N252MK

Wings to Walla Walla is back for 2023. We were hampered by the weather gods last year so we’re trying for summer. It’s August 11-13, 2023. Hotel rooms at the Whitman are already available at 866-826-9422 or 855-516-1083 under Wings to Walla Walla. Sign up sheet soon to be posted. This year the main organizer is Cascade Flying Club (I’m a member) so we’ll be sharing the ramp with Cessnas and others but I’ll be the contact for we Mooney folk. You can reach me at: aeroncadoc@comcast.net Stay tuned for more info. Henry H . Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We’re having sheet metal repair done on our 1997 Bravo. The shop needs the structural manual. Is this available online. If not how can I track one down? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Greetings. A few months ago I posted that we had a left main gear collapse on landing. A bent push rod tube was found but we don’t know if that was a consequence or a cause. Nonetheless much of the major parts repairs are about to get underway but the repair shop can’t repair the sheet metal damage. We found a shop that specializes in aircraft sheet metal repair but they need a structural manual. Can anyone suggest where I might find one for a 1997 Bravo? Thanks in advance.

UPDATE You guys were right. Bent push rod tube and some sort of bracket. I know our maintenance shop that does our annuals knows about adjusting the tension and has the proper equipment so who knows what happened. The plane did have an off airport landing in 2006 with a previous owner and the gear was likely down when they put it in a field as the left main and nose gear assemblies were replaced. It turns out there were a few significant errors in the repairs that were discovered on a subsequent annual we did a year ago. Who knows if that had any relevance to the gear failure? At any rate we need a left flap. Any suggestions as to a good place to source one that we could tell the mechanic who’ll be doing the repairs? Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Here’s my .03. My previous Mooney was a 252/Encore. Boy do I want it back! When it was time for engine work my new partners said let’s get something newer and liked the Bravo we found. I don’t notice the speed delta of about 10-15 kts on the typical missions I fly so that’s not a big issue for me. Useful load is less in the Bravo. Landing the Encore was easier for me but eventually I’ll likely get as proficient. The taller panel looks more airliner like but I don’t see that as a plus or minus. The Bravo does seem to have more ramp appeal. There is a Delta of 5gph unless we run LOP in which case you’re down to Encore/231 speeds. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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We have that problem but if we reset the trim circuit breaker it starts to work again for awhile. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Should be no side load on gear while landing. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Trying to add damage photos. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Partner was landing at Spokane Felts field yesterday when suddenly the left main gear collapsed. Had green gear down indicator. No crosswind or dude load to speak of. A bunch of sheet metal damage to flap, tail, beacon but no prop strike. Looks like without strap bracing the gear will collapse of weight is put on it. Nothing looks broken or bent to explain the collapse. We’ll have an IA look at it today but anything we should particularly look for? Photos to follow. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oops. A few typos. Friday night, if you're still hungry and/or sober after the Mooney Flyer event, you can traipse around downtown for more punishment. Also Saturday winery tastings: 11-1. 1-3 and 3-5. Just typos. I'm sober!

Henry H N355RZ M20M at Everett, Paine Field WINGS TO WALLA WALLA UPDATE Hello spacers! I've been remiss in letting you all know how our Wings to Walla Walla fly in has shaped up. Well, I just returned from our "research" trip and things are pretty much set. It looks like it's going to be a great fly in. So far, 47 folks are registered. Mostly Mooneys, but a few straggling Cirri and Cessna's. It's June 3-5 in, of course, Walla Walla, WA, KALW. Friday the 3rd is arrival, meet and greet and do some tasting (there is also Brandy tasting, Sprakling wine tasting and Craft Beer tasting AT THE AIRPORT tasting areas. At 6pm our great friend at The Mooney Flyer are hosting wine and food event at a tasting room in town. If you are still hungry and/or sober enough, you're right downtown where there are multiple restaurants, tasting rooms and a variety of other watering holes. Saturday morning is airplane gawking on the ramp followed by special tastings at three in town wineries from 11-2, 2-3 and 3-5. After dinner with your new found friends, there is a fun wine event on the Sun Patio at the Marcus Whitman hotel. Only current issue is we sold out our hotel room block. We are working on finding more rooms at reasonable rates, so don't let that discourage you. As always, everything is NO CHARGE, but you must register so that we can order enough food for the Friday event. Here is the registration URL: https://form.jotform.com/213474611723048 If you've been itching for a place to fly, this might be the ONE.

BTW just to clarify my above comment: the Sidewinder isn’t powerful enough to get my Bravo into my slightly uphill inclined hangar by myself when the tanks are full. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

March update: Things are shaping up for what looks like might be a fun and we’ll attended fly in. If you don’t mind sharing space with a Cirrus or two the NW Cirrus rep will have a brand new SR22 on display and the local Cirrus owners group will have some attendees. Friday is the sponsored wine and eats event from our friends at The Mooney Flyer. There will be a few door prizes. Saturday morning there will be ogling and meeting on the ramp after our sumptuous buffet breakfast at the Whitman (included in hotel fee). There might be a presentation or two if logistics get worked out. Richard Simile and Phil Corman would each present something interesting to Mooney guys and gals and will otherwise be available for heckling. Saturday will then encompass tasting at either a few wineries we’ve come to know and love or exploring any of the more than 150+ wineries in the area. Saturday night might also have a sponsored dinner and afterwards back at the hotel will be a hidden wine exchange. Y’all are invited to stay as long as you like but most of us will scatter away on Sunday. You can register through this link: https://form.jotform.com/213474611723048 Hope to see and meet all y’all there. Henry Hochberg (disorganizer in chief) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We have a slight incline into our hangar and with full tanks I can’t get the Bravo into the hangar by myself. Of course I’m not a young buck like most of you. If the tire is wet or there’s even a drop oil on it that’s also a challenge. We also have a 35EZ power tow and that does the trick. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk