Mooney M-20C questions

[Rally]

I need to ferry a 1963 Mooney M-20C in the next few days. What does everyone think of the a/c? Any gotchas? Tricks to landing or operating? Thanks!

 

[unreal]

I don't have much time in the plane, but from what I remember is that it's a slippery little bugger without the benefit of speedbrakes. Descent planning is something you actually have to put some thought into, or else you'll never get down. Flaps were also extended to the takeoff position on downwind for visibility only, as they don't really slow you down more than 5 knots or so. The gear will get you slowed a bit more, but I seem to recall a low Vle.

The plane lands pretty flat as well, and I seem to remember that the "proper" way to land was to actually keep the runway in sight up ahead as you flare. There are rubber discs on the mains and nose gear, which are your only source of shock absorption. If you land hard, you'll feel it for sure.

Anyway, it's been a solid 3 years since I've had any time in an M20C, so take all of this with a big grain of salt. Easily one of the more fun airplanes I've flown though. Very quick, as any proper Mooney should be.

 

[Knob]

Fly it by the speeds published in the POH and you'll have no problems! If you get slow, it's gonna stall quickly and if your fast, it's gonna float forever. Have fun, they are great planes.

 

[BcPilot99]

Fly it by the speeds published in the POH and you'll have no problems! If you get slow, it's gonna stall quickly and if your fast, it's gonna float forever. Have fun, they are great planes.

This is very accurate. FOLLOW the speed for final approach to a T. It is very sensitive from what I remember. If you come in too fast you will float forever and to slow you will pound it in. Also I believe that those are the johnson bar gear handle if I remember correctly, make sure you read its operation it is kinda tricky. Great bird though!

 

[Lead Sled]

It's been a while since I flew a Mooney, but I have several hundred hours in a '63 M-20C. Like others have said, fly it by the book - you don't need to add a knot for mama and each of the kids. Make sure the baggage door is closed - you won't want it to open up on you.

As for the manual gear, here are a few tips - when you grab the handle to retract the gear, make sure your thumb is pointing down. When you grab the handle to extend the gear, make sure your thumb is facing forward. If you do this, your wrist will naturally rotate properly. Make sure the space between the seats is kept clear for the gear handle - this is no place to stick your charts or box lunch. The gear cycles easily if you do it in one motion. If you pause or hesitate during either extention or retraction the airloads build up and it will take more effort. Finally, a little tip I learned was to apply SLIGHT forward pressure on the yoke when your were retracting the gear - it made it almost effortless, but it took a little practice to time it correctly. (Don't pull on the yoke when you're retracting the gear. That will guarantee that you'll stop mid-cycle.) Finally, the gear speed on the old Mooneys is agonizingly slow. Plan your patterns accordingly.

They're fun to fly, but the airlerons are pretty stiff because of the push rods. It takes some people a little while to get used to sitting so close to the instrument panel. Have fun.

LS