Oversized Passenger

[tyrefoote]

My sister in law wants me to give her husband a ride in my M 20J.  One Problem, He's huge, 280#  Can my wing support that kind of wieght when he walks on it  ?  and will the front seat hold up ?  I know I will be Within CG and under Max GW and I know their are restrictions on rear seats and baggage areas but I can not find any limitations for front seat passengers.  Does anyone have any experience with this problem  ??  Thanks

 

[Piloto]

The previous owner of my Mooney was a heavy guy too. He end up breaking the seat articulating mechanism. To avoid breaking the mechanism (not a sure warrantee) make sure the seat vertical adjustment is all the way down to the stop. I replaced the aluminum tubes of the mechanism with 4130 steel tubing. No problem since, but I am a skinny 190lb guy.

José

[rbridges]

there is a somewhat famous picture of a mooney with 20 people or so standing on the wings.  I'm pretty sure the wings will be fine holding your friend.  Getting in and out of that cockpit is another matter.

[Jerry 5TJ]

I took a 350 pound guy and his 200 pound wife for a ride in my M20S once.  They brought us right up to gross weight with 30 gallons aboard, but the wing did not fold under their tread.

They loved it; the guy went on and did his private license after that.  He was unable to take dual instruction in a 152 for obvious reasons.

 

 

[AustinChurch]

A buddy of mine is 6'2" tall and around 300#.  He routinely flies with me and I have had no issues with the wing or seats.

[flight2000]

Have you ever seen this picture before?  This is the one rbridges was referring to.

I think your Mooney will do just fine.  Just make sure he stays on the black when going up the wing to get in.  That applies to anyone going in as well to keep you close to the supports.

Brian

[jlunseth]

If the wing can handle three point eight times the weight of the aircraft, it can withstand the weight of most humans walking on it.  Just make sure the flaps are run down so your passengers don't accidentally step on them, they cannot handle that weight. 

[Bob]

I saw the old Mooney picture many times, but this is the first time I added up the weight.  30 people at an average of 200lb's is 6000 pounds on the wings.  Beyond impressive!

Looks like about 5000 over gross to me!

[tyrefoote]

Thanks for all the input, and the picture gave great confidence

Ty

[Piloto]

Quote: jerry-N5911Q

I took a 350 pound guy and his 200 pound wife for a ride in my M20S once.  They brought us right up to gross weight with 30 gallons aboard, but the wing did not fold under their tread.

They loved it; the guy went on and did his private license after that.  He was unable to take dual instruction in a 152 for obvious reasons.

 

 

[richardheitzman]

Also make sure they do not grab the door as they sit down. The door frame and hinges cannot withstand ANY downward pressure without warping and bending so point out the strap on the inside and demonstrate to your friend the proper way to sit down.