Lax291

Thanks @N201MKTurbo, was under the panel with the flashlight to see if I could see anything. Didn't even think to turn on the radios and start tapping wires! That was my first time looking under the panel, holy crap, that's a lot of wires!

I did notice when I did trigger it with pulling back on the yoke, the transmit symbol did not show up on the GTN. Would you expect to see the Tx there if it was the PTT? Also, I think that switch was replace just 3 years ago on pilot side.

Odd thing happened last few flights. Startup, radios on nice and clear. During runup and go through flight controls check and when I pull the yoke all the way aft, the static starts. Almost sounds like squelch is off. Not there all the time, but intermittent and not enough to interfere with understanding transmissions. Have confirmed it's triggering when I pull the yoke back as the static is heard and I see the red intercom light come on. Thinking a loose wire that's being bumped by the yoke linkage behind the panel? Anyone experience this before? Radio 1 is GTN650xi, haven't isolated radio 1 from 2 yet.

Looks like GP updated the category speeds and they now match FF.

This was my experience with the orbital buffer. Had speed settings up to 6. Spread the polish with #2 and worked it with #5, no issue going over the rivets.

Wanted to post some quick photos of the paint correction project I started last weekend and at first I was apprehensive to start cutting the paint with the polisher, but after doing it I couldn't recommend it more if your paint is looking dull and dingy like mine was. The buffer and polishing compound made it fool-proof and results were spectacular (in my opinion). I'll link what I used below if anyone else wants to give it a go. Orbital Polisher: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089N83CWF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title At first I bought the Griot's Garage polisher, died on me after 30 minutes, this one is much better and much less Extra pads: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07STT35FF?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 Groit's Complete Compound: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PA2LMD2?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 This not only cuts and corrects the paint, but also polishes at the same time. All photos below are after 1 application of the compound, 4 passes with the polisher, and wiped clean. Photo 1 - Upper left section polished, everything else not. Notice how the overhead light reflection looks from polished to not. Photo 2 - Right half of wing polished, left not, can see the line where I stopped Photo 3 - Setup Photo 4 - Tail section before Photo 5 - Tail section after, I think the darker color shows better with the photos I still have some watermarks/oxidation spots and maybe down the road after another light cutting that will come out, but what a different a little compound and elbow grease can make!

We decided not to check compression after lapping and that we'll check it again at next annual to see if it brings up the number.

The reason for the gasket replacement is to move to a thinner gasket. The bottom of the muffler rubbed a hole through the bottom cowl and we thought the thinner gaskets would give it some more clearance.

Hey all, still new to this Mooney thing and now completed my 3rd annual. Great news, after two brutal annuals that were more than double the one attached, it's starting to level off. The question has to do with the discrepancy labor and the recorded time of ~25hrs. Does that seem to check out with what was completed outside the annual inspection? I do want to say, I love this shop, trust the work they do, and they either always are around when I call or call me back the same day spending on average 20-45 minutes on the phone explaining things and answering any questions I have (hopefully they're not charging for that time...). Very happy with their work and people but doing a quick sanity check on the labor, appreciate any insight you can offer.

I haven't bit on Starlink yet, but I am sold on Internet in the cockpit. However, I'm waiting for Amazon's project Kuiper to hit the market. Not sure if it will be superior or less expensive, but I believe competition will drive prices down to something more reasonable from a hardware and plan standpoint. https://www.aboutamazon.com/what-we-do/devices-services/project-kuiper

Bumping this up as I’m in the middle of my instrument training and lack of annunciator lights is making things a little harder. Seems like top row of lights are out, anyone know how hard they are to replace? Going into annual end of month and wondering if it’s worth looking at fixing the lights. TIA for any help! On a separate note, we’re trying to get the NAV mode working but without success. The DG and heading mode works fine. My GTN 650xi is in GPS mode and I can see the desired track on the Bendix/King HSI but when I turn on NAV with the AP it does not track towards to keep the line centered. Could be I’m pushing the buttons incorrectly, just hitting NAV on the AP. But would welcome any suggestions to see if it’s pilot induced or just not working.

I've got GP Smart Charts, my instructor has FF DP and we were briefing an approach today. I noticed the different speeds for Cat A and Cat B between the two. Looks like FF is correct and GP might need to update the speed ranges?

I have someone at work that likes to tool around with a 3d printer and said he can scan objects with his phone. Maybe I'll try that and see how it goes to make a replacement plastic piece, will report back.

@OSUAV8TER do you sell the black plastic retainers (for lack of better term) the wingtip lights mount to? Mine are very brittle and cracking.

1990 M20J MSE and it's a A610 for me. My left side strobe is much dimmer than right so will need to replace soon. Aircraft Spruce has them.