Feature or defect?

[ncdmtb]

I have been wondering about a difference I have on the left and right side of my horizontal stabilizer.

The end cap/sheet metal on the left side is completely closed. I.e. No holes. On the right side towards the leading edge is a hole. It is machined, so it looks intentional.

But I have been wondering about this difference for quite sometime and have not yet come up with an explanation. Sine the Mooney is designed for speed, it seems like this difference should be intentional.

Does anyone have insight, i.e. An explanation?

Nick

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[Awful_Charlie]

Looks like a missing rivet to me

[MB65E]

Probably from the factory...Maybe some one routed it out a bit to fix a Dent in the leading edge of the stab.

I wouldn't worry about it. Hard to see black on black.

-matt

[DAVIDWH]

Duct tape and super glue available at Home Depot.

 

We once sent a corporate jet back to Houston after he taxied a wing into a vertical steel porch support located in front of the FBO.

 

Duct tape on leading edge and away he went.

 

Saved the flight, not so sure about his job.

[gregwatts]

Duct tape is certified to 440 kts at FL410................I have tested it myself!

[IvoryM]

Nick,

My 1965 E model had its annual last week. I participated in the whole thing. They used those holes to stick a long rod inside to spray anti corrosion.

Thanks

Mitch

[Lood]

Probably from the factory...Maybe some one routed it out a bit to fix a sent in the leading edge of the stab.

I wouldn't worry about it. Hard to see black on black.

-matt

 

+1. You can clearly see the difference in shape between the two leading edges. I had a bird strike on my tail leading edge, about 2" from the tip. The shop made a very neat half inch hole, just a little more rearwards, through which they fixed the dent. Afterwards, it was sealed off with a perfectly fitting metal/ aluminum plug.