Search the Community

I'm doing transition training in my new to me '68 C and have a gear issue. A reputable MSC mechanic in GA who is also an experienced pilot and CFI did the pre-buy on it. He subsequently did work on the gear that included replacing all biscuits, which were '68 original, as well as changing a corroded nose gear spindle and bearings. Afterwards he operated the gear on jacks and also flew it himself - apparently the gear worked fine. I've flown it twice now while getting instruction from a senior Mooney instructor and former C model owner. I have no issue pulling the gear up- surprisingly easy. But I try to put the gear down at 100-120mph and have a miserable time. Most of the movement toward the locking block is easy and smooth, but securing it is a nightmare. This requires hard forward pressure with both hands for the last few millimeters to allow the sleeve to slide up and engage the pin. I spoke to the MSC mechanic and read up on technique again to make sure I'm doing things right, then went back and tried again. Still no luck. It feels as if something is preventing the last few millimeters of forward travel. I do notice that when locked up the bar contacts the plastic center console containing the flap and trim position indicators. But the console doesn't seem loose or incorrectly positioned so I'm not sure this is the problem. I spoke to the mechanics on my field who seemed to have little experience with the Johnson bar system and couldn't get it into look for at least a week anyway. I'm wondering if there's any guidance I can give them, or if i should just get it ferried to the nearest MSC in Robbinsville. Or lastly, is the problem just my own inexperience? This is what I thought after my initial flight, but now I'm doubtful.