I own an M20C and a share of a PA32. Top cowl on Mooney has a lot of
screws. There are side "cheeks" with cam locks that are quickly and
easily removed. You can inspect most of the engine via the front and
the cheeks w/o removing the top cowl (carb, exhaust, muffler, bottom
plugs, alternator, etc.). The PA32 has latches, but it is kind of a
PITA. Overall the difference is not that great.

Bob

"Michael Adams" wrote in message ...
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