Curing a Roll Problem in your Mooney Mite

February, 2002
Here’s a useful article explaining what to do if your aircraft tends to go into a roll when you take your hands off the controls. It was sent to the Mite Site by Boyd Maddox, who runs a one man shop in Houston, TX. At the bottom you will find some addition helpful comments submitted by Patrick Moran, N9AW.

Rolling to one side or the other is a normal problem with most every airplane that I see. If you want to cure a roll problem, start with the wings.

  1. Be sure that the AILERONS are rigged and that the proper up and down travel is achieved.
  2. With the stick held in the center, set the ailerons at 0 deg. I would use a straight edge off the bottom of the wing. Most important is getting them the same.
  3. Now see how the flaps line up. If you made any changes in the ailerons DON'T touch the flaps. GO FLY IT AND SEE WHAT IT DOES. Write it down. So often the pilot says my left wing is falling off when what he really means is he has to hold the left wing down.
  4. If it still falls off to the left, make sure the FLAPS are set the same. If they are, lower the left flap one turn. GO FLY IT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS, and so forth
  5. Now that you have it flying level, see what THE BALL is doing.
  6. Check and make sure the Turn & Bank is level. Put a level across the canopy sill and level the airplane (wings).
  7. If it's not level, loosen the screws that hold it in and turn it until it is level. Tighten the screws.
  8. Now GO FLY IT and see what the Ball does. ARE YOU SKIDDING?
  9. If it’s still skidding, proceed with the adjustment of the RUDDER.
  10. Block the rudder peddles so they are parallel.
  11. Adjust 1/2 turn at a time. Loosen one turn buckle and tighten the other and you got it. GO FLY IT.
  12. Actually what I have done is give you another excuse to fly your Mite!
  13. GOOD LUCK! LET ME KNOW IF IT WORKS AND I'LL TRY IT ON MINE. (Just kidding, but do let me know how it goes and what you find.)

BOYD
Boyd Maddox is at Houston Southwest Airport (AXH), Houston, Texas. 281-431-1756 or cell 832-656-8332

"I'm a one man shop that specializes in Mooneys and Mites but I work on all brands. I'm slow, but they come out good. I have three Mites in the hanger right now; 2 are mine that I am restoring. I do wood, fabric, and of course annuals. I'm always willing to talk other mechanics through annuals on the phone."
February, 2002
Patrick Moran: "I would add a few other items that come to mind as I recall this problem with 9AW long ago"

  • Is one wing heavy? Repairs may have added extra weight to one wing.

  • Is the aileron gap seal leaking air on one side? I can testify this will make a tremendous difference.

  • Is the horizontal stabilizer level?

  • One main wheel hanging down more than another can even make a difference, though mine showed up as a yaw movement.
March, 2002