M20F-1968

I spent the first 15 years of my working life as a symphonic clarinetist. As such, I had years on one on one teaching culminating in studies with my mentor from high school until my mid-twenties. I have also taught one to one myself. It is a wonderful thing when you find some one who can share and is willing to give of their time and knowledge. You become friends and learn better because of the relationship. My mentor had several ways to trick his students into feeling and experiencing what he was trying to impart. The study of a musical instrument is in many ways like flying. The skills must become a part of you and actual experience at each jucture goes along way. Find someone who is knowledgeable and who you click with. But, lastly, and most importantly, take his knowledge to allow you to grow and ultimately be your own teacher. Read alot about flying when away from the airport and let that knowledge become part of your long term memory. In that way it will unconsciously alter almost every aviation decision you will make. At always be safe. John Breda

Does anyone have fuel dipstick measurements for an F, G or J model with Monroy long range tanks? I agree that the dipstick can best be made from a plastic tube and markings transfered by marking the plastic tube with a file. The level can be easily seen if the tube is inserted, then withdrawn with a finger occluding the upper open end. The fluid level can be directly visualized. John Breda

The areas of corrosion are near the weld. From the pictures this looks suspicious to be more than just surface corrosion. First an external clean and inspect per the service bulletin is in order. You could obtain the wall thickness of the original tubes from Mooney, or by measuring directly from a salvaged airplane with the help of your friendly salavge yard. You could then assess the percent material lost and determine if greater than 10%. If the tube needs to be repaired, I would contact a DAR who does welding and can repair the area himself (there is one such person at Air Salvage in Lancaster, TX). A DER can assess structural loads and make a determination and recommendations for types of repairs (removing corrosion, then repair with overflying tube and extending weld, etc). You may be able to get information from the structural engineer formerly with Mooney who I believe is still in Kerrville. I believe you would need to remove to outer skin to perform any welding. I too am in Massachusetts. You can contact me at johnabreda@yahoo.com John Breda

