Mooneymite

On my C model, this is a real problem. There is not room to pull the screen completely out of the sump as it hits the firewall. I pull it as far as it will go, but have not found a way to inspect/clean the whole thing. As I understand it, this screen is what will catch the large parts prior to the oil filter, so it is conceivable that the spin on filter could be completely clean and still have a "chunk" in the screen.

I think you did exactly the right thing! Trouble-shooting a gear problem is best done with the plane up on jacks. I suspect that if the circuit breaker is good, a limit switch just "out of limits". However, the symptom you mention could be a plethora of different things. Has the gear had any recent maintenance? Is your gear drive covered by the AD requiring inspection/fresh grease every 100 hours? Any previous history?

If the silica count goes up, the first place I'd look is the fit between the induction boot and the airbox. In time, the boot deforms and there's a gap above and below the airbox. I've tried several things to lessen/close the gap, but short of a new boot, or PK screws all around, I'm not sure what the fix is. Unfiltered air is a particular problem when flying off a grass field!

Actually, I like the fact that part 91 allows me to choose whether I use flaps, or not, and lets me take off from Leadville even if the plane doesn't have data for such. I further like the fact that when I fly on an airline, the pilot is not making decisions about flaps/no flaps based on how he feels today, or what he reads on some message board. The safety record for part 121 ops is clearly a tribute to uniformly applied regulation.

If you want something pre M20, try a Mooneymite! As far as I know, that's where the "Mooney tail" first bore Al Mooney's name. Read all about them: http://www.mooneymite.com Several for sale.

Operating under part 91, I'd guess yes. Part 121, no. Part 135....depends. Isn't amazing that something that will get you busted under one part of the FAR's is "perfectly acceptable" under another? Different levels of safety, no?

I don't know if this is an associated phenomenon, but I could never receive anything but garbled noise on 120.90 (either radio) when I was in the area of KPDK. I discussed this with a local tron-head and he looked knowingly, reached into his box of odds and ends and handed me something to install between my ELT and its antenna. I think he whispered "Abra Kadabra" into my avionics access panel, but it might have been "harmonic resonance". Regardless, it took care of the problem. Tron-heads are weird, but sometimes you just gotta have them perform magic on your plane.

Do any of the Mooney models publish numbers for no-flap takeoffs on the POH? My C model take-off numbers are for takeoff flaps. Anyone ever seen any no-flap numbers from any source for takeoffs, OR landings?

I carry a screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. After that I carry a credit card over to the nearest mechanic. So much more effective than any "multi-tool".

I love this board! Everyone has at least one opinion and facts to back it up. Just to enter the fray, I'm in the "use flaps for takeoff" camp since: .I fly off of grass .My POH says to do so .All the planes I've made a living flying make a lot of noise if the pilot fails to deploy flaps prior to applying take-off power! In other words, it is part of my habit pattern. Having said that, I can agree that the flaps are a "tool" to be used as the circumstances dictate....even if the POH doesn't. One HUGE reason NOT to use flaps for takeoff is that you don't have to worry about over-speeding them when you forget to retract them....something I've obviously NEVER done....or at least never admitted doing. Happily, ROP/LOP is not a hot topic for us "carburetor guys". Otherwise, I'm sure I'd have a strong opinion on that too. So....what do you think about Marvel Mystery oil?

If you fly the Smoky Mountains leaf-peeking, Knoxille has an airport very close to downtown, right on an island in the river. ( http://www.airnav.com/airport/KDKX). TYS approach control is very accomodating. Your approach will take you right over the city. The FBO is very friendly (as is most everyone in Knoxville). The downtown Holiday Inn will pick up/drop off for free if you are a guest. Once at the hotel, everything is walking distance. Don't even try to get a reservation on a football weekend!

Our military aviators may start out in turboprops, or (in years past) the T-37, but they don't have to find insurance. That's taken care of by their rich uncle. Were I an underwriter, I would definitely take an interest in the details of the deal.

Actually, unless you step up to a jet, there won't be a vast increase in anything!

Gutsy move. Keep us posted! I have a doctor friend who bought a brand new, from the factory A-36 to train in. He never soloed, but he really looked good in his sunglasses and new airplane and that's what's important!

Gotta be careful comparing fuel flows. My 9 GPH is "block to block average", not the fuel flow at 135 kts. Typicallly, cruising at 135 I'm burning less than 9 depending on atmospherics. The Arrow burns more in the MPG category than the Mooney in my (very limited) experience. YMMV.

KTYS actually has multiple hotels easy walking distance from TacAir. The Courtyard is directly across the street. Most offer some sort of "Deal".

If you ever get a chance to see/stay, do so. It is very unusual. The WWII officer's club is terrific.

Not the same situation as yours, but my "Over-voltage" light started coming on occassionally. Since I was going on a long cross-country, I went to Aircraft Spruce and bought a replacement voltage regulator (controller?) and put it in the baggage compartment, lest I have trouble on the road I'd have the part. When got back, I cleaned several electrical grounding points. I've never had another "over-voltage", but that is probably because that new part is still stored in the baggage compartment...not because I cleaned the grounding points.

Most convenient overnight I've had recently was in St. Petersburg, FL. KSPG. http://www.airnav.com/airport/KSPG There is a great Hilton Hotel virtually right across the street from the FBO. http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/hilton-st-petersburg-bayfront-SPTSHHF/index.html Since the airport is right downtown, you won't need a car. You can see your parked plane from the concierge lounge! The FBO charged me less to park my airplane than the hotel would have charged to park a car!

I have a '74 C model, no speed mods what-so-ever. I consistently get 135 TAS and 9 GPH (block to block on trips 1 hour, or more.). I've had the plane for 15 years and have a lot of performance history to validate this. Obviously any given flight will vary slightly due to atmospherics, but "on average", 135 TAS and 9GPH. I've got time in a 200HP Arrow and never got close to 135 at Mooney fuel flows.

I agree with those who suggest turning off the landing light(s). Unless you make yourself look down-field, your eyes are drawn to the illuminated area close to the plane and you lose your vertical cues. In the Navy we called this "spotting the deck"....or as some quipped, "splotting the deck". Turning off the landing lights was a technique I used when a student made hard landings at night. Usually worked like a charm. Once he got the picture, we started using the lights again. Don't try this on an unlighted airport.

Looks like they have a system for experimental planes at $116. (For those of us who also fly "on the dark side"). http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/navstrobesextant1.php?clickkey=961319

Yes. Maybe not so much if you don't fly IFR. I don't think Garmin is supporting the Non-WAAS units anymore. If your non-WAAS breaks, you have to do the up-grade as part of the repair.

Me, too. I've bought several up-dates from him. I met him once passing through Naples. Nice fellow, prompt and does what he says.

I read somewhere that airlines generally replace main tires on the right side more often due to most pilots being "right-footed" and consequently braking more heavily on that side. Anyone else remember this?