PilotX

I’m too poor. Along the same lines why would you spend $1M for a Cirrus when a 200K Bravo is faster? Dass a lot o’AVGAS!

How dare you sully the Bravo forums with your mid-body talk.

Ok managed to get the L Alt Field switch on with some delicate surgery and a pair of needle nose pliers and put yellow collars on the CBs. Looks like the switches are easy enough to get to if I pull out the G3X. I don't have avionics hands or arms so I took pictures to develop the plan of actions. Thinking of swapping it out temporarily to see if we can get some 3D printed. Looking through the logbook, this switch lasted 10 years or so.

Bravo is the only answer, unless you have money then you can get a used Citation for $250. I run LOP and fly 170 TAS 14.5 gph under 1650 TIT and 380 CHT.

I received a six prong anti-collision light switch will test it and see if works. Since I don't have the specs it is a guessing game at this point.

From Frank at Mooney: There is no fix of these switches, the only approved “fix” is to place an order with LASAR for Mooney to buy them, shows Service Parts ordered 3 in 2024, but sold them. I was seeking a work around since there are no parts. Seems we are at an impasse. Found two way switch at BAS but it is for lights, six prongs instead of four in the alt field switch. Certain we can make it work. Frustrating that we can't get parts and LASAR can't afford to order 10 of everything one person needs to keep the fleet going.

If radial play is evident, might be time to swap it. Ours made it 300 hours. 11 AMU away from base, down for three weeks.

Just spoke with Robert at Lasar (bad connection but I think he said he was the previous owner) they are trying to get the authority from Mooney to order Mooney parts. Mooney isn't ordering anything and so we seen the no-back spring process and expense. He said there is a significant upfront cost with ordering parts for Mooney. I have a message out to Frank at Mooney to see what the approved fix is since we can't get parts and they aren't ordering any.

Repurposing a switch is a great idea. I don’t ever turn on one taxi light or one landing light.

I think we are going to close the circuit and use the CB to work ours. The unobtanium is real.

We had the alt field switch break the exact same way. I turned it off and now it won’t turn back on. On the hunt for a switch. Guess it will be right ALT only for a bit.

Doesn't not seem like a good deal at all. Thanks for the research.

I have seen all of those. Leaks pooling in the speed brakes, oil on the tires. Some TLC and she will be right as rain. One of the things that likes to leak on mine are the valve cover gaskets, I replaced mine with the GB supplied ones when I re-did the baffles, not leak but the screws get loose over time, so every oil change is a good time to make sure everything is snug, also had "oil drain back clamps" loose as well as one of the turbo v band brackets (cool air side - phew) come loose and a turbo mounting bold fall out. Our fair share of quirks, probably largely due to the Lyc vibrations. Gonna get our prop worked on too. We tend to run 2200 rpm but the LYc just vibrates more. Once you get it dialed in (I am about 3 years and 330 hours into ownership) you will have a super capable traveling machine.

There is some variation in temps, some good advice above. We have been babying #2 battery for a year because $1K is a lot. Mooney’s leak fuel, I had a pretty significant drip drip drip above 35 gal, so I filled to 30 until I could get it in the shop. I am pretty sure leaking gallons grounds the plane, I am also certain there is some hyperbole in the OPs statements. It took 15 hours of labor to seal the tanks but a new seep just showed up in a new spot. I had a guy that offered to buy my plane for $240 (listed initially at 260) if I put 60K into it (paint, complete tank reseal, interior) I kept the plane, got a partner and just put some new avionics in. The LHS is fabulous, thanks @Warren

From recent experience you will know when the turbo stops turbroing. Need to lube mine as well.

I agree. Debating pulling mine out to do it muhself.

Mooney Bravo pilots who do a lot of takeoffs.

Assuming you upgrade to the GFC500...rudder trim will fight the YD on the GFC500. Meaning if you turn on the AP in climb and then in cruise you don't disconnect the YD and center the ball again, the YD will (may) eventually disconnect the AP until you fix it, I have gotten to where I shut off the YD and just center the ball using rudder trim.

Here is what I see, if I recall these were about 12500' ROP 22/28” 16.6gph (137KIAS) LOP 22/28” 11.5 (110) 22/30” 12.5 (125) 22/32” 13.5 (132) 22/34” 14.5 (137) ~ 170 True.

Dang right @Marc_B

My partner made it back. We flew together a couple of days later. The turbo was turboing. All is well except my bank account is sad.

Autopilot. Our paint is mostly original 35 years old. A well integrated autopilot is golden.

Any luck with the dynamic balance? Reached out to the locals and they told my I was almost due for an overhaul (2019 OH, 300hours).

My speed brakes are vacuum powered so I kept one pump.

Only one thought. Bravo.