Part of the reason the RV-8 has been such a hash lately is the Mooney. Had it painted a year ago. They painted the inspection panels shut. Had a problem with the autopilot. Couldn't get into the access panel. Led to a two week debacle removing (drilling out) mangled screws, new nutplates, new screws, etc. Then found all the autopilot servos worn out. Had to be removed for overhaul. That lead to all the servo vacuum lines breaking, etc. etc. etc.
Finally after the gear motor burned out, I said screw it and it is now having a two month annual/fix it all at the A&P/AI Mooney specialist on the field.
One nice thing about having the RV-8 ongoing is I have parts to fix the Mooney. Had to repair these inspection panels before the annual could commence.
