hammdo

So, I like to train often for IFR with my CFI . Many times here in Texas, it’s difficult to get actual (of course I avoid convection buildup when we do). Hood doesn’t do well for me and I don’t like foggles. I decided to up my game a bit and get these: https://www.icarusdevices.com/ I was able to get a NAFI discount (I’m a member). I talked to Nick @ Icarus and I’m all set for the right model for my Mooney. I’m hopeful this will give me that added ‘edge’ when flying with my CFI or Safety Pilot in VMC. Now, I need to find another safety pilot here in DFW for the times my CFI is unavailable… -Don

MIRA allows you to do voice activated check lists on IPad. I have it and testing it out… https://www.miracheck.com/ -Don

Controls dropped off! Can’t wait to see what they’ll look like… I’ll post pics when done… Was lucky the last 2 days - was able to get 6 IMC approaches in - that was fun! What a difference IMC vs a hood… Plane did great, fuel pressure is spot on… -Don

@mooniac58

https://mooneyspace.com/profile/51674-jonesjay/ just joined and selling? Send to gmail? Nope… -Don

I had JD order it so, I’m not sure. I think he had them make a couple of windshields at the same time since another person wanted the SWTA version. It may be GLAP has a mold for the SWTA version… -Don

Yokes cleaned/etched/primed and ready for leather covering... Gonna take those to the shop tomorrow -- can't wait to have them installed...

Mine did - I replaced mine and the VOR works great. First was the splitter for LOC/VOR - after I replaced that I would loose VOR signal around 18 miles from the station. With the new antenna, much better rec… If you have a VOR/LOC splitter - may want to check that first. My avionics shop did that first - and confirmed the coax after they replaced the splitter. Just a suggestion… -Don

Did great today no issues with the fuel pressure - and got some actual IMC approaches too! Need more actual time for sure - get it when I can… -Don

A&P checked it out. After discovering the fitting on the firewall manifold broke when attempting to attach the test pressure gauge, he replaced that and verified pressure is now normal - 5-6 PSI with slow bleed-off! Gonna fly her tomorrow and do a check out flight… now to get some time on her! -Don

My experience say nothing ‘self heals itself’ when it comes to mechanical items (computers are different like rebooting or resetting an engine’s analyzer). So, when it’s an abnormal operation (like this one), I expect something is afoot.. I’ll know more once I do the run up and test flight… -Don

I feel like the boy who cried wolf… -Don

Man, things are just funny sometimes… Changed the oil today just to get that done. While I was in the area, I looked over the hose that goes to the fuel pressure gauge. I notice it appeared a bit loose so I tightened it up. Did a startup - fuel pressure was @ 6 PSI - seriously. Ran it for a few minutes @ 1000 RPM. Shut it off, slow bleed off. ‘Well , that is normal…’ I said. Got out, checked things over for no oil leaks, restarted it, 6 PSI - normal again. Switched tanks - still normal (5 to 6 PSI). Ran it 5 minutes, shut it off, slow bleed off of pressure- its back to normal again. I still want an A&P to verify pressure. So strange but, she did sit 3 weeks. I guess I’ll keep an eye on it. I’m going to do a full run up next and then pattern flight to confirm - if the run up shows normal… -Don

I was looking at that for mine but wanted to limit down time if I can. May have to do that if we find that it’s the problem… -Don

@Alan Fox or @Jerry Pressley if you have one, let me know… Thanks! -Don

I’m looking for one just in case my A&P discovers mine is going out. If you’ve removed one for new JPI etc. let me know… -Don

Bead blasted! Ready to go… -Don

Well, as life would have it, went to get some actual IFR today, got the plane ready, did a boost pump check, and wouldn't you notice a fast drop of pressure to zero after turning off the boost pump -- never did that before. Switched tanks, tried again, same thing. Pulled her out, did a startup, fuel pressure to 9 PSI on the mechanical pump -- @ 1000 RPM. Leaned it, same thing. Shut off, fast drop to 0 PSI again, boost pump on again, started it up, 9 PSI again, turned it off, fast drop to 0 PSI again. Scrapped the flight. Went over to the A&P on field, told them what happened and asked them to check it out -- would not be surprised if it was the mechanical fuel pump or the gauge. Life of an owner. Perfect IFR weather too. Wanted to get my 3 approaches needed to keep current but alias, no joy today. I hope it doesn't take too long for them to get to her, Its already been 2 weeks since I've flow her -- got the flying itch... -Don

Purchased control yoke to have them done in leather. A local shop does that so the plan is to prime/etch them before hand. I have bolts for them so when I go for annual, I have them do the 500 hr shaft AD. These are in great shape…

Wow, I have Swift STC too…

Super, thanks! -Don

@Echo, Got part #s for the bolt kits? Thanks! -Don

Good luck! -Don

Checked out the Mooney after getting back from the Smokies. Looks good. Replaced the Insight OAT sensor (was erratic), will need oil change in a couple of hours, found left fuel tank seeping in the wheel well so I’ll plan on a patch at Maxwells next year. Annual due in January so right now I don’t see anything out of the ordinary. Right fuel gauge is working perfectly. Plan is still to do an autopilot next but I’ll keep current on IFR while saving up… -Don

G1 or G2 Insight may be ok… -Don