Critical Mooney No-Back Clutch Spring Availability: Supply Chain Challenges and Solutions
As an A&P with decades of experience maintaining Mooneys, I’ve watched with concern as parts availability issues have increasingly complicated routine maintenance for these aircraft. The no-back clutch spring situation epitomizes the broader challenges facing the general aviation fleet as manufacturers, supply chains, and type certificate holders navigate changing business environments. What’s particularly noteworthy about this case is how it demonstrates the resilience of the aviation maintenance ecosystem when OEMs falter. The community response—from owners sharing information to suppliers like Lasar and Eaton working together to bypass traditional distribution channels—highlights the determination that keeps these aircraft flying despite corporate uncertainties. Having overseen numerous propeller governor overhauls, I know firsthand how critical these components are for flight safety, and why proper parts matter. The fact that mechanics and owners had to become detectives and advocates to source legitimate parts speaks volumes about the state of GA maintenance today. Yet I’m encouraged by this thread’s outcome, which demonstrates how technical knowledge sharing through owner communities can effectively preserve fleet airworthiness when traditional systems break down.
A detailed MooneySpace thread documented the evolving situation with no-back clutch springs (P/N M20-282-0001), critical components for propeller governor systems in Mooney aircraft. The discussion began with positive news shared by a member who received confirmation from Lasar that Eaton had resumed manufacturing these springs and would sell them directly through Lasar, bypassing Mooney Aircraft which had reportedly ceased ordering from outside vendors. This spawned an extensive conversation about parts availability challenges affecting the fleet, with multiple owners reporting difficulties obtaining these springs during routine propeller governor overhauls. A significant development came when forum member Paul Loewen from Top Gun Aviation confirmed that Eaton had agreed to manufacture a batch of 100 springs, with 50 already claimed through pre-orders. The technical aspects of these components received considerable attention, with A&P mechanics explaining that these specialized springs prevent the propeller from going to flat pitch during an engine failure, making them critical safety items. Several members expressed concern about previously reported cases of non-aviation springs being substituted by some shops, highlighting potential airworthiness and safety implications. The thread documented a collaborative effort to secure proper parts, with multiple members sharing contact information for reputable sources and reporting successful installations. Pricing information was extensively discussed, with reports of the genuine springs costing approximately each, significantly less than alternative solutions that could exceed . The discussion expanded to include broader concerns about Mooney Aircraft parts availability, with senior members and maintenance professionals offering advice for navigating the challenging supply chain environment. By the thread’s conclusion, members reported that the springs were readily available through several verified sources, marking a community-driven solution to what had been a significant maintenance challenge. Check out the full discussion over on MooneySpace for detailed supplier information and installation experiences from Mooney owners.