Control Wheel Retrofit

[Barneyw]

Hi All

My aircraft (M20F) is in the avionics shop having amongst other things an autopilot fitted. One of the bonuses is I get an electric trim out of the deal. Because I have an original control wheels with the PC control (disconnected), now replaced by the transmit switch there was no provision to accomodate any other switches. Garmin's solution was to manufacture a bracket (third horn - see pic) to mount two switches, AP disconnect and pitch trim. Working on the premise that design is about "Form Function Fit" it ticks two of those boxes but I have to say my reaction to how it looked was less than complementary but this is what Garmin require in the STC and I can live with it for now.

I immediately went online to see if there was a retrofit control wheel but the only one I could find was the one listed at Mooney. So I rang but was told right away that kits were not available, the suppliers are not producing the parts needed, still being affected by covid, etc, etc.

Is there an alternative to the Mooney supplied parts/kits for control wheels? - my search doesn't come up with anything. I would like to acquire one that can accommodate at least 4 switches.

What is everyone's experience with Mooney ATM and getting spares?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers

Barney     

[BrianWilkins]

Here you go. I just put two of these in my Mooney and you can even get them with the trim, PTT, and AP switches installed.  
https://www.cygnet-aero.com/control-wheel-ca60-524080-17

[N204TA]

I was looking into a GFC-500 for my ‘68 F and asked how they would handle the switches as I recently had my control wheels leather wrapped last year.  They fabricated this for a ‘65 E and suggested that they could do something similar with mine: 

[Barneyw]

Hi Brian & N204TA

Thanks for the replies - that's all interesting.

I note that Cygnet-Aero specialises in Beechcraft so I'm wondering how you managed to sign off on this. Can they make these to fit a Mooney?

N204TA that's a neat solution. Who produces it and with what approvals?

Cheers

Barney

[N204TA]

  On 8/16/2024 at 8:15 AM, Barneyw said:

N204TA that's a neat solution. Who produces it and with what approvals?

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That was custom made by Bevan Aviation in Wichita (KICT).  They have an FAA Repair Station certificate so I bet it was just included on the Form 337 and approved under their authority.

[BrianWilkins]

  On 8/16/2024 at 8:15 AM, Barneyw said:

Hi Brian & N204TA

Thanks for the replies - that's all interesting.

I note that Cygnet-Aero specialises in Beechcraft so I'm wondering how you managed to sign off on this. Can they make these to fit a Mooney?

Their yokes are approved for use in Mooney and they even send you the hardware you need to adapt it to your yoke control rod and the PMA paperwork. Their website actually mentioned Mooney specifically a couple months back when I ordered mine, but I see it doesn't now, which is odd. I'd suggest calling them. Here's a look at mine that I replaced recently. I had an A&P/IA install them, not because it was going to be difficult, but just because I wanted them to sign off the logbook. I also had a local shop engrave the Mooney logo on them. I've been very pleased thus far although my plane's been in the shop getting the new GFC500 installed, so haven't flown it much yet.

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[M20F-1968]

You can install the J, Ovation, or even the Acclaim yokes, but you will need the yokes, yoke shafts, and connecting assembly that the forward part of the yokes are connected to.  You will also need a DER or similar to sign the installation off.  I have the Ovation parts in my F model.  All works well.  Pictures posted in my profile.

John Breda

[Utah20Gflyer]

Here is what a previous owner did with the pilots yoke in my airplane.  
It’s just a piece made from aluminum plate.  

[Barneyw]

  On 8/18/2024 at 3:20 PM, M20F-1968 said:

You can install the J, Ovation, or even the Acclaim yokes, but you will need the yokes, yoke shafts, and connecting assembly that the forward part of the yokes are connected to.  You will also need a DER or similar to sign the installation off.  I have the Ovation parts in my F model.  All works well.  Pictures posted in my profile.

John Breda

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"Highly modified" is a bit of an understatement - that is one fine looking machine

[Barneyw]

  On 8/16/2024 at 1:02 AM, BrianWilkins said:

Here you go. I just put two of these in my Mooney and you can even get them with the trim, PTT, and AP switches installed.  
https://www.cygnet-aero.com/control-wheel-ca60-524080-17

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I rang Cygnet who were quite helpful. They don't have an STC or an authority right now for the Mooney ...for now, and while I can't say much I can say watch this space. I also rang SWTA and they were also quite helpful but they have no plans to provide this on any scale or produce an STC or alike.

[M20F-1968]

  On 8/19/2024 at 12:30 AM, Barneyw said:

I rang Cygnet who were quite helpful. They don't have an STC or an authority right now for the Mooney ...for now, and while I can't say much I can say watch this space. I also rang SWTA and they were also quite helpful but they have no plans to provide this on any scale or produce an STC or alike.

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Call salvage yards looking for Ovation or Acclaim yokes, shafts and the bellcrank behind the panel that connects both.  The newer models have bronze bearings installed.  You will need a DER for authorization but it will work.

John Breda 

[Matthew P]

  On 8/19/2024 at 12:30 AM, Barneyw said:

I rang Cygnet who were quite helpful. They don't have an STC or an authority right now for the Mooney ...for now, and while I can't say much I can say watch this space. I also rang SWTA and they were also quite helpful but they have no plans to provide this on any scale or produce an STC or alike.

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Don't need an STC, minor alteration and paperwork by your avionics guy, just put one on my mooney for very same reason, they will even send you examples of the forms for the minor alterations..I only goy one for the pilot station, due to the price of the leather wrapped one, I really like it