Initial post to sniping in 7 replies. A record?
Impossible. On PPrune that can happen on first posting
I think they called the gear retraction handles on the Mooney the "Johnson-bar" for reasons unknown. Maybe a chap named Johnson designed it or something.
My old crate has a gear retraction that works on the ground, without the hydraulic pump active (design fail no 1). And there are no squat switches. What's worse, the retraction handle is just beside the flap handle
and very close to your knee as you snake your way into the seat. So if your knee doesn't do it, you mistaking it for the flap will. Many old Commanders have been dropped on their bellies this way. Thankfully the handle is protected by a locking switch, but one has to be religious about its use. I used to unlock before I lined up on the runway, but now, on the suggestion from an experienced instructor, I'll wait all the way until retraction. Same on approach, gear out, then lock. Might make an emergency retraction or go around take a second longer, but the benefits outweigh the risk of dropping her.