Remove Tie Down Eyelets for flight?

[Htwjr]

I noticed on the Mooney website that the tie down eyelets are supposed to be removed for flight.  I have been flying my new to me M20c for a couple of months with no problem.  Perhaps that would explain a few bounced landings though.  Do others remove theirs for flight?  Why or why not?

[Mooneymite]

 Do others remove theirs for flight?  Why or why not?

 

Of course!!!!!

 

It has been positively proven through both empirical and real world made-up data that removing the tie-downs causes the Mooney's TAS to increase by .00006 kts. on a standard day.  Since Mooniacs normally pay about 1 AMU per "modification knot", this free speed is a real bargain...

 

Besides, if not removed, they may fall off and hit someone on the head.

[rob]

I just leave mine out. I tie down so infrequently that it's easier that way. If I tied down more often I imagine that I would buy the combo tie down/jack points from Lasar

[N601RX]

   ~

[Rwsavory]

I leave them on.  If you lose or misplace one and you need a tie-down, you're screwed - no pun intended.  

[tomn]

I have the Laser setup - looks nice and works well.

[piperpainter]

It's like $35+/- for the lasar tie downs/jack points. They are great and you don't ever need to take them out once you put them in. Also you shouldn't have to worry about them coming off if you tighten them properly. You could always put a little lock tight goop on them too. Saves time & energy when you make stops.

[Hector]

I leave them in. I don't want to have to remember to put them in if I'm going somewhere.

[N201MKTurbo]

I only take them off when I need to jack the plane.

[fantom]

Mine are only off when the plane is on jacks.

PLEASE Mike, no polls

[Dave Marten]

Echo Mooneymite's comments.

 

If you want to feel faster then pop 'em off. Any drag reduction, however small, is always good for a pilot's ego! 

 

Sorry, but you can't blame your bounced landings on the tiedown rings...that one's all you!

[Alan Fox]

I used to think taking them out made it faster.....Really??????   buy the Lasars , they are permanent and the A&P cant screw up and put the wrong thread bolts in when he jacks it up....

[carusoam]

My C got the Lasar ones. They at least make you feel better...

Be carefully when you contact Lasar. You may get the desire to fill the shopping cart, one knot at a time.....

http://www.lasar.com/mods.asp

There is an STC to upgrade your C to 200hp.... $750..... (4kts)

Speak with Sherry, she is a good contact to have.

Best regards,

-a-

[takair]

Mine has combo jack pad/tie down. I leave them in. Even though I hangar, you never know when you might need to tie down when you are out and about...especially if thunderstorms are nearby.

Just looked at the link, I guess mine are LASAR. They are great.

[201er]

Can't find the lasar rings. Anyone have a link directly to them?

[Cris]

Can't find the lasar rings. Anyone have a link directly to them?

Mike you can use Anthony's link and look for #149 stainless hubcaps. They are described there and available separately or try this link directly.

http://www.lasar.com/mod-details.asp?id=27

[Seanhoya]

I accidentally left mine in when I got the plane painted.  Looks like they are never coming out now!  I tie-down the aircraft all the time, so I just leave them in anyhow - didn't even realize that somewhere it says to take them out....

 

Is this in the POH?  Of simply on a website?

[fantom]

 

 

Is this in the POH?  Of simply on a website?

 

It comes from the ether....even to obscure to be an OWT

[Super Dave]

The POH for my 76 F says to remove them. I don't, but I do check them for tightness before every flight. Occasionally they are slightly loose.

[1964-M20E]

Poh I'm my former 64E said take them out I left them when bother

[rbridges]

The guy I bought my plane from kept them out.  I just kept the tradition going.  They're in a box in my hangar.  I take them when I do my very rare overnight trip.

[mikesalman]

You guys just gave me an excuse for my bounced landing last Tuesday(it only bounced once). I was on my way back to M01 from Lamberts and it was after dark. By the way that was my first night landing and my first night flight in my new to me Mooney. At least now I know it was not my fault no one told me to remove my tie downs before flight. Lol, I have the Laser tie down / jack points.

[DrBill]

What size alan wrench is used to tighten them ?  I've tried both mettric and english and can't find one that fits right.  Perhaps it's messed up. I'll try the other (non-loose) side.

BILL

[jetdriven]

for the factory tie downs, the size is 10MM +/- 5 MM.   insert the allen wrench through the hole and turn.

[Hank]

Screwdrivers work well, too--Kings or Phillips. Even foot long pieces of hard copper pipe or conduit in 1/2-3/4" size.