rbmaze

I have an update to share. It turns out the gear really is cracked. I had a magnetic-particle inspection performed last week and it revealed several cracks in the area. Neither Don Maxwell nor LASAR are able to repair this, so I am moving forward with the salvage gear. I will have an MPI performed on this one before installation to verify it is a good part.

I'm going to see if the paint can be stripped. How is this typically done? Will the gear need to be removed first? It looks to me like an abrasive was used and it took off some paint but not all of it, or left a primer. I've never heard of MPI inspection.

There was indeed a rusty crack in the paint. The shop said they didn't think the dye-penetrant inspection would actually reveal a crack, but suggested looking closer just to be safe.

@MikeOH Good point, that would be easy! Unfortunately my Mooney is at a smaller airport in SD County right now. I've asked Savvy for advice on this matter as they are managing my annual.

Thanks for the quick responses! How would one go about a second and third opinion? I'm out of annual as of 7/1.

I am working through my first annual. While the light is at the end of the tunnel, I was informed today my left main gear has a crack. The shop noted it earlier in the annual and didn't think it was really a crack, but wanted to dye pen it to be sure. They did it twice and confirmed it is indeed cracked. My question is, how common is this? Is it likely this was cracked for a while? I took it to a new IA from where it was previously maintained. This didn't arise in my prebuy last year. I am disappointed but this should only be about $2.5k with a salvage part and labor.

I'll reach out to Paul and see if he's available. I've seen him on Saavy and listed on some FAA Safety seminars but didn't know he instructs. Thanks!

I am finished with my flying requirements for IR (40 hours instrument training, long instrument XC, etc). I completed this last year in Cessnas. Now I need to hit the books and become instrument proficient in the Mooney and schedule a checkride. Any recommendations for CFIIs with Mooney experience? I had a great CFII but I moved recently.

I love my G5s. When I started instrument training a couple years ago I routinely flew in aircraft both with and without them. I quickly decided I would not purchase a plane with a steam AI or DG if I was ever going to fly IFR, even in VMC. For the AI, my favorite feature may be the digital barometric-pressure setting. I always adjust my digital first followed by analog. When I get updates on pressure it is so easy to know if I'm at the correct setting. I also use the altitude bug all the time which is a great feature. Having v-speeds visualized is another useful thing to have. This month I am installing a GAD13 and temp probe to display OAT and TAS on my AI, in addition to winds aloft on my HSI. I haven't used a GI 275 and it could be a case of not knowing what I am missing, but I am very satisfied with the G5. By the way I also have a vacuum pump to run my PC system.

Thank you! I would not have guessed this.

Aha! Thank you for letting me know. I wonder if that was always there or was added at some point. I'll need to take a closer look.

I took a look at the service manual that's available in Downloads - #106. I can't make much sense of it as there are only letters. Are those different instruments/placards?

That's interesting. I haven't noticed any illumination of my fuel selector. I'll have to check if there is a bulb or socket.

I have searched around but no luck on finding an answer to my question on this. I have an E model with the throttle quadrant. Do the older Mooneys have any bulb to light up the flap and trim indicators? I noticed a circular hole at the bottom of my quadrant and maybe a bulb could be fitted to this. I also wonder about rear illumination. Or is the design reliant on the map light from above? Thanks for any input!

I am planning to install an EDM 900 in the next few months. My M20E is going into a local shop in June for my first annual and I was quoted 50 hours for installing the EDM 900 at this time. I prefer to do the install separately since I might be in for some surprises next month as far as needed repairs. Also going to install an AV-20-S and maybe some improved instrument lighting (nulite?). I'm interested in flying to Las Vegas, Arizona, etc if it will mean cheaper labor than California, or a better install, or both. I have read all the MS discussions about engine monitors. I am very interested in a self install with an overseeing A&P, but I realize I probably don't have time outside of weekends and don't have a relationship with a local A&P. Any recommendations would be great!

Looking forward to your pirep once you get it in. Does seem like a good option.

I'm curious to know why you'd choose this option, since it's the most expensive. Do you think it's worth having as another backup while having dual G5s? Or just a good clock?

Pinecone, I sent you a DM. Thanks!

I will definitely give it a try soon. Thanks for the insight. I guess I shouldn't overthink it and I'm not trying to skirt the regs, just trying to make it a smooth day for everyone if I ask.

Wow. Gone since the 70s. Thanks for the info.

Is this the 8-Day Clock? Are these still made? The description is written in the present tense as if it's for sale, but I'm guessing only parts are available. I see one available on ebay.

I have definitely heard of others doing this and perhaps I should get on board and just save the money for my engine monitor. I have a 330 ES so I believe it has a timer. Just not sure how to "vet" a DPE to be sure they will accept this as legal which is one of the hurdles in my head.

Unfortunately this is out of budget for me, but a great option to have a drop-in replacement. My 530W is mostly solid (I do receive some interference sometimes on the comm so I use it as my secondary). I'll probably run it until it dies and see if I can save the funds for a GFC500 one day. Thanks for the recommendation. I haven't seen this one and it's a lower price point than others.

Do you remember how long the install took? A shop asked me what options I want setup before providing a quote. I'm guessing things like LED dimmer and Engine Time (hobbs meter) are optional wires to connect. Uptimer is a good reminder of your flight time?

Interesting info. I can see the benefits of that. I like to run an hour before switching tanks, but your strategy seems useful. Thanks for this advice. That makes a lot of sense. I already let a potential mechanic know I want to install an EDM900 and was quoted 50 hours. Didn't think of being able to defer work to combine with the install. I'm thinking I'll avoid doing it with the annual since I really have no idea what to expect as far as unknown issues that will pop up when I'm in the shop.