On my 1961 B, the process is singular. However, the rod that connects the seat back to the seat runs the full length of the seat so both must be removed as a single unit as the rod cannot be removed while the seats are in the plane. My seatbelts are also attached to the seat bracket not the plane. There is a pin with a hole for it to fall into instead of a bolt at the base of the seat near the seatbelt attachment. Everything else is the same though. Removing/installing the rear seat in my B is a real pain trying to get everything lined up. Great video.
Glad to see you posting again. I still think you make some of the more interesting aviation content. I think the Colorado location helps too ;) I know I asked before, but I would love to know what you do in terms of color correction in editing. Looks like maybe you crush the contrast?
Thanks Zachary. I use the Lumetri Color functionality in Adobe Premiere for color correction. I have a lot of experience editing photos in Lightroom and apply many of the same tactics for video color correction. White balance, highlights, shadows, contrast, whites, blacks, etc. I wish I could give you some guidance but I do it all by eye.
Great video! There is a minor alteration that someone came up with to turn that seat into a folding seat. I’ve wanted to do it in my C, but like you I’m in the have kids now stage of life and time is tight! Also, I can fit my Santa Cruz 5010 in by taking the wheels and seat off and putting the frame in a BBQ grill bag. The frame rests on top of the rear seat and the rear resting on the hat rack.
Thanks Eric. I've looked into that alteration, and you nailed why I haven't pursued it. Plus, I actually like the vertical clearance I get with the seat all the way out. It would probably save me time in the long run but for now, this works.
Hope it helps Joe. Also, take note of Mark’s comment about the difference between removing the seat in the ‘C and ‘B. I wouldn’t be able to fit my skis without the hat rack. That said, all my skis are 180+. You might be able to fit some shorter skis in the back without the hat rack.
I fly 4 all the time. But I want to do a back seat setup so I can hold 3 people and 3 sets of golf clubs! So have the ability to lay one or both back seats down
What’s the useful load now with your rear seat removed and how do you ensure not to exceed the baggage limit keeping the weight more forward. I like the video and the idea of making these small body mooney’s more practical. In you opinion could you remove the rear seat load up the plane for a weekend of skiing in Utah, including a medium dog and still be within weight and balance?
I don't have the W&B sheet with me right now and Foreflight wants me to upgrade to their enhanced W&B before it will show me my data - sigh. Off the top of my head, I gain about 15lbs of useful load with the rear seat out bringing my total useful load somewhere around 950lbs. The station limits are 340lbs in the rear seat and 120lbs in the baggage area. So a total of 460lbs in the "back". A short body Mooney is very forgiving to loading. Full fuel subtracts almost 400lbs from my useful load (64gal). I can fly myself up front, full tanks, and put the rest of my weight in the back and still be within CG - provided you stay under gross. Keep the heavier stuff up front, the lighter stuff in the back. You could easily fly to Utah with a weekend worth of gear and a dog. If you need to haul more weight, leave some fuel behind.
Garry, lol good one. In all serious though, I attempted to check every box prior to performing this action. Removing the rear seat and restraints appears to conform with 14 CFR Part 43. That said, I don’t pretend to be perfect and am continuing to learn. I wouldn’t have posted this video if I believed what I was doing was illegal.
It’s so useful. I usually put the bench back in for the winter, but most of the summer its out. I have a few clips of landing in Telluride in the next video. Just some iPhone shots. I didn’t narrate the landing. Sorry.
Removing weight is just a minus sign for the station. A wrench isn't really complex. Adding weight requires weight and position (both done by the pilot). Removing is no different a process. I've heard of other people taking out seats to reduce insurance costs. I've thought about removing the copilot seat for my paralyzed partner (now deceased). Never did it because of the logistics of getting him in/out and it was easier if he sat up front to suction and attend to him. Without the copilot seat, it might feel like a limo sitting in the back!
That’s a great example of the mixed reviews I read. On one extreme you have people saying you need a 337, on the other side people say no paperwork required. I took a middle of the road stance. I encourage everyone to do their own homework.
Does anybody know how to remove the front seats in a 1964 mooney I'm having a h*** of a time I got the Stop pins Move furthest position to lift the front out and will not move anybody know how to remove the front seats in a 1964 mooney I'm having a h*** of a time I got the pins out
It’s challenging the first time you do it. The padding on the front seat prevents it from moving far enough forward to remove. You need to compress the padding. The easiest way is to hop in the back seat and push it forward with your legs - better yet, get someone to do that for you while you lift up on the front. It only has to go another inch or two and then it’s free of the tracks. Once you get the front free, slide it back and release the rear.
Good to see you back.
Thanks Buck Air!
On my 1961 B, the process is singular. However, the rod that connects the seat back to the seat runs the full length of the seat so both must be removed as a single unit as the rod cannot be removed while the seats are in the plane. My seatbelts are also attached to the seat bracket not the plane. There is a pin with a hole for it to fall into instead of a bolt at the base of the seat near the seatbelt attachment. Everything else is the same though. Removing/installing the rear seat in my B is a real pain trying to get everything lined up. Great video.
