Retractable Step

[N33GG]

 

 

 

That was my understanding also which is why I was surprised when I first saw my plane and its retracting step.  Don't know if it may still have been an option in '68 or if they were using up surplus inventory but it's definitely a '68, pretty far into the production run and it's definitely OEM.  Things that make you go huh, huh? 

I've seen many variants from the '68 family of Mooneys.  I don't think configuration control or management was on their list, and certainly not ISO 9000 compliance.

[Raptor05121]

After having a memory of a kid spending 5 hours helping my grandpa chase vacuum tubing in his M20F years ago, I am loving my manual step on my 63. Goes up on the before takeoff checklist and goes down after landing.

Edited October 14, 2015 by Raptor05121

[chrixxer]

I'm not sure if the step on my E retracts (I have some video at idle, while taxiing, and it's definitely down; never checked it with higher RPMs). I true out at 151 knots on average, should I even worry about it? (If I go dual G5s and accept a 'fixed' (albeit non-aerodynamic) step, I can kinda not worry about the vacuum pump, right?)

[HRM]

24 minutes ago, chrixxer said:

 

I'm not sure if the step on my E retracts...

 

Ask the tower to check it for you on fly-by, they always have high powered binocs on hand.

[Dream to fly]

Is it allowed to plumb in an electric vac pump if its for a step function only?

[N201MKTurbo]

You could probably sell the FSDO or a DER on letting you install a backup vacuum pump like I have in the tail as a step retractor. Seems like an inefficient way to do it. It will end up eating a lot of electricity just to keep the step up.

Just remove it. My old F never had a step. I kept buying parts on EBAY but never got enough to put it back in service.

[chrixxer]

11 hours ago, HRM said:

Ask the tower to check it for you on fly-by, they always have high powered binocs on hand.

I could just point a GoPro backwards...

[Jerry 5TJ]

Or have your buddy take video when you start the engine....

 

[Nokomis449]

Timeout - My '68 G model (680092) has a vacuum step.  It's my understanding that the vacuum to operate it comes from the engine, not the instrument vacuum pump.  amiwrong?

War Eagle!

[N201MKTurbo]

1 hour ago, Nokomis449 said:

Timeout - My '68 G model (680092) has a vacuum step.  It's my understanding that the vacuum to operate it comes from the engine, not the instrument vacuum pump.  amiwrong?

War Eagle!

Pretty sure it comes from the vacuum pump. If you were using manifold vacuum it would extend with high power settings.

You could install a venturi to raise it. I wonder which has more drag, the venturi or the step?

[Jerry 5TJ]

It's the engine-driven vacuum pump that actuates the step.

[carusoam]

Join the long Bodies...

get an aerodynamically superior fixed step!

Not the square tube in the breeze version you are familiar with.

putting an older wind up version would make more sense than adding an electric motor driven vac pump...

It is always good to know what exactly is attached to plane's instrument vac system....

Best regards,

-a-

[mooneydream]

is there a kit to make a m20k retractable?

[KB4]

On 11/5/2013 at 3:51 PM, Matt Michael said:

or entirely removed.

Not good for older Px. AP said had guy come back 1 year later to reinstall.  Something bad is likely to happen. Px breaks ankle or rips off the baggage handle,  slips and lands on flaps. . .  Crawling over the Px to assist everyone getting out helps, done that so that could work, grab a step stool for them. Little harbor freight aluminum stool works great for older Px even with step.  Stool is easier and safer.