Elevator-Rigging M20J

[Magnum]

Hello,

I have a problem with the rigging of the elevator of my M20J 205. When I look back at the elevator in straight and level flight (hands off) it looks like on the picture (left and right side the same), the elevator is a little bit in nose down position. I tried to get it "flush" by pulling back the yoke and trimming nose down so that she stays in level flight. This won't increase the speed so I am wondering if that is normal? I am about 3-5 kts below book speed, but I think that is mostly because of the engine (compressions in the lower 70s).

Any input is appreciated, I am always trying to find some knots :-)

Magnus

[randypugh]

Magnus, I'm no expert, however my ovation is the same way. So either I have the same problem or it's the way it's suposed to be. My POH does make mention that in iceing conditions to make sudden inputs on the elevator to brake ice off the elevator horn so I fiqured this was correct rigging. We'll see what others have to say. 

[TurboExec]

That is the way my F flies, I've wondered the same thing if the rigging was off....I was going to have it check at annual, but I get near book speeds so I wasn't too concerned.

[GeorgePerry]

I had the same question wrt the rigging on my F.  The MSC at Freeway airport (W00) said that it was completely normal for the counter balance to "stick up" about 1/2 of it's width.

 

[KSMooniac]

Same here, I'm afraid.

[Magnum]

Thanks for the replies, good to know that it is normal.

[RobertoTohme]

Funny thing, though...  both my Eagle and Acclaim fly cocked the exact opposite way the picture looks like, although it may have to do with the tendency of my planes to be near the forward limit of the CG.  I've asked the factory about this "cocked " condition in flight and was told it's the way it should be; Maybe the reversion of the pic published here has to do with the long body vs. the short one?

[GeorgePerry]

The newer "Really-long body" Mooney's trim out differently than the E,F and J.  Both your observation and the J model owners' are typical for the respective models.

[RobertoTohme]

I was suspecting that after looking at the picture here at the start of the thread...  Thanks for the clarification!  Learned something new about Mooneys with this, and that's the purpose of this forum.