Last month in this space, we told you about an FAA Airworthiness Concern Sheet (ACS) being distributed by the agency regarding cracking power levers aboard Cirrus piston singles. This month, we add early Mooney models and their control yokes to the list.
The FAA’s ACS identifies Mooney’s M20C, M20D, M20E, M20F and M20G models as susceptible to the problem, omitting the very early M20/A/B variants as well as the Mooney 201 and later. The FAA says, “Fatigue cracks in control wheel shaft and/or attachment hub may lead to control wheel separation from the shaft.” The ACS notes that such a failure may reduce “safety margins, especially in certain phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing.”
The ACS also notes that “an Airworthiness Directive (AD) exists for these models to inspect the aft end of the control shaft every 500 hours Time-in-Service (TIS), unless the shaft has been strengthened per Mooney Service Bulletin M20-205B, in which case the shaft is inspected for cracks every 1000 hours TIS. However, the AD did not require inspection of the control wheel.”
The ACS requests operators of the affected models to perform a visual inspection and, if signs of cracks are found, to reach out to the point of contact listed in the ACS. Information requested includes the aircraft model and serial number, the control wheel’s part number and the flight hours since installation. The agency also wants to know the attachment method—tapered pin or bolt—of the control wheel to the shaft.
Darren Pleasance Will Be AOPA’s New President, CEO
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association in September named Darren Pleasance as its new president and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2025. Pleasance will replace retiring President and CEO Mark Baker.
“I’m honored with the opportunity I’m being given to help steward AOPA forward into the future, and I’m inspired by the role AOPA will continue to play in protecting our freedom to fly,” Pleasance commented as part of the association’s announcement.
According to AOPA, Pleasance began his aviation journey when he was just a teenager, first when he got involved in flying model aircraft and later doing chores around the airport in exchange for flying lessons. Today, he has flown over 8000 hours in more than 50 different types of aircraft—ranging from simple trainers to business jets and to vintage warbirds, including a North American P–51 Mustang. Other career highlights include working as a corporate pilot for celebrities like John Travolta and flying charters in the Alaskan bush. Today he owns and operates a Piper Meridian, a Van’s Aircraft RV-6, and a Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey amphibious airplane while maintaining currency as a certificated flight instructor.
Pleasance holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
“I’m confident that Darren is the right person to lead AOPA into its next chapter,” said Baker. “He is a pilot’s pilot with a genuine passion for flying.”
“We could not be more gratified about Darren taking the left seat at AOPA,” said Bill Trimble, chairman of the Board. “After completing an extensive national search, we met with many terrific candidates, but all agreed that Darren brings a wealth of experience coupled with a joy of flying that will be critical for leading AOPA’s mission going forward.”
