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4 Answers

Do I need an FAA approved flight manual for my 65 Mooney M20C?

Asked by: 4977 views , ,
General Aviation

I have done some research on this and I think the answer is NO I don't as it wasn't listed as required equipment in the type certificate data sheet found here.

http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/60107bc8954c93a686256c24005b5075/$FILE/2A3.pdf

 

I also found this site which mentions that many models of older aircraft don't require an FAA approved flight manual.

 

http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD:1001:pc=PC_90265

 

This is an easy question for a modern aircraft, however I believe that for my airplane all I need is the operating limitations in the form of markings.  I do carry a PDF printout of the Owners Manual but it is not tied to my SN and it was printed on my laser printer.  My CFI told me I need something more official so I emailed Mooney and haven't gotten a reply yet.

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4 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Mar 23, 2015

    If you read the Type Certificate Data Sheet, you will see item 401 on the list of equipment for the M20 C is “FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual”.

    For your serial number the correct one would be:
    (a) Owners Manual dated October 20, 1961 for S/N 1852, 1940 thru 3184.

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  2. Ryan Yoder on Mar 23, 2015

    That 1961 Flight Manual was provided by Mooney in an email and it incorrectly states 48 gallons when I have 52 usable and my PDF owners manual which they also provided in PDF form states 52. Also I was looking at an older version of the TCDS and the right one does say to use the wrong book for a range of serial numbers that include mine, however it says to see note 13. In note 13 the 65 Mooney is not listed. The older TCDS I found was more clear about excluding my SN.

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  3. Best Answer


    Kris Kortokrax on Mar 23, 2015

    The only place I look for TCDS is http://www.faa.gov. There is only one version, the most current.

    The TCDS also states that there were 48 gallons of fuel up to serial number 2622 and after that, 52 gallons of fuel.

    If you look at Note 13, it appears that several models of M20 shared the same series of serial numbers. Your serial number is not listed in note 13 because it falls below the 670001 number.

    If I understand you correctly, Mooney sent you two PDF manuals which differ in fuel capacity. What do they have to say about it? There should be one manual specific to your serial number that should show the correct information. It may be that Mooney issued a manual with the wrong info, but followed it up with a supplement.

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  4. Ryan Yoder on Mar 25, 2015

    Thanks for pointing me to the right TCDS. That one contradicts the older one and makes no sense. According to note 13 there is no manual for my Mooney. There are hundreds of serial numbers not captured in note 13. I called Mooney and they tried to help but nobody from the 60s works there anymore. I am going to carry the TCDS in the airplane along with the 65 Owners Manual which is not faa approved and bring along the three year older supplement which is far approved but incorrect as far as fuel limitations and the incorrect listing of Vy as 95 mph when it’s actually 105.

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