Yopper Rocketman Returns to Mooney Ownership Today

[aviatoreb]

27 minutes ago, LANCECASPER said:

I hate it when i miss it by a decade or two . . But I do it,. I hope I live long enough to miss it by a century.  Lol

Tom I can’t say for sure but I think Lance just called you old.

[LANCECASPER]

15 hours ago, aviatoreb said:

Tom I can’t say for sure but I think Lance just called you old.

Actually no, I was saying I use the wrong decade sometimes also.

Now if I was really calling him old I would point out that in saying 1999 vs. 2019, not only did he use the wrong century, but he used the wrong millennium . . lol

[Nick Pilotte]

Tom, I actually have been thinking about you’d as I sit at work shaking my head at a certain transmission supplier (rhymes with Schmeaton)  that I handle now.  And I was thinking, I wonder if Tom is experiencing the same pain as our dealers, and how you have been since I’ve been vacant from MS as well.  Anyways, congrats, it’s a fine beast, and I hope you continue enjoying flying.  

[Fandano8691]

It was nice meeting you in Lago the other day when you recovered the rocket.. look forward to catching up with somewhere down the line, and showing you the B model we have.

cheers

 

[jetdriven]

On 4/8/2022 at 10:02 PM, aviatoreb said:

Wow Tom,  What serendipity in all this that you were able to reacquire your own trusted steed back to your own stable.  Well yay for that.

And with a fancy new prop!

Two four blade rockets on the forum now!  Welcome (back) aboard - however you got here again - you are always welcome.

Erik

There is another 4-blade  rocket flying around the DC area. I’ve seen it. It’s a 252 rocket though, but they remove the second alternator, so it’s kind of like a 249-1/2 rocket but anyway it looks awesome and it sounds like a Baron 58 taking off.  

[aviatoreb]

3 hours ago, jetdriven said:

There is another 4-blade  rocket flying around the DC area. I’ve seen it. It’s a 252 rocket though, but they remove the second alternator, so it’s kind of like a 249-1/2 rocket but anyway it looks awesome and it sounds like a Baron 58 taking off.  

That’s interesting - why would they remove their second alternator?

 

[Yooper Rocketman]

I didn’t disclose all factors with my purchase but I’m currently removing the engine to send down to Jewell Aviation in Kennett, MO for tear down and compliance with the Continental Prop Strike SB.  The seller had an unfortunate gear up immediately after buying it from me in late 2018 in the Denver area.  The only shop that could repair it was very slow, expensive, and difficult to work with.  
 

The engine was not removed for the crank and case inspection   I know it’s not mandatory, and insisting on it with his insurance company would have most certainly resulted in the plane being totaled (based on the ridiculous estimate to that point).  The joys of the crap shoot you get having a serious repair completed outside your trusted service shops.  At this point, it appears it was the BEST DECISION for me, because aircraft values have swung from very low to very high and my old bird was available to repurchase.  The seller set the price VERY FAIR, and then participated (through more discounting) in this extra cost for me.  After Xmas morning, I wasn’t exposing my wife (knowingly) to another possibly “exciting flight”

I advised the owner, based on feedback from @aviatoreb , to look at the MT prop as a replacement since it drops a very significant amount of weight of the nose of a very nose heavy Rocket.  I loved the new prop but noticed it was REALLY SLOW returning to run up RPM after cycling the prop. 
 

So yesterday we removed the prop.  As we were pulling it off the crank flange I looked down and was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY !!!  A paper fiber based rag (actually two once we dug into the crank oil cavity) had been left in the oil cavity of the crank.  Cleaning it out we found it had been breaking down and it’s evident small rag debris was being transferred back into the engine.  This prop was installed by a Part 135 Maintenance Facility, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF LARRY, from MT!!!!!

 I’m sure glad the engine is getting a full tear down.  Also glad my seller didn’t have a problem in the 400 hours he flew it since the “PROFESSIONAL REPAIR”.

Tom
 

[aviatoreb]

15 minutes ago, Yooper Rocketman said:

I didn’t disclose all factors with my purchase but I’m currently removing the engine to send down to Jewell Aviation in Kennett, MO for tear down and compliance with the Continental Prop Strike SB.  The seller had an unfortunate gear up immediately after buying it from me in late 2018 in the Denver area.  The only shop that could repair it was very slow, expensive, and difficult to work with.  
 

The engine was not removed for the crank and case inspection   I know it’s not mandatory, and insisting on it with his insurance company would have most certainly resulted in the plane being totaled (based on the ridiculous estimate to that point).  The joys of the crap shoot you get having a serious repair completed outside your trusted service shops.  At this point, it appears it was the BEST DECISION for me, because aircraft values have swung from very low to very high and my old bird was available to repurchase.  The seller set the price VERY FAIR, and then participated (through more discounting) in this extra cost for me.  After Xmas morning, I wasn’t exposing my wife (knowingly) to another possibly “exciting flight”

I advised the owner, based on feedback from @aviatoreb , to look at the MT prop as a replacement since it drops a very significant amount of weight of the nose of a very nose heavy Rocket.  I loved the new prop but noticed it was REALLY SLOW returning to run up RPM after cycling the prop. 
 

So yesterday we removed the prop.  As we were pulling it off the crank flange I looked down and was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY !!!  A paper fiber based rag (actually two once we dug into the crank oil cavity) had been left in the oil cavity of the crank.  Cleaning it out we found it had been breaking down and it’s evident small rag debris was being transferred back into the engine.  This prop was installed by a Part 135 Maintenance Facility, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF LARRY, from MT!!!!!

