Beatrice Lang
The Mooney M20 is a piston-powered, propeller-driven aircraft manufactured by the Mooney International Corporation. Mooney aircraft have signature vertical stabilizers and unique tail fins. Early Mooney aircraft models used a hand-operated lever system to raise and lower the landing gear, while later models feature electrically operated landing gear and flaps. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to turn on the electricity in a Mooney aircraft, covering both the manual and electrical systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mooney International Corporation |
| Aircraft Type | Mooney M20 |
| Aircraft Description | Piston-powered, four-seat, propeller-driven, general aviation aircraft |
| Construction Material | Metal (except earliest models which had wooden frames) |
| Wings | Low-wing aircraft with slotted flaps covering 70% of the trailing edge |
| Landing Gear | Made of heat-treated chrome-molybdenum steel; retractable in all models except M20D Master |
| Landing Gear Operation | Early models use a hand-operated lever system; later models have electrically operated landing gear |
| Autopilot | Positive Control, a single-axis, full-time autopilot; later models have electrical autopilot systems |
| Engine | Lycoming engines with varying horsepower ratings |
| Performance | Capable of cruising at 230 mph with a range of 1,060 miles and a maximum climb rate of 2,380 feet per minute |
| Production Years | 1955 to 2019, with multiple production runs and variations |
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What You'll Learn
Electrically-operated flaps and landing gear
Mooney aircraft have been in production since 1955, with the M20 being the 20th design from Al Mooney. Early models of the Mooney M20 used a hand-operated lever system, known as a "Johnson Bar", to raise and lower the landing gear. The lever is unlocked and rotated to the floor, then locked into a fixture to raise the landing gear. Lowering the gear requires the same steps in reverse.
In 1969, electrically operated landing gear became standard on the Mooney M20. This was accompanied by the introduction of electric flaps, replacing the earlier hydraulic hand pump system. Mooney aircraft from 1965 to 1977 were equipped with Positive Control, a single-axis, full-time autopilot that served as a wing-leveler. This system could be interrupted by a thumb button for manual control during takeoffs, turns, or landings.
The Mooney M20 has a welded steel-tube cage around the cabin area, with a conventional semi-monocoque tailcone attached. The forward fuselage has a steel-tube cabin structure covered in aluminum skin, while the aft portion of the fuselage is of semi-monocoque design. The Mooney M20's landing gear is made of heat-treated chrome-molybdenum steel, with the main landing gear attached to the main wing spar and the nose gear mounted to the tubular steel frame. Rubber shock discs act as shock absorbers.
The Mooney M20 has undergone several design changes over the years, with the introduction of electrically operated flaps and landing gear being a significant improvement in the aircraft's functionality and performance. The electrical system provides a more efficient and reliable mechanism for deploying the flaps and operating the landing gear, enhancing the overall flight experience and safety of the aircraft.
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Manually-operated lever system
The Mooney M20 is a low-wing aircraft with retractable landing gear. Early models of the Mooney M20, particularly those built before 1967, use a manually operated lever system to raise and lower the landing gear. This manual system has been described as a "foolproof system" with "no circuits to fail nor hydraulics to leak".
The manually operated lever system, also known as a "Johnson Bar" (named after the Johnson Bar used in locomotives), is located between the front seats of the aircraft. To raise the landing gear, the pilot first unlocks the lever from just below the throttle, rotates it towards the floor, and locks it into a fixture on the floor. This action lowers the gear. Conversely, to lower the landing gear, the pilot simply performs the same steps in the opposite order, unlocking the lever from the fixture on the floor, rotating it back towards the throttle, and locking it into position.
It is important to note that the lubrication and adjustment of the system can impact the ease of use. When the system is properly lubricated and adjusted, the gear operates smoothly. However, if the preload springs are out of alignment, it may require extra force to raise or lower the gear. Additionally, attempting to operate the gear at or near the maximum gear-down airspeed of 120 mph can be challenging, and performing the same action during a shallow bank turn at about 100 mph will cause the gear to extend by itself.
While later models of the Mooney M20 introduced electrically operated landing gear, the manual lever system remains a reliable backup option.
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Electrical autopilot systems
Mooney offers a range of autopilot systems for its M20 series of piston-powered, propeller-driven aircraft. All Mooneys from 1965 to 1977 were equipped with Positive Control, a single-axis, full-time autopilot that serves as a wing-leveller. This system can be overridden by a thumb button on the control yoke for manual control during takeoffs, turns, or landings.
