hand control for Mooney 252

[Joehogan2]

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

[231flyer]

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.

[Joehogan2]

Are there any other thoughts on this topic ?

Joe

[Piloto]

Quote: Joehogan2

Are there any other thoughts on this topic ?

Joe

[Joehogan2]

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

[Nemesis]

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.

[231flyer]

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.

[Joehogan2]

Thanks this is novel idea to me. Never considered loading from the front of the wing.

Joe

[Joehogan2]

The next step is to understand how to build/find a handcontrol for the Mooeny. Anyone have a lead for me? PM me. Thanks

[231flyer]

Joe, Just sent you a PM with contact info.

[M20F-1968]

Try calling Paul Loewen at LASAR a call.

John Breda

[Immelman]

Quote: M20F-1968

Try calling Paul Loewen at LASAR a call.

John Breda