tomgo2

Completely a DIY project, but keep in mind it is an STC, which means an IA has to sign off and submit a 337 to the feds for their records. Some doors require adjustments to hinges/catches/latches/striker plate and may be a little much for some DIYers. Although sometimes owners do a better job than some heavy handed mechanics. The trick is to take your time, clean the old stuff off really good, follow the drawing and instructions and don't use too much adhesive. In some cases, you may have to carefully remove the seal to adjust after initial installation. Too much adhesive will make installation difficult. If you hire someone, we expect a days' worth of effort. This can mean 4 hours for some and 12 hours for others...

Economy manual installs the squeeze bulb directly on the door panel. Deluxe manual remote locates the bulb underneath the instrument panel next to the pilot along with an optional toggle valve for air pressure release.

Hi @0TreeLemur, great questions. Yes, the inflatable door seal eliminates the wind noise originating from the door. We've never used a formal sound level meter, but we would estimate around 5 decibels. There was a recent article in Piper Flyer who also estimated that noise reduction level. You will also notice a warmer cabin in the winter time. The drafts are estimated as well. You simply release the door seal pressure before opening the door. I have forgotten to release the pressure many times over my 10 years of ownership and doesn't cause any damage. Just a little more resistance when you pull the door latch. Check out the link below to see how simple the process is and the noise reduction in real life.

Thanks for sharing @carusoam! Here is a phot of a recent Mooney install.

Just an FYI in case anyone needs a new door seal. Bob Fields Aerocessories is running a sale that ends on Monday. My seal was installed in 1987 and still works great. A true investment that will last for decades! www.aerocessories.aero

Keep in mind, PMA is specific to the STC or FAA authorized replacement part. Yes, it has aviation "pedigree" but doesn't give you specific permission to install on something other than that particular STC or specific FAA approved replacement part. Now, given the particular situation with M20 Turbo, it is what it is.

Thanks for the message. RAJAY doesn't have this angle available.

Thanks for sharing Russ. PSA - I will also take this time to remind everyone that SCAT and SCEET hose IS NOT the appropriate hose type to use on the RAJAY installations. RAJAY has specifically designed and certified flexible duct hoses which are much more robust with a higher heat resistance. This would not have happened if the correct hose type was used. Tom

In following up with the MSC, they have it figured out and good to go. Love a report on the final conclusion from the OP if possible. Congrats on the purchase. RAJAY is here to support in the future.

Hi Everyone, Thank you for tagging me @carusoam. RAJAY was consulted by the MSC. We walked through all the potential issues. RAJAY never physically inspected the plane, but we walked through all the systems. Based on our conversations, it seems like they covered all the bases.. As others have mentioned, it is a simple system. Sometimes it just takes a different pair of eyes to find the problem. There is a RAJAY Authorized Service Center at our home field near San Antonio and would be happy to put an eyeball on it. The airport is 1T7.

All of the Bob Fields seals are covered under an STC (both manual and electric). And with that, requires a 337 and IA signature. I agree with you regarding models not listed on the STC would require more paperwork.

It also depends on who is doing the installations. Doors take some real craftsmanship. Reworking/shimming/rebuilding of door hinges, latches and striker plates all sometimes need to happen to properly rig these doors. Some people have the ability to do this and others don't People who think it is simply a peel and stick solution is wrong. For what it is worth, I worked at Cessna in Wichita, KS where the Citations are built. Even with all of the high tolerance tooling and shop aids, they still had "challenges" with first time quality. All of them are fitted to this day.

It is for me. I fly with Zulu 3 ANR headsets and it still makes a difference for me.

Hi there. The post K models are exactly the same. I have an email from Mooney confirming this. However, the STC only goes to K. They are working to extend this to newer models, but the FAA isn't fast. I would recommend speaking with your installer and see if the could do a 337 to allow this to be installed on newer Mooney models.

In case anyone is interested or planning to do an interior refurb in the future, Bob Fields Aerocessories is offering a 20% discount on all Inflatable Door Seals for National Aviation Day and extended the offer through the end of August. www.aerocessories.aero

Just an FYI...RAJAY now has PMA'd hoses to comply with AD 81-19-04. The FAA agreed to extend the RAJAY hose life to from 5 to 10 years to begin with and then make it a terminating action if we can provide in-service data to support it.

I agree, probably the check valve. www.rajay.aero sells new ones. RAJAY just certified new PMA replacement hoses for AD 81-19-04 which extends the life from 5 to 10 with plans to terminate the AD once more in-service results are collected.

Thanks for the suggestion. However, the cost to recertify an new engine/airframe combination is big $$$. A re-engine effort could be in the $300K+ range. Even if you amortized the cost of the engineering/cert across 50 customers, it would be $6,000 plus $50,000 (engine estimate), $15,000 (prop estimate), $8,000 (installation) and $5,000 (charge for STC rights) results in a $84,000 upgrade modification...probably not many takers.

I did speak with his daughter, Elyse. Very friendly and nice to talk to.

I'm looking to take on some new FAA STC modification projects and looking for ideas. Please send me a private message if you have any ideas or suggestions.

Hi Charlie, You got the right idea. I don't have one specifically for the Moony but this photo should give you an idea. The other photo is part of the installation drawing.

Hii Byron, Please the deluxe manual comes with everything shown below. The brass colored item is the toggle valve.

Hi @jetdriven, the economy (basic) manual version installs the pressure bulb on the door panel. The deluxe economy remote locates the pressure bulb underneath the instrument panel near the pilot. There is also a toggle valve (looks like a switch) installed on the panel as well rather than using the twist valve on the pressure bulb assembly.

That is strange about missing M20B...is there a different style or size door? Maybe the FAA forgot to add it?!?!

They are working on amending the STC to include the newer models now. It will most likely be several months away. You may be able to do a field approval if you don't want to wait.