tomslupilot

The strobe can be toggled on or off in the sky beacon app. The skybeacon wifi/app only works on the ground but this allows you to turn the strobe off while taxiing around other aircraft at night. I had the skybeacon installed at Sun N Fun. They were running a $100 installation at Sun N Fun. So far, all seems good.

I plan to be at Osh Kosh Friday afternoon (7/29) til Sunday mid-day (7/31). We'll be parking at Vintage parking. Tail Number is N9211V and had the Spatial Interior done last year (October). Bruce was great to work with and very skilled. Send me a PM if you want to meet up and have a look at the Spatial Interior. --Tom

I ordered an overhauled Artifical Horizon with 0 degree tilt. We shall find out next week if that was correct. The annunciator issue still exists. Someday I'd like to sort it out. At least I have a vacuum gauge to reference! Regards, Tom

Anybody with 1969 M20C know if there is a tilt in the instrument panel. I'm on the road so can't check myself til next week. I was hoping to order the replacement unit to be installed when I get home. Thanks, Tom

I have a 1969 M20C with (I think) the original instrument panel... The artificial horizon (RC Allen 22-7) has failed and will either need an overhaul or replacement. On aircraft spruce, they ask for tilt angle (options are 0, 8, and custom). Off hand, does anyone know the instrument panel tilt angle for a 1969 M20C? It seems like there will be better options (electronic) in the near future. For now, I got a quote of $475 to overhaul with Kelly Manufacturing, $595 for an overhaul exchange at Aircraft Spruce or $859 for a new unit at aircraft spruce. Leaning towards the middle option but open to feedback if others recommend an alternate solution. Thanks, Tom IMG_1061.mov

My PC acted up two years ago. I called Brittain Autopilots in Tulsa and arranged to fly the plane to them. I arrived late morning after a 4 hour flight. Gerry inspected, did troubleshooting, repaired and had me on way with a working PC all in the same day. He asked me to budget a second day when scheduling but was able to get it all done in one day. He is awesome. Can't say enough good things about the folks at Brittain Industries.

When I brought the airplane to Willmar, I stayed for 2 nights and did a bit of helping / watching. Majority of my "help" involved removing screws to take apart the interior. I also removed adhesive from an overhead panel which previously had fabric. Some time was spent by me on the instrument panel overlay and replacing worn out placards. It was useful being present for the start of the project because Bruce was able to quickly ask for input regarding color and material choices. Initially, I was going to leave the existing seats and carpet. Once I saw how nice it was looking, I decided to drive the seats to SCS Interiors in Duluth for reupholstery. I am happy with that decision!

It covers the handle which allows you to recline/push forward the rear seats.

It's a 69 C Model. Weight change is negligible since panels were replaced with new Boltaron panels of a similar weight. I would have lost a bit removing baggage sidewall carpet and forward foot area fabric but then gained some back adding the insulation.

My understanding is the extra space is more noticeable on the later models. There is some extra space but that wasn't the driving factor for me selecting the Spatial Interior. I thought it looked sharp. Every interior is different and I decided to add work as the project was underway. For example, we noticed the factory insulation was removed from the cabin but not replaced. I decided to add moisture resistant insulation. I also asked Bruce for help fixing the instrument panel overlay and center console plastics. JaegerAviation.com has all of his prices listed. The total for my interior project including leather seats and new carpet was 8.6 AMUs. I commenced work just before a small price increase. I would recommend contacting Bruce with an explanation of what you want done and he will give you a reasonable estimate. --Tom

After five years of flying around with a very dated interior, the Mooney finally got a much-needed facelift. I decided to go with Bruce Jaeger's Spatial Interior system. I am very happy with the final outcome! Bruce was great to work with and streamlined the whole process. His system replaced most of the Royalite panels except for the window trim which was refinished. The interior was accented with dark armrests and stylish storage pockets. The overhead fabric was replaced with a nice light tan material. The old and ugly windlace was replaced to look more modern and stylish. The instrument panel overlay was repaired and the center console area was refinsihed. I went with SCS Interiors for the leather seat upholstery and carpet. Just like Bruce, their craftsmanship and quality of work is top notch. The trip to Willmar also included a fuel tank reseal. Paul Beck at Weep No More is the guru of Mooney fuel tanks and his reputation held true. In case anyone is considering an interior upgrade, I have posted some pictures in the Mooneyspace gallery. --Tom

On my last preflight, found the exhaust tailpipe broken in half where the clamp attaches to the shock absorber/firewall. Any idea if this can be repaired by reusing the top part of the tailpipe and welding on some new pipe? Approximate Cost? I called around and it looks like ~$400 to replace the tailpipe. Just wondering if it might be cheaper to repair. Also want to hear if a repair is as good? Thanks, Tom

Thanks Dan... Just what I was looking for! --Tom

Does anyone have the wiring schematic for the annunciator circuit board on a 1969 M20C? I looked in the Service and Maintenance manual and saw schematics showing the gear up/down wiring and the vacuum warning light wiring. But I couldn't find the Annunciator Circuit Board wiring. There is something going on such that when the gear lights have ground (and working), the volatage/vacuum warning lights do not get power. If you take away the ground to the gear lights, then the voltage/vacuum warning lights get power with the press-to-test button, but since there is no ground, it will not light up. Its a complex plethora of wires so hoping a wiring diagram will help descramble the maze. Thanks, Tom

Hank- I realize this is above my paygrade and have my mechanic troubleshooting this issue. We checked the obvious stuff today (switch, loose wire connections, bulbs). On Monday, he is going to try and get the wiring schematic for the annunciator panel and compare it to the airplane. Alex- thanks for the suggestions, will pass them on. The gear lights operate normally (show up and down when up or down). Pushing the press-to-test button does nothing (no additonal lights come on). We checked the ground today... when he removed the ground, the gear down light extinguished so that appears ok. Plan is to try and get a hold of the wiring schematic for the annunciator panel and go from there. --Tom