Thanks Mark. I was sure there would be slight variations between the models and years. Thanks for providing insight on the ‘B
Glad to see you posting again. I still think you make some of the more interesting aviation content. I think the Colorado location helps too ;) I know I asked before, but I would love to know what you do in terms of color correction in editing. Looks like maybe you crush the contrast?
Thanks Zachary. I use the Lumetri Color functionality in Adobe Premiere for color correction. I have a lot of experience editing photos in Lightroom and apply many of the same tactics for video color correction. White balance, highlights, shadows, contrast, whites, blacks, etc. I wish I could give you some guidance but I do it all by eye.
Thanks so much for showing this! I think I’m going to look into this as well with my a&p.
You’re welcome Daniel. For me, it was well worth the added flexibility.
Great video! There is a minor alteration that someone came up with to turn that seat into a folding seat. I’ve wanted to do it in my C, but like you I’m in the have kids now stage of life and time is tight! Also, I can fit my Santa Cruz 5010 in by taking the wheels and seat off and putting the frame in a BBQ grill bag. The frame rests on top of the rear seat and the rear resting on the hat rack.
Thanks Eric. I've looked into that alteration, and you nailed why I haven't pursued it. Plus, I actually like the vertical clearance I get with the seat all the way out. It would probably save me time in the long run but for now, this works.
Oh, wow, so timely. Just tried placing my skis into my 61B; I really need to remove my rear seat (drooling over your hat rack).
Hope it helps Joe. Also, take note of Mark’s comment about the difference between removing the seat in the ‘C and ‘B. I wouldn’t be able to fit my skis without the hat rack. That said, all my skis are 180+. You might be able to fit some shorter skis in the back without the hat rack.
I fly 4 all the time. But I want to do a back seat setup so I can hold 3 people and 3 sets of golf clubs! So have the ability to lay one or both back seats down
Great video! Thanks!
Thanks Bob. Glad you liked it!
For reference, what do the backseats weigh? What about the backseat and right seat together?
i have a scrap m20c out in fo mo (kfmm) if you needing anyting... or want some scrapparts for "hangar art"?!
What’s the useful load now with your rear seat removed and how do you ensure not to exceed the baggage limit keeping the weight more forward. I like the video and the idea of making these small body mooney’s more practical. In you opinion could you remove the rear seat load up the plane for a weekend of skiing in Utah, including a medium dog and still be within weight and balance?
I don't have the W&B sheet with me right now and Foreflight wants me to upgrade to their enhanced W&B before it will show me my data - sigh. Off the top of my head, I gain about 15lbs of useful load with the rear seat out bringing my total useful load somewhere around 950lbs. The station limits are 340lbs in the rear seat and 120lbs in the baggage area. So a total of 460lbs in the "back".
A short body Mooney is very forgiving to loading. Full fuel subtracts almost 400lbs from my useful load (64gal). I can fly myself up front, full tanks, and put the rest of my weight in the back and still be within CG - provided you stay under gross. Keep the heavier stuff up front, the lighter stuff in the back. You could easily fly to Utah with a weekend worth of gear and a dog. If you need to haul more weight, leave some fuel behind.
Thanks for the info. Helps me clarify the mission.
Hello FSDO, remember that frequent visitor card you gave @Just Plane Silly ...
Garry, lol good one. In all serious though, I attempted to check every box prior to performing this action. Removing the rear seat and restraints appears to conform with 14 CFR Part 43. That said, I don’t pretend to be perfect and am continuing to learn. I wouldn’t have posted this video if I believed what I was doing was illegal.
Did this to my 172 and never looked back! Any chance in posting a video of you flying in to Telluride? Thanks
It’s so useful. I usually put the bench back in for the winter, but most of the summer its out. I have a few clips of landing in Telluride in the next video. Just some iPhone shots. I didn’t narrate the landing. Sorry.
My 66M20E didn't have any of the bottom seat clips.
Good to know. I'm sure things have changed from year to year and over the years as owners modify their aircraft.
Removing weight is just a minus sign for the station. A wrench isn't really complex.
Adding weight requires weight and position (both done by the pilot). Removing is no different a process.
I've heard of other people taking out seats to reduce insurance costs.
I've thought about removing the copilot seat for my paralyzed partner (now deceased). Never did it because of the logistics of getting him in/out and it was easier if he sat up front to suction and attend to him.
Without the copilot seat, it might feel like a limo sitting in the back!
That’s a great example of the mixed reviews I read. On one extreme you have people saying you need a 337, on the other side people say no paperwork required. I took a middle of the road stance. I encourage everyone to do their own homework.
Does anybody know how to remove the front seats in a 1964 mooney I'm having a h*** of a time I got the Stop pins Move furthest position to lift the front out and will not move anybody know how to remove the front seats in a 1964 mooney I'm having a h*** of a time I got the pins out
It’s challenging the first time you do it. The padding on the front seat prevents it from moving far enough forward to remove. You need to compress the padding. The easiest way is to hop in the back seat and push it forward with your legs - better yet, get someone to do that for you while you lift up on the front. It only has to go another inch or two and then it’s free of the tracks. Once you get the front free, slide it back and release the rear.
You might find some lost coins back there.
That's how I pay for these videos...
Please put in an espresso machine
Now you're talking. A restroom would be nice too...