Can I fly without the inner gear fairings?

[rxo188]

I have a 1987 M20J and I took the inner landing gear fairings (the ones attached to the strut) off for hairline crack repairs. I'd like to know if I can safely operate the gear without the inner doors. It appears the me that without the doors it's just an M20C. They don't have any structural role, and nothing really dangles into the airstream. This video of a gear swing on a 1977 M20J leads me to believe I can operate without the fairings. Any nuggets of knowledge would help. Thankyou.

 

[KSMooniac]

I think there is verbiage in the POH about removing the lower doors if you're operating from grass fields frequently, so you have "coverage" to remove them if you wish.  Double-check your POH, though.

[StevenL757]

Yep - agree, and was going to add similar, but Scott covered it well.  Do indeed cross-check what your options are with the AFM/POH.  On the Ovation, they are part of the aircraft's TC, and are required, based on my understanding.

[kortopates]

Are you referring to the 3rd gear door that closes with both gear down and up - assuming yours has 3 doors? If so, I would avoid that. A spring to the door keeps the bell crank moving in the proper way, without it it could bind. So I'd recommend testing it on jacks first and watching it closely

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[rxo188]

Sweet! I'll look up the POH. I seem to recall something about those doors and grass fields. Kortopates: there are just 2 pieces of metal that cover the gear. The one hinged to the wing outboard of the strut, and the one bolted to the wheel hub, where the brake is. There is no other door. I've seen the door you're talking about, hinged to the wing/fuselage, inboard of the strut. (I think the p51 is like that)

[carusoam]

+1 for following the grass field/POH advice...

-1 for it's like the C it should be fine.  That explanation wouldn't work after whatever happens next...  The C has manual gear, the J has electric.  Sounds pretty different...

Have your mechanic verify it's proper operation before flying.  This is one of those things you can do most of the work while he is busy with other projects.  He checks that you have done it correctly and signs the log entry if needed...

It is one of those things that the worse case is something binds causing a GU landing.

Compare to other goofy regulation related weirdness....  There are small pieces of sheet metal that fill the gap behind propellor blades on some of our spinners. Even when missing there is no imbalance.  If the small evenly balanced blades are missing it is a violation of the paperwork...

hopefully the POH and grass field OPs will work.

To be clear, I am only a PP.  Not a mechanic.

Best regards,

-a-

[Hank]

Just now, carusoam said:

+1 for following the grass field/POH advice...

-1 for it's like the C it should be fine.  That explanation wouldn't work after whatever happens next...  The C has manual gear, the J has electric.  Sounds pretty different...

Have your mechanic verify it's proper operation before flying.  This is one of those things you can do most of the work while he is busy with other projects.  He checks that you have done it correctly and signs the log entry if needed...

It is one of those things that the worse case is something binds causing a GU landing.

Anthony, my C and many others have electric gear. Electric flaps, too. Both became standard in 1969; Cs were in production through 77, when you could visit your Mooneyndealer and test fly new C, F and J models . . .

Seems I remember reading about J owners removing the lower gear door for grass field operations. That cool powered inner gear door started with Ks, I think, and they are really cool to watch when the plane is up on jacks. Not sure I'd try to fly without those, but the OP clearly stated he is talking about the lower gear doors bolted to the legs. In my mind, it would make the J gear just like an electric F (since early Fs were also manual).

[carusoam]

I must be short on time, Hank!

I dropped the ball on the details. Thanks for covering for me.

Best regard,

-a-

[Hank]

18 minutes ago, carusoam said:

I must be short on time, Hank!

I dropped the ball on the details. Thanks for covering for me.

Best regard,

-a-

Nah, you're just thinking about your first Mooney. Not sure my shoulder is up to operating the Johnson bar for a checkride or IPC. Them planes is for young folks!

[rxo188]

I found it in the POH. Apparently the doors can be routinely removed if desired.

[jetdriven]

if you do, just be absolutely sure that the washers used for spacers make it to the exact same places, otherwise the doors can be damaged from air loads peeling them open, or worse, the door hits too tight and the door rubs a groove in the wing skin.

[rxo188]

Hmm.. ..somehow I always have parts left over after I take something apart and put it back together...