Mooney M20E: pre-1969 vs 1969+

(Jeff Meininger) wrote in message ...

Most of the changes were to reduce manufacturing cost.

I understand that in 1969, Mooney implemented a number of changes in
the M20C / M20E models. A friend and I might start shopping for one
of these planes in a few months, and I'm trying to figure out what's
important and what isn't.

1. Does the larger rudder in the 1969+ models have a positive impact
on crosswind performance? How about forward slip performance?

I don't know, but my '65C slips pretty well and lands in 20+ knot
crosswinds. In general Mooneys are not great forward slippers due to
the small rudder, but if you can learn to manage your energy state
it's not a big deal. Mine has manual speedbrakes, so I can be pretty
lazy.

2. The top of the green arc was increased from 150 MIAS to 175 MIAS
for 1969+ models. Aside from the rudder, are there any airframe
changes that might explain this change? Is the '69+ plane stronger?

No it was a paperwork change, info from Bill Wheat retired Mooney test
pilot

3. Although I've never used it, I like the idea of the "johnson bar"
manual gear system. These are unavailable in 1969+ models, and I'm
slightly concerned about the increased complexity and maintenance
costs that might be associated with the electric system. Is this a
valid concern?

Mooney electric gear is relatively low maintenance. It's a close
second best to the superior manual gear system :-).

4. Aside from the improved panel layout, are there any other
noteworthy differences between various M20E model years?

Fixed cowl flaps (although the movable ones on my '65 are worth maybe
2 kias)
Throttle quadrant instead of push-pull knobs (you may prefer one or
the other)
exposed rivets on bottom of wing
non-flush mounted inspection panels on bottom of wing
fixed stop vs retractable step
friction baggage door holder vs. overcenter
shimmy dampener on nosewheel (which I understand is often removed)
Perhaps better night lighting

Note that a SWTA or LASAR 6-pack side flight instrument panel is
available at a relatively low cost for the earlier "shotgun" panels

Thanks!

I have a very cherry '65C/J clone that I plan to list in a few months
as I am moving "up" :-( to a 6-seat Piper mini-van. E-mail me
privately for details.

You will be very happy with a Mooney. Pre or post '69 is not much
different. A friend of mine has a '74C that is probably the best in
the country.

Bob Miller
arnospamjrmillerATsbcnospamglobal.net

Wow... that's excellent information. Thanks very much for your
reply.

I have one more question for you. Do you know of any practical
differences in the pre-'68 and '68+ F/G wing? The MAPA M20F
report says that the change was due to stall characteristics,
but this tidbit is provided right underneath a paragraph that
praises the pre-1968 plane's stall. Is one wing design faster,
better, or "safer" than the other? I'm guessing it's a non-
issue, but I sure do enjoy this kind of trivia.