My plane is now in annual and Iis flying after a major rebuild. I am hetting closer to needing a clean hangar and have a bunch of Mooney parts available. Some parts have been sold since my last posting so here is an updated list. Please e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com if you are interested in any of this stuff: Completely rebuilt RayJay Turbo normalizer system for an E or F model with all STC's, documentation and drawings. Artex Tri-Band ELT rod antenna model 110-320 for the G406 style ELT's Electronics International TIT Over Temp Gauge A pair of Fiberglass NACA ducts from a Lear Jet (alright not a Mooney part) Two Garmin GPS antennas (not WAAS) - One new 0ne used One new Garmin GPD WAAS antenna Interav 50 W alternator with voltage regulator and overvoltage relay Original M20 exhaust pipes (4 manifold pipes) Many different styles of airboxes The original F/E model nose bowl skin E/F model headrest - Blue Fuel selector valve from 1 1998 Ovation Fuel sump for a 1998 Ovation Mixture control cable from a 1998 Ovation - 400hrs total Short, smooth rudder for M20 Throttle control cable from a 1998 Ovation - 400 hrs total Prop control cable from a 1998 Ovation - 400 hrs E/F original air filter and housing E/F Brackett air filter element - new F model dorsal fin Aluminum box fabricated to mount a JPI 930 in a canted position E/F model stall/gear warning horn (Dual warning unit) Starting vibrator Two Parking brake assemblies for E/F or other vintage Mooney Blow tubes for engine baffling Induction assembly but ducting ripped Two Ring gear assemblies for Lycoming O or IO-360 Brittan vacuum cans without rubber bellows Original cat's whisker type comm antenna from E/F model Dukes fuel pump and mounting bracket Hydraulic flap pump rebuilt and yellow tagged Turbo blanket - used E/F model cargo door New Ovation style panel fabricated like the one in my airplane ( see my gallery - M20F-1968) Ovation plastic window pieces (cover structural cage in picture window area - black) Double puck brake calipers from Ovation - 400 hrs Turbo mounting bracket from RayJay turbo normalizer - new Extra set of exhaust pipes from original RayJay turbo normalizer for E/F models Cowl cheeks left and right for 1967 F model Cowl plugs for Mooney Bravo Adult/child life preserver - Eastern Aero Marine - have 4 Eastern Aero Marine liferaft - 2 person Mooney door hinge Assorted new instrument panels King avionics fan - KA 33 Suction gauge Oxygen bottle mounting bracket for a composite 75 cubic foot O2 bottle - removed from Ovation Mooney F model interior door handle - have 2 Used exhaust cove skins E/F model passenger door latching hardware Paggenger door brace - holds door open Ovation hatrack back to accommodate air conditioner 1 smooth elevator Floor center console from Ovation Top Cowling from 1968 F model M20 F firewall Oil filler door from J model top cowling Center console from Ovation J model cowl flap assemblies TR530 GPS WAAS antenna - Garmin Tail light for M20 Safe Flight Lift Detector - stall warning switch - have 2 Set of new red push to test lens covers 2 new post lights Cable for Electronics International Super Clock KR 87 ADF - repaired with return to service document - from Duncan Avionics Vertical Speed indicator - like new - Part No 7000 King KI227 - Part No. 066-3063-01 - slaved version Ceiling vent outlet for E/F models J model engine cluster - working Original F model enging cluster - Garwin Part No. 22-169- Pair of E/F model yoke shafts Airborn mechanisms Vacuum Regulating Valve - Model 133A4 Brittan Industries - TC100 P/N 2900 Gyroscopic Rate of Turn Indicator Mooney single EGT gauge with probe Set of fuel caps for E/F model Battery relay Ignition switch 2 Dimming Pots from F model Vacuum switch WEMAC vent Whiskey compass from 1998 Ovation (originally mounted in glareshield) Lone Star Voltage Converter - from 14 to 28 volts Thanks for reading through all that: John Breda

Is that a 1/4" thick windshield? Glad the damage was only this much. John Breda

I have also found Erik at McKee Avionics to be knowledgeable and he does good work. Talk with him specifically. McKee is on San Marcos, TX airport. He installed the panel that is posted in my gallery. John Breda

This has become a long thread with lots of opinions. Once the pilot and passengers recover from their traumatic episode, I would like to hear from them as to what caused them to loose control in the first place. We are not going to change the structural aspects of our aircraft, but we can learn from others actual experiences leading up to this accident. John Breda

If it is indeed the avionics fan, I have a good one which I did not use in rebuilding my aircraft. It is a KA 33. If you are interested you can e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com or call me at (617) 877-0025. A picture is attached. John Breda

Thanks. It was a long time in the making with several turning points. It was one of those projects where there is no turning back. Just finishing the airframe and avionics now and will paint probably in 4-6 months when I get more time on the airframe. John Breda

I have a set of 201 yokes that come from Lone Star. They were leather wrapped by Aero Comfort and have never been installed since. I ended up installing a set of yokes I obtained from an Ovation which I bought as a set with the control tubes. These were leather wrapped by the factory and had smaller stitching and a smoother leather, so I used them. I also have another set of Ovation control tubes and a set of control tubes from an F model. I have an extra set of Mooney emblems as well for the center of the 201 style yokes. I was planning on just keeping them as spare parts, but for the right price.... You can e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com or call me at (617) 877-0025. John Breda

There was a member of Mooneyspace from Austin I believe who was a prior test pilot for Mooney and a CFII. Can someone recall his name or put me in touch with him? You can post here or e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com Thanks, John Breda

These are spare parts for me and they need a good home with someone with an E or F model. There is a complete RayJay normalier system and a second set of exhaust pipes available. John Breda

