Lax291

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.

Don't forget the privacy tent for the bashful bladder!

We have no bathroom facilities at our hangar or near it. Best case, drive outside airport property and go to the flight school so long as they're open. Worst case, use a container and dump. Found this on Amazon and really considering buying it to stick in the corner. https://a.co/d/2uD48lw Anyone use this or something like it before? Easy to keep clean and fresh? Is this just a disaster waiting to happen?

I've been noticing my vertical card jumping around a lot when flying. It's getting a good amount of vibration and when I grab the compass with my hand it seems to go back to the correct heading. I was thinking the foam needs to be replaced but had a hard time finding it. Got some vibration dampening foam from Amazon and just replaced the old foam. We'll see if that fixes the jumping around of the heading, but has anyone else run into this issue? The compass is a Precision Aviation PAI-700.

Sorry to light this fuse, but interesting video from the American Bonanza Society. Wondering if it changes people's thoughts on how they handle a go-around? Would be interesting to see the same test in a Mooney.

I had mine done by Sarasota Avionics there. The guy I worked with was very responsive and communicated often so very happy with him. I had a big annual with them after the purchase and while it mostly went well there were a few things I felt they should have caught that they didn't. If you can take it a little further south, Sarasota Avionics has another location in Venice and I believe that is where the Mooney specific people are located so I would check them out.

If they look like this from the top, then through the access panel on the bottom. There should be a metal bracket on the underside (maybe 2, can't exactly recall) after panel is removed, that you have to unscrew and swivel as well as remove all the screws from the top, as shown below. There will also be a twist lock connector you'll have to undo before you can get the cartridge out. Once everything is disconnected I recall having to manipulate the cartridge somewhat to fit through the opening.

Removed and cleaned eyeball vents from pilot and CP side. Just used contact cleaner and compressed air and they are 100% better. I think I read someone's comment about needing to push them in and twist, I do believe that is true and helpful although it's almost an imperceptible amount of travel when pushed. Some pictures of the vent cleaned and all the gunk from just 1 of them.

Interesting, was able to get over there today and grab one of the last two LPS 2 cans they had. They also carry Tri-Flo there too, love that place.

Thanks, will be picking up some LPS 2 at Ace tomorrow.

Hey @TangoTango link here: https://themooneyflyer.com/tools.html a few lines down it's called "Aircraft Status Sheet". Been very helpful and keep it on my google drive so I can access it via phone to update or review.

Found a great spreadsheet early on that tracks things like registration renewal, oil changes, time since overhaul, compressions, no back clutch spring replacement (ouch) and lots more. One of the sections is titled "Recurring Pilot Maintenance" and I included a picture of it. I've got the check tires and lube fuel caps down, but cannot find anything specific on how and what to lube for the flight controls. Can anyone help with that line item as to what should be lubricated every 4 months on the controls, confirm if DC-4 is best, and add any additional recommendations? 1990 M20J. Thanks!

That's my understanding of it now. If you want GPS capability you need to purchase the cellular enabled tablet. However, you don't need an active cellular plan to use the GPS chip.

Curious of the split between WiFi only vs Cellular enabled tablets. I currently have WiFi only (CB) but the more I think about a possible failure of my GPS I’m liking the idea of having the cell chip in the iPad as a backup. Let me know your thoughts!

Thanks Scott, much appreciated! I'm down a few times a year visiting my parents (Naples) and in-laws (Venice) and will take you up on that offer next time I'm there. My goal is once I get my instrument rating to fly down to Naples, looks like a great airport to land at especially if you come in over the water.