SERVICE BULLETIN M20-345
Mooney M20A · Parts Catalog
Overview
This document is a service bulletin issued by Mooney International Corporation, specifically addressing the inspection of smooth skin elevators and their balance weights on various Mooney aircraft models. The bulletin highlights the potential for galvanic corrosion in the hybrid balance weights used in these elevators, particularly in the M20F model, and outlines the necessary inspection procedures and compliance requirements. It is crucial for owners and operators of affected Mooney models to adhere to the guidelines provided to ensure safety and airworthiness before the next flight. The bulletin includes specific instructions for identifying the balance weights and actions to take if abnormalities are found.
- Inspect smooth skin elevator balance weights for galvanic corrosion before the next flight.
- If cracks are found in the balance weights, do not fly the aircraft and contact Mooney Technical Support.
- The affected balance weight part number is 430018-1; if this is found, it must be replaced with a newer version.
- Visual inspections should include checking for abnormalities and may require paint removal for thorough examination.
- Compliance with this service bulletin is mandatory for safety and airworthiness.
Document
Source
Originally published by mooney.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Parts Catalog
- Year
- 2022
- Pages
- 3
- File size
- 244 KB
- Publisher
- mooney.com
Common. Rarer than 1% of the aircraft models we track.
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Mooney M20A.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
Free — save the M20A to your watchlist and track it in one place.
More Mooney M20Amanuals & documents
See all 20 →- INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLEMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATE SA11888CHMaintenance Manual
- SUPPLEMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATE SA11888CH INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS INSTALLATION OF THE HARTZELL PROPELLERS MODEL 2C1-R419A1/75C(S)08 ON MOONEY INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION MODELS M20A,B,C,D,E,F,G & J AIRCRAFTSupplemental Type Certificate
- AUTOPILOT SERVO INSTALLATION MANUALAvionics Manual
- Airworthiness Concern SheetAirworthiness Directives
- SERVICE BULLETIN M20-345AService Bulletins
- SERVICE BULLETIN M20-344Service Bulletins
- AFMS – GFC 500 Mooney M20J/M20K SeriesNormal Procedures
- SERVICE BULLETIN M20-325Parts Catalog
- SERVICE BULLETIN M20-316Parts Catalog
- Mooney M20A, B, C, D, GTraining Manual
- SERVICE INSTRUCTION M20--116Service Manual
- SERVICE INSTRUCTION M20--113Training Manual
In this document
Introduction
The introduction outlines the purpose of the service bulletin, which is to address issues with smooth skin elevators that utilize a hybrid material balance weight. It notes that there have been instances of galvanic corrosion in the balance weights, particularly in the M20F model, and emphasizes the need for inspection and corrective action.
Compliance Instructions
The compliance instructions detail the steps that must be taken before the next flight. It includes visual inspection procedures for the elevator balance weights, with specific references to figures illustrating the balance weight types and potential abnormalities.
Inspection Procedures
Inspection procedures require a thorough check of the elevator balance weights for cracks and other signs of damage. If the original hybrid balance weight is found to be abnormal, the aircraft should not be flown, and further instructions must be sought from Mooney Technical Support.
Warranty Information
The warranty section clarifies that labor and replacement parts required for compliance with this bulletin will not be covered under warranty for aircraft that are beyond the warranty agreement.
Compliance Card
A compliance card is included at the end of the bulletin, which must be filled out and returned to Mooney International Corporation upon completion of the inspection and any necessary actions.
Safety notes
- Do not fly the aircraft if the balance weight is found to be abnormal.
- Contact Mooney Technical Support for further instructions if abnormalities are detected.