I did a number of modifications, installing Mooney parts used on the newer aircraft on my 1968 F model. This is including the Ovation factory landing and taxi lights in the left and right wings. The bulb were subsequently converted to HID lights. This required two DER write-ups and 337's. With DER approved data and a conforming installation, it was not an issue. You can e-mail me if you have questions at johnabreda@yahoo.com John Breda

I am located in eastern MA and have a 1968 M20F, which has been seriously updated to a modern airplane. You can see my pictures in the gallery of M20F-1968. I am still finishing the restoration but it will be complete this spring less exterior paint. I may consider a parter an perhaps we should speak. I want to make sure the aircraft keep flying on a regular basis. You can e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com or call me at (617) 877-0025. Thanks, John Breda

I was looking through old posts and found this one. If you are still looking for RayJay turbonormalized planes, you should be aware that you should be overhauling the turbo at time of engine overhaul. Also, RayJay used a faily thin stainless steel for the exhause pipes and the same material foir the wastegate. This was a mistake since they do degrade and need replacement sooner than might be expected. The utility of the system is excellent. FYI: I have a newly rebuilt system, built with thicker stainelss stell in the pipes and a beefier wastegate. I also have a good second set of pipes if you find a plane with a system that needs them. You can e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com or call me at (617) 877-0025. Thanks, John Breda

I have a set of used nose and main gear from an F model I may be willing to sell. Please e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com or you can call me on my cell at (617) 877-0025. Thanks, John Breda

I have three of these switches. I rebuilt a 1968 M20F and have the original switch and two others as replacements which I purchased. Later in the project I put the landing lightts in the wings which necessitated moving the stall warning switch and using a newer style. Thus I have these switches I am not using. Please give me a call at (617) 877-0025 or e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com if you are interested. John Breda

The best cowling update for the vintage M20's in my opinion is the 201 cowling. Can be obtained by purchasing used cowling and restoring it as needed. The install however is not trivial. Parts may be an issue now however. John Breda

I thought the group might want to know about Proscan Aerospace. They build waqrn ing systems and annunciator panels, and do so on a custom basis. So those of you who are doing extensive panal upgrades, there is a company that will build an annunciator panel for your specific project. The web site is: http://www.proscanavionics.com/caution-advisory-systems/general-aviation The GA unit will give you gear warning, gear overspeed waqrning, stall and accelerated stall warnings, CO warning and other warning annunciations by LED and voice. John Breda

Where physically is this part located. Is it a part of the turbocharger? John Breda

For what it is worth: I have a Dukes electric fuel pump from a low time 1967 F model which is serviceable and working when removed. Please e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com if interested. Thanks, John Breda

I did this modification adding both front and rear shoulder harnesses using DER approved data and 337's. The front shoulder harness attach points are welded to the structural cage. The front seat belt are retractable anr are Ovation parts. The retraction mecnism is welded to the steel cage. The rear shoulder harness attach point are steel brackets bolted to the structural bulkhead. You can PM me with questions. John Breda

Look online for Scandia - they sell interior fabrics, insulation. They can do burn certs. John Breda

