HopePilot

Thanks everyone! If anyone knows the type of screw it is, please chime in or I'll just remove it and go from there.

Can I, as an owner, not mechanic, replace this screw which is getting rusty? Also, if I remove it will something in the tail, like a nut, fall off? Last question, does anyone know if it is a common part?

I totally want to do this, I just need to get a killer picture.

I'm waiting for nuclear power: http://www.aviation-history.com/articles/nuke-american.htm

Getting popcorn ready...

I've always held the belief that "touch-and-go" maneuvers aren't a great idea in a Mooney, but I'm sure there are many who would disagree with me. Our thoughts are with the pilot and his family: http://kathrynsreport.com/?p=19149 I hope it was not someone we know.

Just got an IPad so I don't have any opinions yet, but I'm trying to figure out a better way to bring it into the cockpit. Has anyone tried one of the RAM mounts that attaches to your seat rail? I tried the RAM yoke mount, but the flexible rod concept seems like it might work better.

Not to change the subject, but how do you like the Powerflow?

How do you get rust on the outside of the wheel area (as seen in the e-bay ad) like that? I thought that area was aluminum?

What salvage yards are you using?

I think we should all storm the factory and start building planes like they did (cars) at the end of the movie, "Gung Ho."

That's way too easy an answer Mitch. It's got to be something that will cost me at least $40 and have "aviation" on the label (even if it is the same exact thing).

Well, nothing like idle hands to make work for yourself. Looking around I noticed some kind of black sealant that I'd like to restore. Any idea what product this is? See attached picture.

What does everyone grease/lubricate between annuals and with what? I was thinking of applying LPS2 in the rudder hinges (if that's what they're called). Good idea or do I use Aeroshell 6?

Cable sounds great! I was going to make a joke about one's wife catching laryngitis, but I have decided to refrain for reasons related to self-preservation.

Was looking forward to finally conquering L52, but Karen has a sinus infection, laryngitis and possible bronchitis. She's missed two days of work so far, so it looks like we'll be sitting this one out. Best of luck to everyone and we hope it's a great success.

Just got back from Vegas baby! Pretty good crosswind takeoff from Henderson (about 20 knots) and then strong winds back into Burbank (gusting in the 20s). The great thing about having a plane like the Mooney is that you arrive refreshed and ready to go. We enjoyed the whole day (shopping, buffet, etc.) and still had the energy to catch Bill Cosby doing his thing that night.

So Jolie, did you find you were a little "rusty" after seven weeks off? I think I notice I'm not quite as sharp after more than two, but it could be my imagination.

So I ended up getting Tri-Flow and it worked great! Just remember to contact your physician if things don't return to normal after three hours...

Re: Modern J I have been told that the airframe alone would cost 90k to build. Want an engine and avionics, well, that's gonna cost extra...

I let that website die a natural death a couple of years ago. Simply, no time. FYI: That aviation shrine is what I want to do if there is ever a Mooney Ambassador fly-in to Burbank.

I don't know of any "official" traditions when you get your ticket, but before I soloed I visited the Portal of the Folded Wings and pondered those who had come before me. I also carry a pack of Beemans gum, for good luck (i.e. a nod to Chuck Yeager), as the area around Edwards is part of my stomping/flying grounds. I think anyone about to get their ticket should take a pilgrimage to an aviation museum, or memorial, and seriously consider the fact that they are not merely participating in a hobby, but the continuation of a way of life...a living history. Now maybe that's "made up," but as a part of that living tradition myself, I hereby decree it "official." If you need the patina of time for it to be official, here is where I started the tradition: http://www.censorium.com/Living/0B9BA569-D0E5-47D3-8404-A0F9F2CA26E7.html

No discoloration yet, but pictures of other's shafts have made me want to take some preventative measures. FYI Mitch: I took video of the award presentation in 1080 HD and will give you guys a SD copy next time we run into each other. Someday, when I get a burner that make a bluray, I'll give you an HD copy.

Ed Guthrie says silicon oil, which I am planning to buy. I had thought about using Corrosion X? I'm trying to avoid my control shaft from getting rusty looking (like on some planes). What's everyone using?

Had a great time seeing everyone. Congrats again to Mitch and Jolie. The official AOPA video here: http://www.aopa.org/aopalive/?watch=tjMXF0MTpdb-RKXElRttNEuEquvTObP8