Full document text
SERVICE BULLETIN SERVICE BULLETIN M20-345 Date: October 6, 2022 THIS BULLETIN DOES NOT CHANGE AIRCRAFT TYPE DESIGN MOONEY INTERNATIONAL 165 Al Mooney Road North Kerrville, Texas 78028 CORPORATION SBM20-345 Page 1 MOONEY INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 165 Al Mooney Road North, Kerrville, Texas 78028 tel: 830-896-6000 www.mooney.com SUBJECT: Mooney Aircraft With Smooth Skin Elevators and Balance Weight Inspection [ Chapter 27 - FLIGHT CONTROLS] MODELS/ SN All Mooney Models with smooth skin (non-beaded) elevators AFFECTED: TIME OF Before Next Flight and in accordance with NOTE 1 and NOTE 2 below. COMPLIANCE: INTRODUCTION: There are specific aircraft with smooth skin elevators, that utilized a hybrid material elevator bal- ance weight. These weights (P/N 430018-1) are identified by the center plug running through the full width of the balance weight. During routine maintenance at an Authorized Mooney Service Center, the elevator balance weights were found to have developed galvanic corrosion, visible signs of the weight is cracked and displaced severely. There have been 6 separate instances of this anomaly in only the M20F model aircraft using this hybrid balance weight. Mooney has heard many occasions where used flight controls (from salvage yards) are used on other Mooney models: (ie: M20B, M20C, M20D, M20E, M20G). Engineering has determined that this will re- quire an inspection and corrective action taken. The attached compliance card needs to be filled out and returned to Mooney International Corporation upon completion of this Ser- vice Bulletin M20-345.. INSTRUCTIONS: Read entire procedures before beginning work. 1.1. If cracks occur, they will most likely be the outer material surrounding center plug, refer to Figure SBM20-345-1 and SBM20-345-2. 1.2. Inspect all areas of the elevator balance weight for any abnormalities, refer to Figure SBM20-345-2. If required, remove paint from the area to be inspected. NOTE 1: If during visual inspection it is determined that both elevator balance weights are not the Hybrid 430018-1 balance weight, no further inspections are required. 1.3. If the balance weight is found to be “abnormal” - DO NOT FLY - Please contact Mooney Technical Support at email technicalsupport@mooney.com for further instructions. NOTE 2: If elevator balance weights are the original 430018-1 style, DO NOT FLY, the balance weights will need to be replaced with new weights developed by Mooney in a later revision of this Service Bulletin. WARRANTY: Labor and/or replacement parts (if required) will not be covered under Mooney International Corporation warranty policy for affected aircraft that are beyond warranty agreement. REFERENCE 1. Applicable Mooney Illustrated Parts Catalog and Service and Maintenance Manual DATA: PARTS LIST: Mooney International Corporation, Service Bulletin Parts Kit(s): N/A at this time SERVICE BULLETIN SERVICE BULLETIN M20-345 Date: October 6, 2022 THIS BULLETIN DOES NOT CHANGE AIRCRAFT TYPE DESIGN MOONEY INTERNATIONAL 165 Al Mooney Road North Kerrville, Texas 78028 CORPORATION SBM20-345 Page 2 MOONEY INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 165 Al Mooney Road North, Kerrville, Texas 78028 tel: 830-896-6000 www.mooney.com CENTER PLUG ORIGINAL 430018-1 BALANCE WEIGHT HYBRID BALANCE WEIGHT BEADED SKIN SMOOTH SKIN Figure SBM20-345-1 - SMOOTH SKIN ELEVATOR AND BALANCE WEIGHT IDENTIFICATION BOWED LEADING EDGE CRACKING CRACKING GALVANIC CORROSION GALVANIC CORROSION OUTER MATERIAL SURROUNDING CENTER PLUG Figure SBM20-345-2 - ABNORMALITIES - SEVERE GALVANIC CORROSION AND CRACKING OF THE ORIGINAL 430018-1 BALANCE WEIGHT SERVICE BULLETIN SERVICE BULLETIN M20-345 Date: October 6, 2022 THIS BULLETIN DOES NOT CHANGE AIRCRAFT TYPE DESIGN MOONEY INTERNATIONAL 165 Al Mooney Road North Kerrville, Texas 78028 CORPORATION SBM20-345 Page 3 MOONEY INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 165 Al Mooney Road North, Kerrville, Texas 78028 tel: 830-896-6000 www.mooney.com MOONEY INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78028 - FAX 830- 257- 4635 SERVICE (BULLETIN) (INSTRUCTION) NO.________________HAS BEEN COMPLIED WITH ON AIRCRAFT MODEL _______________ SERIAL NUMBER ________________ Tach. Time: Owner: N-Number (Reg. No.) Date of Compliance: Complied By: Form 07-0001 Inspection Report: MOONEY INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION ATT’N: TECHNICAL SUPPORT 165 Al Mooney Road North Kerrville, Texas 78028 PLACE STAMP HERE SEND TO: Mooney International Corporation 165 Al Mooney Road North Kerrville, TX 78028 FAX: (830) 257-4635 or EMAIL support@mooney.com Figure SB M20-345-3 - Compliance Card