mooney cabin overhead light

[Dave Butler]

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

[Robert M. Gary]

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

[Dave Butler]

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.