Monticello Flying Club Pilot Transition Manual: Mooney M20F
Page 12 of 42
coordinator will indicate whether trim up or down is required by the autopilot system. Since the
aircraft is not equipped with electric trim, the pilot must manually adjust the trim settings per the
autopilot’s guidance in order to maintain altitude. Additionally,
like many other autopilots in GA
aircraft, the system will attempt to hold altitude to the point of a stall if insufficient power is
supplied, so manual power and trim adjustments must be made by the pilot to compensate.
These
adjustments are particularly important when using the autopilot to hold altitude and course
during a manual gear extension (expect to add power and trim as the gear comes down).
There is a lot more critical information in the autopilot manual, which is located on the
club’s website. Reading this manual and practicing autopilot use in good weather can familiarize
you with its operation so that you can comfortably use it during IFR flight to reduce your
workload.
If you plan to use the autopilot during flight, you must check the disconnect function
as part of the pre-take off systems check.
E
LECTRIC
P
OWER
S
YSTEM
The master switch and power relay control the electrical power system, which is
composed of a 50-amp 12-volt generator (no alternator), a voltage regulator, and a 35 amp-hour
battery. One thing to note with a generator is that it will not provide power at low RPM, so watch
the ammeter when waiting for a clearance, troubleshooting something, or waiting for other
aircraft to depart. An avionics switch, located on the center panel next to the flap switch, isolates
the avionics. The battery is located in the tail and can be accessed via a door on the left side of
the fuselage.
Circuit breakers and circuit breaker switches protect the electrical wiring and equipment
from overloads. There are fuses on the autopilot system and the cigarette lighter circuit.
All of
the light switches have internal breakers, so if a light switch will not stay up, it is an indicator
that the breaker has tripped.
Included in the electrical system are the navigation lights, interior lights, combined gear/
stall warning system, an electric fuel boost pump, electric starter, electric gear retraction system,
and an electric flap system.
After night flights it is important to make sure the panel and interior
lights are turned off because they are not visible during the day.