I am just completing the rebuild on my plane and have a bunch of Mooney parts available. Please e-mail me at johnabreda@yahoo.com if you are interested in any of this stuff: Completely rebuilt RayJay Turbo normalizer system for an E or F model with all STC's, documentation and drawings. Artex Tri-Band ELT rod antenna model 110-320 for the G406 style ELT's Electronics International TIT Over Temp Gauge A pair of Fiberglass NACA ducts from a Lear Jet (alright not a Mooney part) Two Garmin GPS antennas (not WAAS) - One new 0ne used Interav 50 W alternator with voltage regulator and overvoltage relay Original M20 exhaust pipes (4 manifold pipes) Many different styles of airboxes The original F/E model nose bowl skin E/F model headrest - Blue Fuel selector valve from 1 1998 Ovation Fuel sump for a 1998 Ovation Mixture control cable from a 1998 Ovation - 400hrs total Short, smooth rudder for M20 Throttle control cable from a 1998 Ovation - 400 hrs total E/F airiginal air filter and housing New E/F original air filter F model dorsal fin Aluminum box fabricated to mount a JPI 930 in a canted position E/F model stall/gear warning horn (Dual warning unit) Starting vibrator Parking brake assembly for E/F Blow tubes for engine baffling Induction air ducting Ring gear assemblies have two Brittan vacuum cans without rubber bellows Original cat's whisker type comm antenna from E/F model Dukes fuel pump and mounting bracket Hydraulic flap pump (have three - rebuilt and yellow tagged) Turbo blanket - used E/F model cargo door Garmin Nav Data cards - Non-WAAS New Ovation style panel fabricated like the one in my airplane ( see my gallery - M20F-1968) Prop control cable from a 1998 Ovation - 400 hrs total Ovation plastic window pieces (cover structural cage in picture window area - black) Double puck brake calipers from Ovation - 400 hrs Turbo mounting bracket from RayJay turbo nowmalizer - new Extra set of exhaust pipes from original RayJay turbo normalizer for E/F models Cowl cheeks left and right for 1967 F model Cowl plugs for Mooney Bravo Adult/child life preserver - Eastern Aero Marine - have 4 Mooney door hinge Assorted new instrument panels King avionics fan - KA 33 Suction gauge Oxygen bottle mounting bracket for a composite 75 cubic foot O2 bottle - removed from Ovation Mooney F model interior door handle - have 2 Used exhause cove skins E/F model passenger door latching hardware Paggenger door brace - holds door open Ovation hatrack back to accommodate air conditioner 1 smooth elevator Floor center console from Ovation Top Cowling from 1968 F model M20 F firewall Baggage door frame from Ovation Oil filler door from J model cowling Center console from Ovation J model cowl flap assemblies CI 196 Antennas TR530 GPS WAAS antenna - Garmin Tail light for M20 Saft Flight Lift Detector - stall warning switch - have 2 Set of new red push to test lens covers 2 new post lights Cable for Electronics International Super Clock KR 87 ADF - repaired with return to service document - from Duncan Avionics King KI 203 VOR/LOC/Converter Indicator Vertical Speed indicator - like new - Part No 7000 King KI227 - Part No. 066-3063-01 - slaved version Ceiling vent outlet for E/F models J model engine cluster - working Original F model enging cluster - Garwin Part No. 22-169- Pair of E/F model yoke shafts Airborn mechanisms Vacuum Regulating Valve - Model 133A4 Brittan Industries - TC100 P/N 2900 Gyroscopic Rate of Turn Indicator Mooney single EGT gauge with probe Set of fuel caps for E/F model Battery relay Ignition switch 2 Dimming Pots from F model 2 brake master cylinders - serviceable Vacuum switch WEMAC vent Whiskey compass Lone Star Voltage Converter - from 14 to 28 volts Thanks for reading through all that: John Breda

I do not know your time and experience, but if you have to ask this question, you certainly should not be doing it. Even if you were, you certaily should not be doing it at anything near full power. I learned to fly in Portland Oregon where on winter days the ceiling was 3000, drizzle and haze. Even in a 152 or 172 where the speeds are slowerI never felt comfortable for even short distances, let alone 100nm, 1500 above the ground and 1500 below the clouds. Conditions can change quickly leaving you no out. The terrain elevation certainly will change over 100nm, and there is too many risks of cell twos, hills, being in IMC when not rated (which has a 20 sec average time before disorientation). I assume you are doing this because you are not IFR rated. Additionally, if there is this kind of weather, you may be in a place like the Pacific NW where there can be risks of icing in the clouds as well. At Mooney speeds, turn radius is larger leading me to think you do not have a good enough sense of maneuverability. Think of mountain flying in a canyon. You can just as easily get unexpectedly cornered in the scenario you describe. My 2 cents is - DON'T DO IT.