"Jim Burns" writes:

There are a lot of Aztecs without shoulder harnesses. If you find one that
has them, consider them worth a couple hundred bucks each. Direct from
Piper they are big bucks and even from junk yards, they ain't cheap.

Ah! Yet another topic of interest to me. I don't have harnesses and I want
them. Are retractables available as add-ons? I've looked a few times but
have not found them.

The landing gear is built like it belongs on a tank. Fairly simple and very
rugged.

Mine was installed incorrectly (and passed a couple mechanics' inspections
over the years) and still handled my abusive landings with grace.

Turn off the taxi light before take off.

Do we agree that the taxi light *should* extinguish itself when it's
retracted?

Some Aztecs, includeing ours, have thermo-pain windows. Yes I spelled that
pain. They rub together and get crazed and scratched. If all other things
are equal, avoid the thermo-pains and go with regular or 1/4" glass.

I've gone with .25" glass. I like it.

One
piece windshields are available so you can get rid of the center post, move
the outside air temp prob to the side, and train the compass to hang from
the head liner, all for better visability.

Or get an electronic temp. probe (as part of an engine monitor) and put a
card compass on the glareshield.

--kyler