Bigdaddie Posted November 9, 2023 Report Share Posted November 9, 2023 We are filling our panel with lots of $$$$. Space is precious. We are thinking of moving the gear switch so as to provide space for those pretty TV screens. Has anyone done this and have you had any pushback from an IA saying you can't modify the gear switch? Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtVandelay Posted November 9, 2023 Report Share Posted November 9, 2023 Where would you move it to? Remember you want it in your scan, not somewhere low and out of sight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragsf15e Posted November 9, 2023 Report Share Posted November 9, 2023 And probably not near the flap handle. But you should be able to relocate it otherwise. I fly an airplane with it on the upper panel (Mooney) and one with it on the lower panel (Piper). Both ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricJ Posted November 10, 2023 Report Share Posted November 10, 2023 Modify how? Location? Type of switch? How it's wired? Just a location change shouldn't be too big of a deal if it still meets requirements, like Part 23, etc. What is your IA's objection? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthonydesmet Posted November 10, 2023 Report Share Posted November 10, 2023 I just cleaned up my panel with a new cut panel and moved my gear switch about 3 inches….is that what you mean? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigdaddie Posted November 10, 2023 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2023 I should have given more information about this. We are looking at moving the switch, retaining the factory switch, override and wiring, from the top of the panel to probably left of the throttle. Numerous manufacturers place the gear handle here. It is WAY far away from the flap switch (these are not Bonanzas!). The IA I spoke with is a well respected Mooney guy, but he has his strong opinions. The Mooney service center where I have my annuals done did not think it would be an issue. It would suck to have to make a new panel over this issue. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fly Boomer Posted November 10, 2023 Report Share Posted November 10, 2023 45 minutes ago, Bigdaddie said: I should have given more information about this. We are looking at moving the switch, retaining the factory switch, override and wiring, from the top of the panel to probably left of the throttle. Numerous manufacturers place the gear handle here. It is WAY far away from the flap switch (these are not Bonanzas!). The IA I spoke with is a well respected Mooney guy, but he has his strong opinions. The Mooney service center where I have my annuals done did not think it would be an issue. It would suck to have to make a new panel over this issue. Steve Mooney apparently thought it was okay to move it. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricJ Posted November 10, 2023 Report Share Posted November 10, 2023 I do like having it in your easy field of view just so it's super easy to get a visual check on final, but, as long as it meets Part 23 criteria (which I don't know why it wouldn't), I don't know why you couldn't move it to suit you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigdaddie Posted November 10, 2023 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2023 16 minutes ago, EricJ said: I do like having it in your easy field of view just so it's super easy to get a visual check on final, but, as long as it meets Part 23 criteria (which I don't know why it wouldn't), I don't know why you couldn't move it to suit you. In airliners or GA airplanes, I rarely check the position of the landing gear handle on final. It's usually a check of the gear indication (annunciator and floor indication on the Mooney) and that's it. BUT, I do like your idea of checking the gear handle in addition of the other two. I have yet to gear up land....... Y E T...... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragsf15e Posted November 11, 2023 Report Share Posted November 11, 2023 4 hours ago, Bigdaddie said: In airliners or GA airplanes, I rarely check the position of the landing gear handle on final. It's usually a check of the gear indication (annunciator and floor indication on the Mooney) and that's it. BUT, I do like your idea of checking the gear handle in addition of the other two. I have yet to gear up land....... Y E T...... “Handle down, 3 green, 4 good pressures, flaps t/o”… I just remembered the F-15 callout prior to base turn. We checked the handle. I check it still but no reason you can’t check it in your new desired position. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Posted November 11, 2023 Report Share Posted November 11, 2023 17 hours ago, Bigdaddie said: In airliners or GA airplanes, I rarely check the position of the landing gear handle on final. It's usually a check of the gear indication (annunciator and floor indication on the Mooney) and that's it. BUT, I do like your idea of checking the gear handle in addition of the other two. I have yet to gear up land....... Y E T...... I visually check the switch & green light on base and on final, and on short final the green floor indicator (mine is painted on the gear mechanism and cannot be wrong). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigdaddie Posted March 8 Author Report Share Posted March 8 First power up of the new panel. Still about a month from flying. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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