67M20F Posted September 18, 2010 Report Posted September 18, 2010 What do you think it would take? I think it can be done and hope that I can gather ideas on it, I am hoping to find a way to put her on floats any ideas? Lets think outside the box! (is that allowed in aviation anymore?)
Jeff_S Posted September 18, 2010 Report Posted September 18, 2010 I've seen photos of a Cherokee on floats, but it has the advantage of starting with a fixed gear. It seems like it would be a heckuva mod to do the same with retractable. And the Mooney wing is already so low to the ground that you'd have to put some serious extenders on it to have a margin for safety. There's a reason most floatplanes are high-wingers. Even just getting to the dock so you can get in and out safely seems to require it.
jax88 Posted September 18, 2010 Report Posted September 18, 2010 Hmmmm, floats on a Mooney? Sorta like putting a lift kit and mudders on a Porsche.
skyking Posted September 18, 2010 Report Posted September 18, 2010 JAX: ROTFLMAO... I did a web search a year or so ago to see if a Mooney has ever been on floats and was unable to find anything. I would be interested to see if anybody else finds something. I have my doubts it could be done.
DaV8or Posted September 18, 2010 Report Posted September 18, 2010 I think it's possible. I jokingly asked the float guys at Wipline this very question at Airventure and they said they could do it, but raised the obvious question, why would you want to?? If you can think of a good why and have lots of money, these folks will help you realize your dream.
FAADAR Posted September 18, 2010 Report Posted September 18, 2010 I think retractible floats would be the answer
Dan Posted September 20, 2010 Report Posted September 20, 2010 If someone does find anything about this, please let me know. I would be quite interested. Dan
eaglebkh Posted September 21, 2010 Report Posted September 21, 2010 Why stop at floats??? What about a Texas tailwheel conversion, or Tundra tires, or a banner towing cable, or a STOL wing conversion? Oh, wait... There are already planes for these things Might be offensive to the factory workers who labored intensively on getting those rivets to come out flush...
jax88 Posted September 21, 2010 Report Posted September 21, 2010 Perhaps there are some super-efficient floats we're not aware of that will not degrade the efficiency of our Mooneys?
docket Posted September 21, 2010 Report Posted September 21, 2010 I have an Avon liferaft on my sailboat that automatically inflates when it gets wet. I think if you slow the approach speed down enough you may be able to pull of a landing. I'll tie it on and get the camera ready.
DaV8or Posted September 21, 2010 Report Posted September 21, 2010 Quote: eaglebkh Why stop at floats??? What about a Texas tailwheel conversion
blacknchrome Posted September 21, 2010 Report Posted September 21, 2010 I'm still shaking my head at this one... Why would anyone do this? They make perfectly great airplanes to be equipped with floats. They are not by Mooney. One example spends every night with our Bravo
N9937c Posted September 23, 2010 Report Posted September 23, 2010 I've got a mooney that landed on water. no floats though. Wasn't nice. larry
67M20F Posted September 24, 2010 Author Report Posted September 24, 2010 Why you say.... It got me wondering cause I work about 500' from a float plane base and listen to them take off all day.... I can't buy two airplanes right now.... I LOVE to fly my Mooney, why would I want to fly anything else, she just needs to learn about water thats all:)
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