On Sat, 20 Nov 2004 21:52:35 -0800, "Michael Adams"
wrote:

I have been reading about the Mooney M20C, E, F series planes, and it has
been mentioned that there are so many screws holding the cowl on, that many
pilots do not do a full preflight. Is this the case? That seems like a
safety problem.

Michael


I do not remove the cowl on my M20E for a routine preflight.

Preflight includes peering into the opening in the front to ensure no bird
nests, loose oil line to the prop hub, ensure adequate tension and
condition of the alternator belt; and peering into the oil filler opening
at the few items that are visible that way. You can also check the exhaust
for security.

You certainly cannot see as much as you can with some other a/c where you
can undo about six fasteners and open the entire cowl.

I also have a multiprobe engine analyzer for inflight and preflight (runup)
checks.

So far as being a safety issue, are you aware of any data to indicate
problems that would have been caught with an uncowling, in those models of
Mooney? I am not, and I've not heard of that being an issue at the various
Mooney Safety seminars that I've attended.


Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)