Open Door In Flight training?

[Ibra]

It seems to be the idea from POH, they recommend 95kts which is a good “safe speed” to do anything with the aircraft (stable, white arc…), however, in practice it’s easier to close at slower speeds (80kts), airspeed wiggles with open window and open door while slipping with limited risk to ripping the door off if it pops out, in any case, it’s worth having some height and extra speed to the stall…

Edited May 20, 2024 by Ibra

[wombat]

I'm not going to argue with anyone who says they tried it and couldn't get it to shut.   Every airplane is different.  But I was able to get my E's door to shut.

[Jerry 5TJ]

I have had the door pop open in my old E.  I could re-engage the main door latch but not the upper one during flight.  Perhaps the differences in reports are due in part to the two latches.  Some can close the door and latch one, some both of them.  
 

As an instructor I have “introduced realistic distractions” by popping the door.  But only on warm days because it’s real drafty in the right seat.  

[Hank]

1 hour ago, Jerry 5TJ said:

I have had the door pop open in my old E.  I could re-engage the main door latch but not the upper one during flight.  Perhaps the differences in reports are due in part to the two latches.  Some can close the door and latch one, some both of them. 

Some of us only have the one door latch by the handle. The upper latch is offered to Vintage Mooneys by STC, but you need an experienced installer as it's only possible to drill into the door frame one time . . . And apparently I'm a coward . . . (which has likely kept me alive a few times).

[M20F]

11 hours ago, Shadrach said:

I opened my storm window as well when I closed my door in flight. I don’t dispute that it helps, as certainly seems to drop the pressure in the cabin. The thing is, anyone that has removed their interior has likely seen the large cabin outflow vents on each side of the cabin below the rear seat backs. The vents are ~3cm x 8cm rectangular openings that are covered externally by louvered plates. I would think would be adequate to prevent a pressure differential. Perhaps someone has some additional insight as to why opening a third vent (side window) makes a difference.

 

Light a cigarette and then open the storm window.  You will see the pressure differential.  

[Shadrach]

23 minutes ago, M20F said:

Light a cigarette and then open the storm window.  You will see the pressure differential.  

Like a smokeless ashtray.  I’m a child of the 70s and 80s…I’ve seen it more than I care to admit. 
I’d bet that every bird on this board built prior to 1980 has had the pilot window opened in flight for a smoke.

[DavePage]

Over my 24 years of owning Mooney's, I've had a door pop on a Model C & a K.  No way to close them.  Best advice, "Keep Calm and Carry On", continue to closest airport, land and close securely.

[wombat]

Maybe something I can do is make a video while trying to shut a door in flight.  That would be fun. 

[Igor_U]

On 5/16/2024 at 9:06 AM, wombat said:

What does everyone think?  Is this just a stupid idea that is going to get people killed or is it a great idea that will save lives?

I was a low time Cessna pilot when I got complex endorsement on a 77 M20J owned by a club with Mooney experienced CFI.  Open door at the takeoff/initial climb was on his curriculum. We, off course briefed it in advance and he opened the door right after the takeoff. we continued to the safe altitude and close the door (slow down, open the storm window and slip). Years after, with my new to me M20F door popped open as my wife didn't closed it fully and we used the same procedure to close the door with no issues.

BTW, in my experience, poorly locking door was due to door seal not properly installed and interfering with latches. After installing the new seal, I never had an issue with closing the door and keep it closed.

[PeteMc]

3 hours ago, wombat said:

Maybe something I can do is make a video while trying to shut a door in flight.  That would be fun. 

If you're coming over to KSFF's Neighbor Day we can try it in your plane!

[McMooney]

I was able to close the door on my E, think i was in a climb and slipped into the wind.    If it hadn't closed i would've just ignored it till i landed somewhere, plane didn't fly any different.   heck it didn't even provide a cooling breeze

[Pinecone]

Hmm, if you can close it after opening, you could use the open door as a relief tube, as per Gordon Baxter