Fixed step on F model?

[PierreZee]

Can one install a fixed step of later models on a F?

My airplane had its vacuum system removed and the step removed as well.

I would like to get a step reinstalled (short legged girlfriend).

Another option is an electric auto-step from Flight Enhancement. Does anybody use this system and are they happy about it?

Thanks in advance for your insights.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Slick Nick]

Should be no issue, the J step is a more streamlined design if you can find one, talk to your mechanic and see if they're happy installing that modification. 

[MikeOH]

My F has a fixed step. I rather like not having to worry about any mechanism having issues.  I can live with the 'massive' loss in speed

[Vance Harral]

5 hours ago, Slick Nick said:

the J step is a more streamlined design if you can find one, talk to your mechanic and see if they're happy installing that modification

That streamlined design was installed on the last of the F models, including our 1976 M20F.  That's likely sufficient "approved data" for any mechanic to be comfortable installing it on any F model.

[N201MKTurbo]

If you do a good job of installing it, an inspector will likely never notice. 

[Shadrach]

7 hours ago, PierreZee said:

 

Can one install a fixed step of later models on a F?

My airplane had its vacuum system removed and the step removed as well.

I would like to get a step reinstalled (short legged girlfriend).

Another option is an electric auto-step from Flight Enhancement. Does anybody use this system and are they happy about it?

Thanks in advance for your insights.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

@takair

[Shadrach]

1 hour ago, MikeOH said:

My F has a fixed step. I rather like not having to worry about any mechanism having issues.  I can live with the 'massive' loss in speed

We’ve been worried about it for 58 years. I’m sure it will fail someday; as they say, it’s just a matter of time. To put things in perspective, in the time that it’s been trouble free, we’ve been through three engine tear-downs, countless mag overalls, to prop overalls, one prop governor, countless spark plugs, a fuel server overhaul, I could go on…but I’ll get back to worrying about that mechanism having issues.

[MikeOH]

3 minutes ago, Shadrach said:

We’ve been worried about it for 58 years.

Well, there you go!

I've been worry free for just 8 years, but it feels good

[67 m20F chump]

I have the flight enhancement one.   Working great for years so far.

[takair]

If you have questions about the electric conversion let me know. Over 400 kits sold to date. We have an occasional failure, but in many cases we trace it back to an alignment issue with the cable and step, and we have instructions on how to rectify that.  Mooneys being hand built, there are small variations in each. 

[cliffy]

I have the electric step (was a vanguard installer) and it works perfect. 

The fixed step is installable as it is already used on Mooneys as a factory part. 

It does however need the rear bulkhead reinforcement plate that will unrivet from the 

donor airplane.  

[PierreZee]

10 hours ago, Slick Nick said:

Should be no issue, the J step is a more streamlined design if you can find one, talk to your mechanic and see if they're happy installing that modification. 

Is the portion of the tube that goes inside the fuselage the same square dimension as the retractable square tube? In other words is it just a matter of installing it in the square bearing blocks? (which are still there on the aft bulkhead of my F, by the way)

[PierreZee]

How about acquiring a retractable step for a F, leaving it down all the time and making a teardrop fairing over the square tube?

Would that be considered a minor modification that a mechanic could sign for?

[takair]

The fixed step has a different mounting configuration. The retractable step is more substantial. I suspect that a fairing would not do much. It has quite a bit of parasite drag and also induces drag because it puts the airplane out of trim. It would be up to your mechanic and IA to make a determination on a fairing. 

[Bob E]

I have the flight enhancement step and am very happy with it.  I removed the vaccum system several years ago and lashed the step in the retracted position; just didn't seem right so I finally sprung for the electric step.  It's very lightweight, but sturdy and well-made.  Many people have it hooked up to the beacon wire; I decided to install a toggle switch on the panel, matching the avionics master right next to it. That way it's kind of like the electric window control in a car (works only when the master is on).  Here's a photo of the interior view.  Outside it just looks like a normal Mooney step.

[cliffy]

Using the fixed step is a Minor Alteration and only needs an A&P sign off.

[McMooney]

the following with a detachable cotton lanyard has replaced my fixed step

[Bob E]

A step works great in the hangar.  I used one for years.

But seriously:  Once the aircraft is outside, to use it before startup or after shutdown, you have to have outside assistance.

[cliffy]

Does the copilot have to deploy it after landing or do you dance on the wing  :-)

[Hank]

8 hours ago, McMooney said:

the following with a detachable cotton lanyard has replaced my fixed step

Just be sure to stow in inside, within arm's reach and on top of everything else, whenever you fly. And have your passenger load it up after boarding. 

[BDPetersen]

Sometimes it’s the Gear Up Landing Belly Protector 

[Fly Boomer]

7 hours ago, Bob E said:

to use it before startup or after shutdown, you have to have outside assistance.

Nope -- use the rope.

[DCarlton]

On 10/15/2025 at 5:58 PM, PierreZee said:

How about acquiring a retractable step for a F, leaving it down all the time and making a teardrop fairing over the square tube?

... and where the tube exits the fuselage.  

[Utah20Gflyer]

I have the electric step conversion and like it quite a bit.  The retractable step down will cost you 2-3 knots.  If you faired it I’m sure the penalty would decrease but there will still be a penalty.  Personally I would do the electric conversion.  You’re doing work and spending money either way, why not do it “right” and get the best possible results. 

[DCarlton]

On 10/15/2025 at 3:20 PM, takair said:

If you have questions about the electric conversion let me know. Over 400 kits sold to date. We have an occasional failure, but in many cases we trace it back to an alignment issue with the cable and step, and we have instructions on how to rectify that.  Mooneys being hand built, there are small variations in each. 

The fairing on the bottom of my F step was mangled when I bought the airplane and poorly attached with very small screws (if I remember correctly).  It's long since been removed.  Without that fairing, I assume you loose some of the benefit of the retracting step.  Any tips for fabricating and attaching a new one; seems like it'll get stepped on and mangled again; not the best design to begin with.  Do most people just leave them off?  My vac step still works but I've considered the electric step.