Yoke compatibility

[Mister_Bevilaqua]

Would a left-side E model yoke (thin/straight) with the opening for the clock work on the right side as well? I am considering picking up a second left-side yoke for use on the right side since it's pre-drilled for the PTT. 

[Hank]

This is how the PTT is mounted on my right yoke. It works well, and is similar to the left yoke mounting.

[Mister_Bevilaqua]

I know most won't want a left-side yoke for the right seat because the PTT would be on the left horn, and the left hand should be used for panel adjustments and throttle/mixture/prop controls. That said, I don't necessarily care about accommodating a right-seat PIC, it's more or less to allow for a right seat to be able to handle comms if necessary. Upgrading to J/201 yokes entails quite a few pricey and hard-to-come-by parts, and the aftermarket Bonanza yokes with adapters are PMA, but the Mooney isn't in the approval listing at the moment. 

[Hank]

Here's how my left yoke PTT is attached, with the PC system installed and operating. Both are factory Mooney yokes when my C was built. 

The metal plate bolts into the clock housing.

On the right yoke, the plate could be attached for use with either hand, so that as on the left yoke, you could keep a hand on the throttle quadrant and talk on the radio at the same time.

No STC required, no replacement shafts needed, just a little sheet metal work. Mine are powder coated to match the yokes.

[markgrue]

I added a panel mounted ptt on the right side so that radio works without interfering with flying. 

[Mister_Bevilaqua]

1 hour ago, markgrue said:

I added a panel mounted ptt on the right side so that radio works without interfering with flying. 

 

Great idea!

[47U]

14 hours ago, Mister_Bevilaqua said:

Would a left-side E model yoke (thin/straight) with the opening for the clock work on the right side as well? I am considering picking up a second left-side yoke for use on the right side since it's pre-drilled for the PTT. 

I’ve never had a complaint from a CFI on my right-side PTT switch… lower right side of the panel.

[JoeM]

I have an extra left side yoke with PTT similar to Hank's (except it's for the pilot's side with the clock hole) if you need one. 

[Mister_Bevilaqua]

13 minutes ago, JoeM said:

I have an extra left side yoke with PTT similar to Hank's (except it's for the pilot's side with the clock hole) if you need one. 

Consulting with my A&P/IA about this. But if I move forward with that plan, what's the condition, and what do you want for it? 

[Matthew P]

19 hours ago, Mister_Bevilaqua said:

I know most won't want a left-side yoke for the right seat because the PTT would be on the left horn, and the left hand should be used for panel adjustments and throttle/mixture/prop controls. That said, I don't necessarily care about accommodating a right-seat PIC, it's more or less to allow for a right seat to be able to handle comms if necessary. Upgrading to J/201 yokes entails quite a few pricey and hard-to-come-by parts, and the aftermarket Bonanza yokes with adapters are PMA, but the Mooney isn't in the approval listing at the moment. 

Not required to be, all that's needed is a 337, I've got one of the Cygnet, in my aircraft....

 

 

Edited July 2 by Matthew P

[65MooneyPilot]

Just wondering how they run the wires in the back into the yoke. Do you have a picture of that? I am assuming they drill a hole or notch it. Thanks 

[Matthew P]

On 7/3/2025 at 7:37 AM, 65MooneyPilot said:

Just wondering how they run the wires in the back into the yoke. Do you have a picture of that? I am assuming they drill a hole or notch it. Thanks 

Hollow inside, no issues with wires.

[65MooneyPilot]

On 7/1/2025 at 9:20 PM, Hank said:

Here's how my left yoke PTT is attached, with the PC system installed and operating. Both are factory Mooney yokes when my C was built. 

The metal plate bolts into the clock housing.

On the right yoke, the plate could be attached for use with either hand, so that as on the left yoke, you could keep a hand on the throttle quadrant and talk on the radio at the same time.

No STC required, no replacement shafts needed, just a little sheet metal work. Mine are powder coated to match the yokes.

Sorry I was not specific enough. I have this type of yoke without the modern switches inside or that add on switch. I am assuming the wires  go behind the clock and thru the control wheel shaft. Thanks

[Hank]

8 minutes ago, 65MooneyPilot said:

Sorry I was not specific enough. I have this type of yoke without the modern switches inside or that add on switch. I am assuming the wires  go behind the clock and thru the control wheel shaft. Thanks

Yes, the added PTT wires go through the shaft. There are no modern switches--the only things are the PC cutoff button, and the added-in PTT button.

The PTT switch is on a separate metal plate screwed to the clock mount, and you can adapt the size and shape of the plate to fit your hand, and use whatever PTT button you prefer. Your local A&P should be able to wire it in to the intercom for you.

[65MooneyPilot]

So the actual wires go thru a hole in the yoke behind the clock?

[Hank]

18 minutes ago, 65MooneyPilot said:

So the actual wires go thru a hole in the yoke behind the clock?

I'll take pictures in the morning, but I think so.

[65MooneyPilot]

1 minute ago, Hank said:

I'll take pictures in the morning, but I think so.

Thanks, I would really appreciate a picture. You are awesome

[47U]

On 7/3/2025 at 5:37 AM, 65MooneyPilot said:

Just wondering how they run the wires in the back into the yoke. Do you have a picture of that?

For pre-autopilot aircraft, previous owner’s avionics shop made a bracket attached at the bottom of the yoke AN3 bolt, and tapped a hole they drilled in the backside of the yoke for a support clamp.  A coil cord runs to the ptt switch.

[Hank]

15 hours ago, 65MooneyPilot said:

So the actual wires go thru a hole in the yoke behind the clock?

Here's how mine is done.

 

[Hank]

Crazy pictures!

 

[65MooneyPilot]

Ok, thanks. That is what I was looking for. I am thinking to change it a little bit and put two switches on there. One for PTT and the other for the autopilot disconnect. 

[47U]

10 hours ago, 65MooneyPilot said:

One for PTT and the other for the autopilot disconnect. 

Easy peasy…

I used a much larger button and stepped the attachment bracket aft to (hopefully) prevent disconnecting when I wanted to xmit, or vice versa.  Now I need to get the autopilot installed.

A point of caution.  Mounting the switch bracket on the front of the yoke using the clock holes is preferred.  Mounting on the back side of the yoke like I have, when I updated the instrument panel to a flat panel and  put in the Aspen, there was minimal clearance between the switch bracket and buttons on the Aspen when the yoke was full-forward.  Can’t be having that now, can we.  I ordered the updated yoke shafts from Mooney which are 1.5” longer and that gives me plenty of clearance.  Bonus, I retired the yoke shaft inspection AD at the same time.