Grass Ops - J Model, Brakes

[d0tnet]

Is there any validity requiring a brake reversal on a 201 J model for consistent grass ops?

I keep hearing this from a few local guys and my understanding was that the J model could not accept a brake reversal due to the inner gear doors.

I would like to stop at various grass strips but I have been hesitant due to rumors of losing brakes from grass and extra wear on the prop.  I feel stupid even asking, but I am challenging what I keep hearing from 'hangar talk' with some old time Mooney guys.

Edited February 23, 2016 by d0tnet

[KSMooniac]

If you install the newer fiberglass doors then you can reverse the brakes.  They're tougher than the original aluminum doors too, or at least the ones I have are tougher.  I can't imagine any scenario where you might "lose brakes" due to landing on grass.  You do run the risk of damaging the lower doors if the strip is rough.  You can also simply remove the lower doors for ops on grass if it makes you feel better.  If you know the grass strips are smooth and flat, I wouldn't worry too much.

[rgpilot]

Check you insurance policy, some require paved runways!

[laytonl]

My Georgia home is on a 3,000 ft grass strip and it presents no problems for the Mooney other than takeoff distance is about 10% longer than published hard surface specs. Wet or dry doesn't seem to matter much.  I leave the inner gear doors on.

The runway is one way, has a significant gradient (up hill landing, down hill takeoff), and takeoffs are usually with a tailwind.  There are 70' trees on the end, so you have to get up and clear the trees.  I limit takeoffs based on weight, temperature, and wind.

It's always fun to watch the Cessna 310 takeoff.  He uses a lot of runway!

The airport (5ga2) is 25 miles due west of ATL so IFR departures always make controllers nervous.  The FSS can't give me a void time clearance, I have to call tracon and talk directly with them.

Lee