Joehogan2 Posted May 15, 2012 Report Posted May 15, 2012 I am a paraplegic (T11) and understand there are a few folks flying Mooneys with handcontrols. If you are aware of any pilots flying with hand controls or are a para like me, any info is helpful. Some background; 1200 hrs PIC, Commercial license, instrument rated, all in Cessna aircraft of one model or another. Have owned a 152, 182 and a 182RG. After years of watching my buddy fly away from me in his 201, at a fraction of the fuel burn, I am ready to move up to a better cross country machine. Any help is most appreciated. Joe Quote
231flyer Posted May 15, 2012 Report Posted May 15, 2012 My friend flies a TLS Bravo with hand controls. He has been flying for years and is on his second Mooney. Please PM me and I am happy to share his info. and introduce you. He is a doctor based in FL. Quote
Joehogan2 Posted May 21, 2012 Author Report Posted May 21, 2012 Are there any other thoughts on this topic ? Joe Quote
Piloto Posted May 21, 2012 Report Posted May 21, 2012 Quote: Joehogan2 Are there any other thoughts on this topic ? Joe Quote
Joehogan2 Posted May 23, 2012 Author Report Posted May 23, 2012 Thanks Jose'. Over the years I've fiqured out how to get myseklf in and out of many types, including the Mooney. With care I can manage moving myself up the wing walk way. The trickiest part is keeping any weight off the flap. Joe Quote
Nemesis Posted May 24, 2012 Report Posted May 24, 2012 While working with my A&P, I noticed him sit on the leading edge close to the door, then pull himself up and in with his hands close to the wing walk material. Much easier and faster than walking all the way around the wing just to open the cowl flaps or push/pull a knob or switch while working. I have done this myself and the leading edge just behind the open door is very solid. Somebody with a new paint job may disagree, but I don't think there is any possibility of damage unless somebody pushes on the already open door - with the added benefit of very shiny paint just in front of the wing walk. I am not sure if you can make it up that high to get your rear end over the leading edge close to the wing root, but that would eliminate any risk to the flaps. That is not my normal method of entry, but it works. Quote
231flyer Posted May 25, 2012 Report Posted May 25, 2012 My friend loads on from the front as well. He will roll up to the wing root with his back to the front door (chair is perpendicular to the plane). He will then pull himself on to the leading edge of the wing usually landing half on the wing-walk and rest beyond. He will use my shoudler as leverage as he swings on but I have seen him get on unassisted. He then scoots out and opens the door to get in. A line guy or one of us will load the chair into the plane. His TLS has a TKS system and there is no damage whatsoever to the leading edge. The wing area is more than sturdy and the top skin has not deformed. I think he has owned the TLS Bravo for over 5 years now. He owned a 201 before. Quote
Joehogan2 Posted May 26, 2012 Author Report Posted May 26, 2012 Thanks this is novel idea to me. Never considered loading from the front of the wing. Joe Quote
Joehogan2 Posted May 31, 2012 Author Report Posted May 31, 2012 The next step is to understand how to build/find a handcontrol for the Mooeny. Anyone have a lead for me? PM me. Thanks Quote
231flyer Posted May 31, 2012 Report Posted May 31, 2012 Joe, Just sent you a PM with contact info. Quote
M20F-1968 Posted May 31, 2012 Report Posted May 31, 2012 Try calling Paul Loewen at LASAR a call. John Breda Quote
Immelman Posted June 13, 2012 Report Posted June 13, 2012 Quote: M20F-1968 Try calling Paul Loewen at LASAR a call. John Breda Quote
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