3914N Posted May 13, 2016 Report Posted May 13, 2016 Just wanted to post a PSA to remember to watch for birds in your tailcone as Spring passes. I wasn't able to fly for the last month and a half due to weather and personal commitments. During the preflight I heard chirping and discovered four baby birds in the tailcone directly under the vertical tail. I'm glad I heard them, because the nest could not be seen by looking into the tailcone opening where the rudder meets the elevator. This is my first year as a Mooney owner and I wasn't prepared for this. I've now got a 1-foot section of pool noodle that I shove into the tailcone opening while it's on the ground. Removing baby birds is a pretty heartbreaking experience and I don't wish it on any of my fellow Mooney drivers. I'm sure others have stories of their own, but it's a good reminder to do a thorough preflight. I'm now trying to go out to check my Mooney for issues every week or so, even if I'm not planning on flying.
carusoam Posted May 13, 2016 Report Posted May 13, 2016 Somebody posted a photo of eggs and the title of the thread is bird crap.... the cowl, the tale and sometimes the step are nice openings for birds. You know you may have a problem when you come back from a one hour flight and Mama bird has been awaiting your arrival... there is also some discussion on how other people have avoided this special treatment. Always use something that doesn't interfere with the controls. The more interference there is, the bigger chance you will forget it's there. Best regards, -a-
Wakeup Posted May 13, 2016 Report Posted May 13, 2016 I had to remove some eggs last weekend when I noticed a bird nest in my boat exhaust during my walk around. First time I have had that happen.
Seanhoya Posted May 13, 2016 Report Posted May 13, 2016 I had a similar experience as a new Mooney owner eight years ago - this should be part of the standard passdown.... I bought a tail cover which has served me well through the years, although I don't know if Planecover still makes them (www.planecover.com). Also as an aside, make sure that you have a pitot cover. This may seem like a no-brainer, but my plane didn't come with one, and being from out West, I didn't think this was a big deal until I spent some time up in Vermont and got acquainted with "Mud Dobbers.'"
bradp Posted May 13, 2016 Report Posted May 13, 2016 13 hours ago, Wakeup said: I had to remove some eggs last weekend when I noticed a bird nest in my boat exhaust during my walk around. First time I have had that happen. Well that's one way to make hard boiled eggs.
Hank Posted May 13, 2016 Report Posted May 13, 2016 3 hours ago, Seanhoya said: I had a similar experience as a new Mooney owner eight years ago - this should be part of the standard passdown.... I bought a tail cover which has served me well through the years, although I don't know if Planecover still makes them (www.planecover.com). Also as an aside, make sure that you have a pitot cover. This may seem like a no-brainer, but my plane didn't come with one, and being from out West, I didn't think this was a big deal until I spent some time up in Vermont and got acquainted with "Mud Dobbers.'" Ya'll don't have dirt daubers Out West? Be very happy! They've been in all eight states that I've lived in, but all east of The Mississippi.
mike_elliott Posted May 15, 2016 Report Posted May 15, 2016 On 5/13/2016 at 9:09 AM, Seanhoya said: I had a similar experience as a new Mooney owner eight years ago - this should be part of the standard passdown.... I bought a tail cover which has served me well through the years, although I don't know if Planecover still makes them (www.planecover.com). Also as an aside, make sure that you have a pitot cover. This may seem like a no-brainer, but my plane didn't come with one, and being from out West, I didn't think this was a big deal until I spent some time up in Vermont and got acquainted with "Mud Dobbers.'" Mud daubers much prefer to plug up fuel tank vents. A small piece of safety wire from the hanger elves tend to discourage them.
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