Ask Mike! Archive of Questions

Archived here for your information is a list of Ask Mike! questions dating back to 1998.

Disclaimer:  These articles are intended for informational and learning purposes.  Before applying the information contained herein to a specific aircraft, engine, propeller or appliance, a direct consultation with a certified mechanic is recommended.  Always follow the aircraft, engine, propeller or appliance manufacturers instructions, and work within the Federal Aviation Regulations and Advisory Circulars.  Some of the letters have been edited for brevity, spelling and punctuation. 

• 03-06-2014 - How do I remove the wing wires from a Bonanza?
• 08-13-2013 - Looking at A36's and the spar AD?
• 12/16/2013 - Can I move the battery aft in a Bonanza?
• 11/26/2013 - I'm trying to learn everything about the Lycoming IO-360 M1A
• 09/10/2013 - What is causing the uneven nose tire wear?
• 08/08/2013 - What are the three holes in the side of my Bonanza?
• 07/04/2013 - Baron with one crack in spar?
• 03/16/2013 - Can copilot brakes be added to a Bonanza?
• 02/11/2013 - Importing a Bonanza to Canada with spar web cracks?
• 02/02/2013 - Intermittent flap switch
• 12/12/2012 - Slow increase in registered fuel pressure
• 10/19/2012 - Installing Baron seats in an older 35 Bonanza
• 10/09/2012 - Ruddervator balancing question
• 08/28/2012 - 1991 A36 rear club seats
• 07/10/2012 - Did you do the extended baggage compartment on your F35?
• 01/25/2012 - Gear won't go down unless you crank it down
• 01/15/2012 - How is the differential control mechanism rigging tool installed?
• 12/01/2011 - I'm getting some whine in my headset
• 11/30/2011 - What's the best air/oil separator for a Bonanza?
• 10/24/2011 - Dorne & Margolin antenna installation?
• 06/01/2011 - Dynamic Brake Relay Parts?
• 05/18/2011 - Oil drain plug gasket part number?
• 05/04/2011 - The lubrication question
• 04/25/2011 - GPS replacement for Loran?
• 11/29/2010 - Starting question, V35 with IO520
• 11/19/2010 - Cessna Fuel Caps
• 11/17/2010 - Oil Too Cold
• 06/09/2010 - Master Switch
• 04/09/2010 - Bonanza Shopping, With A Few Questions
• 10/03/2009 - Engine Monitor for E-225
• 06/11/2009 - Long Third Window Beech Kit
• 05/18/2009 - IO-550 Magnetos
• 04/08/2009 - MLG Door Lightening Holes
• 02/04/2009 - 3 Bladed Prop
• 01/31/2009 - Oil Leaks on B55 Baron with TCM IO470L's
• 01/29/2009 - Rigging Questions
• 12/15/2008 - Dynamic Brake Relays
• 04/10/2008 - Engine upgrade discussion
• 04/01/2008 - T-34 Flap on Debonair?
• 07/19/2007 - Landing gear scissors
• 07/16/2007 - Adding the 5th & 6th seats to an older airplane
• 12/03/2006 - Ram air question
• 03/05/2006 - Considerations of upgrading from an E-series engine to a more modern engine
• 12/13/2005 - Engine for 1965 C-310J
• 12/05/2005 - Reinstalling Bonanza wings
• 12/03/2005 - T-34 engine in a G-35 Bonanza
• 10/26/2005 - Tach replacements
• 09/20/2005 - Beech passenger steps
• 05/06/2005 - Wing bolt lubricant and up-lock cables
• 03/05/2005 - Stripping and polishing
• 02/13/2005 - Stainless skins
• 01/09/2005 - Fuel gauges and voltage
• 11/09/2004 - Correct location for the airframe data plate on a 1970 C23 Musketeer
• 11/06/2004 - Over heating problems a normal turbocharged engine normally have
• 09/02/2004 - Wing bolts
• 07/12/2004 - Dynamic brake relays
• 07/05/2004 - Re-installing wing wires
• 05/23/2004 - Leaning the Continental IO-470
• 04/20/2004 - Self exciting alternators
• 04/01/2004 - Are there any STC's for installing a turbo on a IO-360 in a 1978 Beechcraft Sierra B24R?
• 03/31/2004 - Install instructions for a Beech 3rd window kit
• 03/08/2004 - External XM radio antennas
• 02/20/2004 - Nose baskets
• 12/18/2003 - Bonanza turbo
• 02/26/2003 - Lights and amperage issues
• 11/19/2002 - When I tried to retract the gear the breaker kept popping
• 09/22/2002 - Shoulder harnesses for a 1963 95A-55 Baron
• 04/29/2002 - Finding interior items
• 10/13/2001 - Can I upgrade Bonanza A-G models to an IO-470?
• 09/22/2001 - Where do I find good interior work?
• 01/14/2001 - How do I handle a speed limited Bonanza?
• 11/19/2000 - How do I prepare my plane for the coming freeze?
• 10/21/2000 - Where do I start on the road to becoming an air traffic controller?
• 09/27/2000 - So is AVSTAR really expanding into Florida?
• 08/17/2000 - What type of plane is a Chieftain?
• 07/08/2000 - How do I repair 53 year old landing gear?
• 06/05/2000 - Where do I find the right specs for my homebuilt?
• 05/25/2000 - What is the best way to go about selecting a bird of my own?
• 05/14/2000 - What is the difference between a narrow and a wide deck Lycoming engine?
• 12/01/1999 - Can I get gross weight bonuses when upgrading?
• 11/01/1999 - What do these engine configuration numbers mean?
• 10/01/1999 - How economically sensitive are FBO operations?
• 09/01/1999 - Can a simple shot of WD40 save my starter?
• 08/01/1999 - How does hot weather affect my airplanes performance?
• 06/21/1999 - What are the benefits of a clean plane?
• 05/01/1999 - Should I install the auto fuel STC?
• 03/14/1999 - What do I do if my bird has sat in the hangar too long?
• 03/07/1999 - So how many G's can my plane take?
• 01/02/1999 - What's the skinny on proper use of lights?
• 12/26/1998 - It's getting cold, what oil should I use?
• 12/19/1998 - Should I remove my wheel fairings for the winter?