Later models of the Mooney M20 feature electrical autopilot systems from manufacturers like Century and King, which can also be retrofitted to earlier models. One such system is the AeroCruze 100, a digital autopilot system that seamlessly integrates with the AeroVue Touch EFIS and other manufacturers' products. When connected to a panel-mounted GPS, the autopilot follows roll steering commands, allowing it to fly complex flight plans.
The SkyView autopilot system is another option for the Mooney M20 series, offering automated control in the pitch and roll axes. This system includes safety features such as envelope protection and pilot alerts in the event of trim system malfunctions. The SkyView system also includes a Level Mode safety feature, which aids the pilot's recovery from unusual attitudes and can be used to momentarily activate the autopilot during hand-flying.
Mooney's M20 series has evolved over the years, with improvements in landing gear, flap operation, and stall characteristics. The M20's electrical systems and autopilot capabilities contribute to its overall performance and ease of use for pilots.
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Positive Control
Mooney aircraft are piston-powered, propeller-driven, four-seat, general aviation aircraft with low wings and tricycle gear. Mooney International Corporation has manufactured several variations of the Mooney M20 since 1955. Early Mooney M20 models used a hand-operated lever system to raise and lower the landing gear. The manually actuated landing gear is raised by unlocking the lever, also known as a "Johnson Bar", from just below the throttle, rotating it to the floor, and locking it into a fixture on the floor. Lowering the landing gear requires performing the same operations in the opposite order.
Starting in 1969, electrically operated landing gear became standard. Mooney aircraft from 1965 to 1977 were equipped with Positive Control, a single-axis, full-time autopilot that serves as a wing-leveler. Positive Control can be overridden by pressing a thumb button on the control yoke, allowing for manual control during takeoffs, turns, or landings. When Positive Control is not interrupted, it is engaged at all times. The system is especially beneficial for IFR operations and maintaining stability in turbulent air, which is crucial for the short-fuselage Mooneys that tend to yaw significantly in choppy conditions.
The vacuum-operated Positive Control system was manufactured by Brittain Industries, and the company continues to offer add-ons to enhance the autopilot capabilities. Later models of Mooney aircraft feature electrical autopilot systems from Century and King, which can also be retrofitted to earlier models. In addition to the autopilot advancements, Mooney aircraft have evolved to incorporate electrically operated flaps and landing gear, improving the ease and efficiency of flight operations.
Mooney aircraft have undergone significant transformations since their early days, with improvements in safety, performance, and technology. The evolution from manual to electrically operated systems, including the adoption of Positive Control, has contributed to the aircraft's reliability and stability, making it a trusted choice for pilots and enthusiasts alike.
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Electrically operated landing gear
Mooney aircraft have evolved over the years, with improvements made to their landing gear systems. Early Mooney models featured manually retractable landing gear, operated using a hand-operated lever system known as a "Johnson Bar". This lever was unlocked, rotated downwards, and locked into a fixture on the floor to raise the landing gear, and the same process was performed in reverse to lower it.
In 1967, electrical actuation of the landing gear became an option for Mooney aircraft, offering pilots a more modern alternative to the manual lever system. However, it was not until 1969 that electrically operated landing gear became standard across all Mooney M20 models. This change marked a significant shift towards more modern and efficient aircraft systems.
The Mooney M20's electrically operated landing gear is controlled using a gear handle located between the seats. Operating this handle requires a specific technique: the pilot must place their hand on the lever with their thumb facing downwards, unlatch it by pulling straight down, snap the lever back until it is flat on the floor, and then latch it into the up position. This process is more complicated than the previous manual gear system, which may have contributed to some Mooney pilots' preference for the older, mechanical controls.
Maintaining the electrically operated landing gear on a Mooney aircraft requires regular checks and lubrication. It is important to inspect the gear retraction mechanism, including the overcentre torque, grease fittings, and Heim bearings, to ensure they are in proper working condition. Additionally, the shock discs, which act as shock absorbers, should be examined for their ability to spring back to their normal height when unloaded.
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Frequently asked questions
Mooney M20 aircraft manufactured from 1965 through 1977 were equipped with Positive Control, a single-axis, full-time autopilot. To turn on the electricity, you can interrupt the PC using a thumb button on the control yoke for manual control. Later models have electrical autopilot systems from Century and King.
Mooney M20 aircraft have evolved over the years, with early models using a hydraulic hand pump to extend the flaps, while later models have electrically operated flaps.
Mooney M20 aircraft have manually retractable landing gear, with a long operating handle right under the panel. Later models have electrically powered landing gear.
Mooney M20 aircraft originally came with a vacuum-operated autopilot system manufactured by Brittain Industries. Later models feature electrical autopilot systems from Century and King.
