mooney cabin overhead light

The cabin overhead light in the Mooney (M20J) is powered even when the master is
off, which leads to an opportunity to run down the battery.

Is there a legal, safe, and convenient way to either put a timer on it, or have
it powered through the master?

Thanks.

Dave

Have you had problems with this? I love my Mooney light. I often land
after dark with the family. Its nice to be able to turn on the overhead
light while unloading the plane. In the dark , I would think it would
be hard to forget the light. During the day, I don't know why you would
turn it on.

I can't see anyway to do what you are asking without finding a part
that holds an STC or doing a 337.

-Robert

Robert M. Gary wrote:
Have you had problems with this?

Yes, left it on one dark and stormy night. All was fine two days later when I
flew again, and apparently didn't notice it was on. My partner went to fly 4
days later and the battery was dead. All 3 of my partners have left it on at one
time or another. Maybe we're just exceptionally forgetful.

I love my Mooney light.

Yep, it's nice to have, if you don't forget it and leave it on.

I often land
after dark with the family. Its nice to be able to turn on the overhead
light while unloading the plane. In the dark , I would think it would
be hard to forget the light. During the day, I don't know why you would
turn it on.

Not hard at all, for me. Hmmm, we do have a canvas cabin cover. Maybe without
that I would have noticed. Putting the cover on in the rain and wind, I just
wasn't focused on whether the light was on. :-)

I can't see anyway to do what you are asking without finding a part
that holds an STC or doing a 337.

If such a thing exists, I'd like to know about it.