidence in someone flying along with me. (That, actually, was said with a light heart and joking spirit...once you've been shot at, it's harder to get offended or take as much seriously). Here are the most current Az charts about ICU usage and hospitalizations with COVID symptoms:

Get it from MSer @Jeev - great support and he reached out to JPI on my behalf, when I couldn't contact them (during the closure). The cost will be about the same wherever you get it, so you might as well get if from someone who supports the site and the customer.

Yup, Arizona has started doing well-publicized drive-thru testing blitzes (their description, not my word) so I'm not surprised the number of documented cases is increasing. Here's the most recent ADHS testing chart...it really ramped up.

Exactly this. Missing the door itself wouldn't be a big deal. And damage caused by the door striking, and then leaving, the tail assembly (wherever it hit) probably wouldn't get worse. But looking back and seeing the door wrapped around the horn would make me want to move the elevator as little as possible, lest it shift and wedge further and cause more restriction on input response. You don't know when your situation might get much worse. In this situation, I'd also be happy to be on the ground post haste.

I'm so often impressed by how much some of you notice in photos. While I've got my cowling off, I'm going to snap good photos and post them just to see what I'm missing. MS rocks...really.

Thanks @Andy95W - if I need a replacement that certainly looks like a much more affordable option. Great info...thank you. EDIT to update the item number: Again, thanks for the links. MS is the most helpful place! In reading the Lamar docs, it looks like the one I need for the master solenoid is this one - the STS-M12 (there are different versions, but this part number is the one listed as the replacement in the PMA doc Andy linked to): https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/eppages/skytec07-03565.php

Good call on the disassembly...I just noticed that it's not riveted together.

Hi fellow MSers. I'm reviving this thread, instead of starting anew, because it seems the most relevant. The master solenoid (power relay) on our '66 E is a bit flaky...sometimes it takes a bit to actuate, even though the master switch wiring is good and the battery is recent (and always maintained on a charger). In the applicable parts manual, it shows a 800128 part number for that power relay. I'm not finding that, but I did see a cross-reference chart indicating that either an Eaton 6041H105 or a 6041H231 were the current replacements. But that wasn't on any official Mooney document and seemed pretty generic. Neither of those numbers match the OPs part number, above. So, what's the right one for me? Thanks in advance! Ross

At the risk of being repetitive, I'll also add my compliments on the handling of this. And I'll also start locking my baggage door, as well. Our 1966 E model does not allow opening from the inside, but I'm not really worried about that. And, yes, I took off with the baggage door unlatched once. It was actually my second take off in our "new" plane. I picked it up in Lynchburg and made a stop a few hours west for fuel. When I put the fuel sample cup back inside the baggage compartment I did not latch it. The door swung upward as I was climbing out, so I kept my speed as low as was safe to do so and went around in the pattern and landed. No harm and no foul, but a definite lesson for me to check the latch every time. Making sure it's locked is not a bad idea... I'm happy this turned it as it did for you. And thanks for demonstrating the ability of the gear to handle some rough conditions!

I've got the Larry Ball book, which I got off Amazon's used book option for about $40. I see there are still options there for just a bit over $40. I don't yet have the Al Mooney Story, though. On a side note, technology is getting to me...because I tried clicking on the book titles in @Andy95W's post thinking they were links. Haha!

Hi @banjo - I can't help with the manual question, but this is the manual/emergency extension crank. It mounts on the sidewall, to the left of the pilot's knee.

Congrats! We're up the hill from you, in Flag, and have an E. With your 200HP engine, that's basically the same as what we've got...and it does very well up here at high DAs. Our plane's at nearby KCMR in Williams and the mechanic at the field there is great. He owns two Mooneys himself, a C and a Mustang. Very reasonable, very knowledgeable, and close enough for you to get to for your annual and planned maintenance (he gets people from all over AZ). Let me know when you bring that beauty (yes, I actually like that paintjob!) up to either KFLG or KCMR. I want to see it!

That's perfect and he's definitely first! I'm in no hurry. Thanks.

Yeah, that looks more challenging to access. Thanks..and good luck!

It's not like @khedrei needs a referral...but I'll give one anyway. I just bought a couple of his items and he was great to work with. He was very clear to point out a couple of possible deficiencies or less-than-perfect issues, with great photos and a chance to change my mind (I didn't!). He shipped them right away and was a pleasure to work with. Go MS! And thank you.

Hey @Wes - I've also got a '66 E with the Brittain system. I've got no plans, or budget, to replace it...but I could use some spare parts. I'll stand, second in line, with interest in your components (all of them, not piecemeal) if you decide to part with it and if @RDuplechin doesn't need it. Thanks, Ross

Email and DM sent. Thanks! I'll take the Shadin and the Davtron chrono.

If you do go the Aztec route, and buy this one, I'll contribute the first $100 if you don't repaint it. We could start a GoFundMe for you!