How to operate Johnson Bar from Right Seat ?

[DrBill]

OK.. Gear down is not a problem.  Up is a problem.  The thumb release is impossible to activate with the left arm.  Anybody have ideas other than let the person in left seat release the bar ?

I'm flying with an instructor and my A&P in right seat.  Both want to be able to fly it.  Landing is no problem, they both got that down,  we've not yet figured a process for right seat takeoff.

BILL

PS. Yesterday, my A&P found out how hard it is to raise the gear over 90MPH.

[BigTex]

Prefect the pushover.  You will be surprised how easy that gear will go up in a negative G situation.  Be forewarned, passengers hate this!

[Alhall]

Left hand on the Handle reach over with right hand and push the release.

[bonal]

How do you fit your instructor and your A&P in the right seat.

[Immelman]

The solution is to buy some neosporin and a big box of band-aids!

 

I did my initial CFI training and checkride from the right seat of my E and let me tell you, I skinned the knuckle of my left hand thumb more times than I can count working that thumb latch from the right seat.

 

If it were me again... I'd train who ever was in the left seat to operate the gear, and then just do it airline-style: fly the airplane, and command the other guy to do it for you... "Positive rate, gear up!"

[takair]

Not easy, I too did my CFI and CFII work in the "E". I figured out a way to trigger the release button with my index finger and then pull down on the handle to put the gear up. The slight push on the yoke can help if your speed is up or you don't have enough strength. If this is not required for CFI work, it is probably best to have the left seat guy take gear duty, as suggested above.

[HRM]

Be forewarned, passengers hate this!

 

...but so much fun! Especially with a 20-something, local FBO, ATP wannabe CFI giving you a FR and having never flown in a Mooney. Scares the F outtah 'em and sets the proper tone for the rest of the review 

[M20F]

You just need to move much slower and methodical. Press the button with the left hand, pull straight down, and swing. It is a different feeling but if you do it a couple of times slowly, you will get same rhythm as you do from right seat.

There is no magic with negative G's or pitch it is just a differing rhythm which similar to the first couple of times in the left seat if you really slow it down, it works perfect.

[yvesg]

I am having trouble lowering the gear from the left seat due to my winter coat sleeve linen getting stuck in the bracket sometimes. A bit like when as a kid your pants would get stuck in the bicycle chain. I guess I should put a clamp similar to the one used for bicycles on top of this.

I am dreaming of living in Arizona still!

Yves

[N201MKTurbo]

Yves,

 

We have room for one more Canadian! Besides our hockey team needs you!

 

It is really cold here! It got down to 55F last night!

[carusoam]

Clothes pin, Yves?

Best regards,

-a-

[DrBill]

Yves, You need one of those velcro straps.  I use one on my jeans when I ride my MTN  bike.  Not as  bad now as it was with bellbottoms !

 

Thanks to all for the ideas.. We'll be going up again soon and will try them.

 

BILL

[WardHolbrook]

Remove the right front seat and the problem is solved. 

[nels]

How do they do it in England, Australia and Japan? Hahaha