Seeking Assistance for My M20R

[Kevin Yeo]

I just joined this forum today. I've been the owner of an M20R since 2020, but unfortunately, my Mooney has been sitting in the garage all this time. The reason behind this long hiatus is that after overhauling the engines and propeller in 2020, shipping these parts to the U.S from South Korea took an extended amount of time due to the pandemic. Subsequently, I struggled to find maintenance personnel who could install the engine properly.

Fortunately, I've recently found someone who can perform the necessary maintenance. However, there's a catch. The Korean MOLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport) won't grant airworthiness certification until I redo the Engine and Propeller Overhaul, which has now been sitting idle in the garage for three years.

I'm reaching out to inquire if there are any facilities nearby, perhaps in Japan, Hong Kong, or China, that can undertake the Engine Overhaul so I can attain airworthiness certification in Korea. My Mooney is a 1995 model, and the engine's Time Since New (TSN) is 331. Being the only Mooney left in Korea, it's quite challenging to find information and assistance locally.

Please help me if you can provide any guidance or recommendations.

[dkkim73]

Hi Kevin, 

My knowledge is incredibly dated, but I actually solo'ed at Osan AFB as a teenager in the 1980's at a USAF aero club. I wonder if there are any MWR (morale, welfare, and recreation) facilities where there are A&P mechanics who might know of a network of people with the correct factory-recognized experience? Ie. any flying clubs attached to USAF or ROKAF bases?  Even if they aren't able to work on your non-US civilian aircraft, they might know of people who might be certified to work on Mooneys (perhaps having had US experience). It's a very long shot, but maybe better than nothing. Or perhaps you could hire a Mooney mechanic to come to Korea for a vacation (a win-win)? 

HTH,

David

[GeeBee]

Here is a list of FAA repair stations around the world. International are towards the end. Most will not meet your needs, but there are few in China that might.

https://www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/Standards/ac/AC 140-7L.pdf

[Fly Boomer]

4 hours ago, Kevin Yeo said:

I'm reaching out to inquire if there are any facilities nearby, perhaps in Japan, Hong Kong, or China, that can undertake the Engine Overhaul so I can attain airworthiness certification in Korea. My Mooney is a 1995 model, and the engine's Time Since New (TSN) is 331. Being the only Mooney left in Korea, it's quite challenging to find information and assistance locally.

I cannot help with your problem, but I offer sympathies for not being able to fly that beautiful machine.  The staff at Mooney headquarters is barely keeping the doors open, but I would check with them for suggestions.

[M20F-1968]

PM me.  I have a suggestion.

John Breda

[NewMoon]

13 hours ago, Kevin Yeo said:

I just joined this forum today. I've been the owner of an M20R since 2020, but unfortunately, my Mooney has been sitting in the garage all this time. The reason behind this long hiatus is that after overhauling the engines and propeller in 2020, shipping these parts to the U.S from South Korea took an extended amount of time due to the pandemic. Subsequently, I struggled to find maintenance personnel who could install the engine properly.

Fortunately, I've recently found someone who can perform the necessary maintenance. However, there's a catch. The Korean MOLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport) won't grant airworthiness certification until I redo the Engine and Propeller Overhaul, which has now been sitting idle in the garage for three years.

I'm reaching out to inquire if there are any facilities nearby, perhaps in Japan, Hong Kong, or China, that can undertake the Engine Overhaul so I can attain airworthiness certification in Korea. My Mooney is a 1995 model, and the engine's Time Since New (TSN) is 331. Being the only Mooney left in Korea, it's quite challenging to find information and assistance locally.

Please help me if you can provide any guidance or recommendations.

Don't ask, just go fly. 

[Kevin Yeo]

18 hours ago, Fly Boomer said:

I cannot help with your problem, but I offer sympathies for not being able to fly that beautiful machine.  The staff at Mooney headquarters is barely keeping the doors open, but I would check with them for suggestions.

Thank you for the suggestion. I'm really eager to see that aircraft in flight, and I'll definitely reach out to Mooney headquarters. Thanks again!

[Kevin Yeo]

20 hours ago, dkkim73 said:

Hi Kevin, 

My knowledge is incredibly dated, but I actually solo'ed at Osan AFB as a teenager in the 1980's at a USAF aero club. I wonder if there are any MWR (morale, welfare, and recreation) facilities where there are A&P mechanics who might know of a network of people with the correct factory-recognized experience? Ie. any flying clubs attached to USAF or ROKAF bases?  Even if they aren't able to work on your non-US civilian aircraft, they might know of people who might be certified to work on Mooneys (perhaps having had US experience). It's a very long shot, but maybe better than nothing. Or perhaps you could hire a Mooney mechanic to come to Korea for a vacation (a win-win)? 

HTH,

David

That's a good idea to check out people in the military. I know some people in the U.S. military but hadn't thought about reaching out to find mechanics on base. Also, I'll find out if any mechanics would want to come to South Korea for a vacation and do the work. Haha. Thanks for the reply!

[Red Leader]

Beautiful aircraft - and since no one has mentioned it yet, Welcome to the MooneySpace Community!