 I’m sure glad the engine is getting a full tear down.  Also glad my seller didn’t have a problem in the 400 hours he flew it since the “PROFESSIONAL REPAIR”.

Tom
 

Oh my gosh - what-the?!!!

So that was rubbing the shaft?  Thats horrible - that was stuck in there - I wonder if it would have eventually lead to a sudden stoppage.  In any case, yikes!

I am glad you had planned a tear down anyway.

Yes, I had spoken on the phone to the Denver owner who had called me to ask about the MT.  And I was aware that it had a prop strike.  I lost track if the prop strike was before or after the MT.  I believe if the prop strike was with the MT the fact that the prop will shatter to pieces upon prop strike lowers the chances that the crank will become broken - not that I would skip the inspection - but so hopefully the tear down won't end up costing much.

For what it is worth - yeah - my prop does indeed return very quickly back to run up speed after prop cycle.  In fact, really, faster than the old prop which I attribute to the fact it is lighter.

In any case, I do think it is a lovely thing you have your very own trusty steed old friend back in your hangar.  At this point, if I won the lottery and became tempted to get a turbo prop - which I would perhaps, I would perhaps also keep my rocket since well, its grown dear to me.

[carusoam]

yikes!
 

It takes so long to get all the bugs worked out of a new 2U plane…

Having all the bugs worked out in advance would be an unfair advantage…. 
 

Put this on the list for examples of distraction for mechanics…

Look for best ways to temporarily plug a hole… so the plug doesn’t become more permanent…

Seen this before with industrial equipment… so it’s not very unique…

 

Share with the MT guys?

Everybody gets better with OTJ training…  (on the job)

Best regards,

-a-

[Fly Boomer]

16 hours ago, aviatoreb said:

That’s interesting - why would they remove their second alternator?

Does yours have 2 alternators?

[aviatoreb]

14 hours ago, Fly Boomer said:

Does yours have 2 alternators?

No - but I wish it did.  I would NOT remove a second alternator if I had one and I have kicked around over the years how to add a second alternator.  

[Fly Boomer]

2 minutes ago, aviatoreb said:

I have kicked around over the years how to add a second alternator.  

It's my understanding that many (most?) of the 252s with the TSIO-360-MB have two alternators, but I have never heard of an option for a second on the TSIO-520-NB.

[aviatoreb]

16 minutes ago, Fly Boomer said:

It's my understanding that many (most?) of the 252s with the TSIO-360-MB have two alternators, but I have never heard of an option for a second on the TSIO-520-NB.

Right - I guess the rocket conversion required the removal.  That probably explains it.

If I would ever get a second, it would be perhaps the plane power backup.

Two batteries is nice.

[Steve Dawson]

Tom, very sorry to hear about your plane. I talked to you at Spruce Creek and thought you'd done an amazing job on it. Glad to hear that no-one was seriously hurt. 

[steingar]

Tom, while I'm glad you're back in the Mooney fold I was horrified to learn what befell that gorgeous Lanceair.  If there is anyone who can return it to the skies it would be you.  I am especially glad you're OK, you must be a wizard pilot.  Better than me at any rate, though that truly isn't saying much.  Good luck with the project, your Lanceair was a work of art.

[Yooper Rocketman]

13 hours ago, steingar said:

Tom, while I'm glad you're back in the Mooney fold I was horrified to learn what befell that gorgeous Lanceair.  If there is anyone who can return it to the skies it would be you.  I am especially glad you're OK, you must be a wizard pilot.  Better than me at any rate, though that truly isn't saying much.  Good luck with the project, your Lanceair was a work of art.

@steingar  Don’t underestimate your abilities.  One of the first indicators of a good and committed pilot is being humble, accepting we can do better!!  You’ve always displayed that attitude!!  
Thanks for the kind words from you and many others ……… the exact reason this is my FAVORITE FORUM!!!  
 

Just yesterday I secured purchase of the last of critical components to rebuild my Lancair.  It’s been quite amazing how many chips aligned to facilitate a rebuild.  Must be a higher power supporting me in getting that amazing plane flying again so nearly half my flights can, AGAIN, be to support medical patients in need of transportation!!

Tom

[carusoam]

Some days the stars align in amazing ways…

Could be as simple as a stranger driving  by with a cellphone handy…

Or another person with the airplane parts you need for your project…. 

Timing is everything!  …and often unexplained…

Best regards,

-a-

[thinwing]

i just love how this(mooney I mean) plane swap occurred..(not the part about the rag left)My one time experience with an NTSB investigation was that they dont spend a huge amount of time on non fatal accidents.A quick look at the root cause and maybe a recomendation to FAA for AD or SI if they feel it was a mechanical fault.What they do with experimentals ,I have no idea...and than again they might have different protocol for a turbo prop.So glad if it had to happen ,it wasnt worse.Congrats on getting your old Mooney back.

[Yetti]

Work practices

[goodyFAB]

On 4/8/2022 at 10:16 PM, Yooper Rocketman said:

I was blown away the massive change in landing the Rocket with 30 pounds taken off the nose on a plane with all that extra weight firewall forward related to 95 more HP.  IMPRESSIVE!!

I’ve never flown any Mooney but a rocket , but I bet that’s just what a rocket needs, in most circumstances it’s so heavy on the nose in landing.