quietpilot

FSDO also pointed me in direction of the IPC. Time to hunt that down and sift through it. Thanks Eric!

oh boy! that is the way I am leaning right now. And I wonder if at the time of manufacturing they have more access and are able to use solid rivets more easily? seems likely

I'll preface by saying I have left a message with Mooney Technical Support, so I am not entirely crowdsourcing this information, but curious if anyone here has strong opinions or applicable knowledge. I'm very close to buying a 1974 F model. On the PPI my mechanic noted the use of blind rivets, of the CherryMax varietal, that were used recently for a wingtip repair (due to hangar rash). His opinion is that in order to use blind rivets for that repair one would need to obtain specific authorization via form 8100, or at least have it documented as a viable part in either an IPC or a DER. The seller, who happens to be a Mooney Service Center mechanic, says that CherryMax rivets are perfectly legal because they are "structural rivets" and the wingtip is a "standard repair." Something I have been referencing with very limited understanding is AC 43.13-1B page 159... f. Blind rivets are used under certain conditions when there is access to only one side of the structure. Typically, the locking characteristics of a blind rivet are not as good as a driven rivet. Therefore, blind rivets are usually not used when driven rivets can be installed. and then... CAUTION: For metal repairs to the airframe, the use of blind rivets must be specifically authorized by the airframe manufacturer or approved by a representative of the FAA. Thanks for reading!

That’s the biggest red flag, it has flown 8 hours since October 2021 (21 months). Before that it had flown 40 hours a year for about 13 years. OH was done in 2007, it only has 520 SMOH, but is 4 years past the recommended TBO. Apparently the prop is brand new because it was many years past recommended OH so the seller just replaced it.

Was this the one, per chance? It’s on the high side, but everything is. https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=MOONEY&model=M20F&listing_id=2415405&s-type=aircraft

Kevin was generous with his time on a phone call this afternoon. Thank you for the recommendation, extremely helpful.

The market might indicate otherwise but yes, that’s the one. Listed for 85k. This would be my first Mooney and my first aircraft purchase in general.

May I ask who you found to do the pre-buy? I'm trying to schedule a PPI for a 74 M20F that is currently at Foothill at Cable Airport.

Thank you for the helpful response. Curtis is the seller (or the seller's agent, anyway). And someone else recommended Aircrafters at F70, that could be who you're thinking of. I will make a couple calls. Thanks again!

Does anyone have A&P recommendations for a PPI in the Ontario, Riverside, or even Orange County area?