201 Style Yoke Upgrade

[JPLosman]

Hi all. New MS’er here. Just acquired a ‘66E earlier this year. As part of cleaning up and upgrading some nits and nats through my first couple months of ownership, I decided to install two new GI-275s and a GFC500 (the dangers of saying “might as well” while the plane is cracked open). The plane currently has the original stock E yokes, but installing the required AP switches in the stock yokes would require some clumsy placement. Does anyone know where I can source modern 201-style yokes + shafts to replace the old yokes? I reached out to Mooney directly inquiring about the retrofit yoke package (p/n 940021-507) but they haven’t responded to me and not sure if they’re making them anymore. Is eBay my only shot here? 

[KSMooniac]

eBay, salvage operators like BAS (Beegles) or Wentworth, and keeping an eye on the classifieds here.  Sometimes Barnstormers might have some listed discretely or a plane getting parted that hasn't been picked-over.  You won't likely be able to reach Mooney directly, but you could try calling a Service Center (such as Maxwell Aviation) and inquire through them... I suspect they might be able to put together a kit, but you likely won't like the price or the lead time.  They'll be priced like they're going into an $800k Ultra, not a decades-old E.

I have a pilot yoke & shaft only and have been casually looking for a companion so that I could sell a pair for more money.  If you're interest in just the pilot side, send me a PM.  I'm not certain, but the cross-bar behind the panel that connects to both yokes might need to be changed as well, and if so, you might not be able to upgrade just one side.

[Skates97]

There can be quite a bit that goes into changing them. As Scott mentioned above you may need to change the actual yoke (behind the panel). I wrote up a post when I changed mine. I was able to buy them from a plane that was being salvaged. They don't come up for sale very often and usually go quickly when they do come up for sale. They are pricy, but the difference in how they feel.... 

 

[PT20J]

Does Mooney have stock? Probably very expensive, but if you need them NOW and they have stock, that might be the way to go.

[gmonnig]

I too have been wondering what direction to go with the yokes. I was able to wire the PTT where the old wing level button was but when I get the GFC500 installed, I will want newer yokes. The added plate for the GFC500 trim and disconnect looks pretty bad. I have been thinking about doing the Cygnet Aerospace yokes with a proper trim switch and all the buttons where they should be. They make adapters to fit our torque tubes.
 

https://www.cygnet-aero.com/products

[JPLosman]

15 hours ago, gmonnig said:

I too have been wondering what direction to go with the yokes. I was able to wire the PTT where the old wing level button was but when I get the GFC500 installed, I will want newer yokes. The added plate for the GFC500 trim and disconnect looks pretty bad. I have been thinking about doing the Cygnet Aerospace yokes with a proper trim switch and all the buttons where they should be. They make adapters to fit our torque tubes.
 

https://www.cygnet-aero.com/products

Very interesting, thanks. I called Cygnet today and they said that the adapter for the older-style shafts is typically considered a minor mod that doesn't require a 337 (although it varies by A&P). Seems installing the Cygnet control wheel on the existing tubes would be easiest approach, versus having to search for a new 201-style yoke/control sheet/shaft. 

 

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses above!

[gmonnig]

I've seen a couple Mooney with these installed and they look good. A little weird with "Bonanza" style control wheels but functionality takes precedence over looks. Placement of critical autopilot buttons and PTT is very important to me. 

[Utah20Gflyer]

You could do what the previous owner of my plane did and build a piece that attaches to the yoke in order to make more room. See attached picture.  I am sure it didn’t cost him much.  
 

Best part of the 201 yoke conversion is getting rid of the AD for the yoke shaft though.