DC_Brasil

What a sweet setup!! My plane's is in the shop for un upgrade and, since I had a GNS430 and had read great things about the GFC500, decided to go with a G3X setup (1 10" screen + G5 backup). My reasoning was mainly because of service and support availability but also looking at upgrade plans. I live in Brazil and it will be way easier to find support and service for Garmin than any other brands. Additionally, since my budget didn't allow for me to upgrade the GPS now, going all Garmin will make it easier in the future (albeit somewhat expensive) to replace other parts of the panel. And as @Pinecone wrote: having the panel made the way YOU want is part of the upgrade fun :-)

I have found that PDF. I am worried (maybe unjustified, though) because I suspect Brazilian aviation authority (ANAC, our FAA) will need to update my CA with the new GW. My A&P said that they need to file a request and add supporting documents. My worry is that when someone sees that both the Service Letter and the M20J Type Certificate Data Sheet tell that the GW increase is approved when in compliance with Mooney drawing number 940071. I am concerned they'll look at it and ask:, Ok, where's this drawing in your request? We don't see it, so we can't verify the procedure has been followed.

Would you please ping them in this post?

Soooo... anyone has the Mooney drawing number 940071? ahahahahah this seems to be the biggest mystery in all of this.

No. You are either certified for a 2740 GW (MTOW/MLW) or 2900GW. See the M20J Type Certificate Data Sheet screen shot below. https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/6EA0F05ECCA8304486258305006833CF.0001

It is actually the diameter of the steel tubular structure that is bigger, increasing the structural strength of the aircraft. Some S/N rolled out with that modification but were still certified for 2740lbs GW. Those are the planes that can get the GW increase.

My Serial Number actually shows it as being manufactured in 1989, but the documents were stamped 1990. Perhaps it rolled out the assembly line late 1989.

I am a new owner of a 1990 M20J and the serial number falls within the approved models for the GW increase. However, the Service Letter (and the M20J Type Certificate Data Sheet) tell that the GW increase is approved when in compliance with Mooney drawing number 940071. I tried to find it online without success. Then I emailed Mooney. This was their response: Thank you for the Inquiry – Yes, Mooney does not send out drawings, unless they are purchased as the kit. For lead times, availability, pricing and to purchase parts (including technical manuals), you must order through an Authorized Mooney Service Center (must be a Mooney Service Center), click here for a listing of MSC’s https://www.mooney.com/contact-2/#map Does anyone here have this Drawing? From what I have read (including this forum) there is actually nothing more than these steps for the GW increase: Reconfigure the airspeed indicator's markings to reflect the new limitations (should be easy as I am installing a G3X+G5 right now) Substitute pages in POH with AFMS Comply with Service Bulletin SB M20-252 Any of you actually did this GW increase on your plane?

I was watching a video on YouTube and a pilot was going through his preparation for a long trip and that made me wonder. As a new owner of an M20J, I'd love to hear some of your ideas of what you absolutely will bring with you in the plane if you're going on a long cross country trip with the family. What is in your lists?

G4X with a certified internal IFR WAAS GPS, which current G3X owners will be able to upgrade quickly and effortlessly, for the approximate price similar to that of a new wing + new engine.

I am not sure as I didn't go to the shop. The mechanics sent me these pics. I think they only removed the tail inspection panels under the horizontal stabilizer.

Hello Everyone! Posting an update here about the evolution of the panel upgrade. All instruments removed and cabling being reworked Removal of old KAP150 servos A lot of work being done First fitting test for panel plate A lot of old cabling removed New Garmin AP servos installed (we've added YD as well) Avionics fitting test and fine tuning before painting It is a remarkable difference between the old panel and the new. Can't wait to fly it One question for all of you Garmin flyers out there: now we'll have the GMA-245R remote audio panel controllable within the G3X. If we have a G3X failure, what communications capabilities do we retain? Do we lose intercom? Comm 2? Cheers!

That's the way we're moving. We'll probably keep an old VOR CDI for NAV2. Next year, after my pockets (hopefully) recover from - and my wife (hopefully) forgets about - this upgrade, I'll try to add a GNT650txi and my current GNS430 will be NAV2. So I'll be able to throw out the analog CDI.

Hello, Can you tell me where I can find the full document? G3X STC for Mooneys? Thanks!

Hello everyone. My M20J has tarted a panel upgrade this week. I share the ownership with a friend and after much research and talking to the avionics shop we've decided (like most posts we've seen here) to go with the G3X family. We'll install: G3X 10 inch main display with full EIS G5 GFC500 with all 4 servos (pitch, roll, pitch trim and YD) GMA245R Audio box GSB-15 USB power outlet Unfortunately we didn't have enough cash to goo the full way and upgrade more stuff, so our navigator will remain the GNS430. If avionics are already expensive in the US, here in Brazil we still have to consider currency exchange and importing taxes. Perhaps in a year or so, I plan to add a GTN650, new ADSB transponder and LED NAV/Strobe/Landing lights. Consequently, we're removing all analog instruments, all current engine instruments, ADF (it had two ahahahah), DME, Audio Panel, KAP150 autopilot (controller, alt selector and annunciator). I have a few question for all you Garmin savvy out there. I've tried looking these up on the G3X user manual and even install manual without much luck. Some information is even a little ambiguous. 1 - Will our KX-155 Nav 2 send CDI data to the G3X or will I need to keep the backup NAV 2 CDI? 2 - Will I be able to change COMM 1 frequency (COMM1 is the GNS430) in the G3X screen? 3 - I know I can use Connext to send my flight plan from the iPad to the G3X, however, will it send it to the GNS430? I am attaching a pic of the panel as it was and after the first day of instrument removal. Have a great day! DC

Hello guys, My 1990 M20J manual isn't exactly clear about Vfe for TO position in the limitations section. It says "do not exceed speed with flaps in full down position". So it is unclear if you can actually operate an intermediary flap position at higher speeds. However, in Section V, performance, there is a table for airspeed calibration using alternate static source. There it shows IAS adjustments for flaps and gear up, gear down and flaps 15, gear down and flaps full. In both flap 15 and full columns, the airspeed values only go up to Vfe. So, I inferred that the flaps full Vfe is also a limitation for flaps 15 (takeoff position). All the best, guys. DC.

Hello Everyone. I just bought a 1990 M20J. It is doing its annual and after that we'll upgrade the avionics to a G3X panel. The shop advised us to check on the fuel transmitters as they are in a bad shape for the new modern avionics. Do any of you know how much is usually a new fuel transmitter kit for an M20J in the US (I live in Brazil)? From what I understand my Mooney has 2 in each tank and I just want to prepare in case I need o replace them. Thanks. DC

Thanks for the help @1980Mooney @201Mooniac

Helly everyone. I am in the process of acquiring a share on a 1990 M20J and I am very excited to join the Mooney community. It will go through its annual and we're also upgrading the panel to a G3X + Gi275 (backup) set up. I have always been fascinated by the looks of the plane and now will have the opportunity to fly one. I hold a PPL license and am about to have my IFR checkride. Most of my 170 total hours have been flown on Piper aircraft (Cherokees 140, 180, some Arrows) and C172s, a few hours on a Diamond DA40 (what a fantastic plane!). I would like to ask you if you have some starting pointers for the initial training and transition to the new plane. Thanks a lot. DC

Hello guys. I live in Brazil and am in the process of negotiating a 1990 M20J and would love to start studying the POH in advance. According to the link sent by @Fly Boomer the correct document for me is the POH-003200(A). Does anyone have a digital copy or a link for that specific POH? Thank you all. DC.