Beechcraft MEDECO Lock Installations
Factory‑installed cabin door locks on many Beechcraft singles and twins provide only minimal security. Over time, these locks often become loose, wear out, or fall out entirely. Even when “locked,” many can be opened with a random key or defeated with a simple twist of the handle. Replacement parts are no longer available, and until this system was developed, there was no practical solution.
California Aero Marketing engineered a hardened, internal MEDECO installation that replaces the ineffective factory lock with a secure, aircraft‑appropriate system. This design was originally developed on our own 1963 Debonair and has since been installed on numerous Bonanzas, Debonairs, and Barons. The goal was simple: create a lock that looks factory‑installed, requires no cosmetic touch‑up, and prevents unauthorized entry without damaging the aircraft.
Why Factory Locks Fail
The original Beechcraft cabin door handle lock was never designed to provide meaningful security. Many can be opened with unrelated keys, and the cylinder is easily twisted or pried out of the handle. Once the handle is compromised, access to avionics, logbooks, and personal property is immediate.
Because the factory lock is integrated into the handle casting, it cannot be replaced. When it wears out or falls out, owners are left with no practical repair option.
Development of the CAM / MEDECO Solution
To solve this problem, CAM adapted MEDECO high‑security lock assemblies to the Beechcraft cabin door. The criteria were clear:
- It must appear factory‑installed.
- It must prevent unauthorized entry without damaging the aircraft.
- It must be simple to install with standard tools.
- It must not require painting or cosmetic repair.
The resulting system provides maximum security while remaining mechanically straightforward. The lock is mounted in the door itself, not in the handle, and engages a stainless‑steel plug installed in place of the original cylinder. The locking cam spans the entire door‑handle frame, preventing the handle from opening even if it is pried or broken off.
MEDECO Lock Features
MEDECO cylinders are made from hardened steel and resist drilling, twisting, and torque‑based attacks. The key uses a flat, restricted blank with a double‑cut profile that cannot be duplicated without proper authorization. Locks in the same installation can be keyed alike, and each assembly includes two keys.
The magneto switch cannot be keyed to the MEDECO system due to its different internal construction.
Cabin Door Installation
Installation uses a supplied template to locate the correct drill points and finished opening. Upholstery is removed from the inside of the door to allow access for tightening the lock body and installing the locking cam. A stainless‑steel plug is fitted into the original handle opening and secured with hardware included in the kit.
Once installed, the locking cam engages the plug much like a gate bar across a frame. Even if the handle is pried or broken off, the door remains locked.
Typical installation time is approximately two hours. No painting or cosmetic work is required.
Baggage Door Installation
The baggage‑door lock assembly supplied for Beechcraft aircraft is an exact replacement for the original and requires no modification. Aircraft equipped with the long “D‑handle” baggage door require alternate hardware, which should be specified when ordering.
FAA Considerations
The cabin‑door installation is considered a minor alteration because the required holes are in non‑structural areas and the lock assembly is essentially flush with the door skin. The installation should be documented with an entry in the aircraft maintenance records. If there is any question, we recommend consulting the local FAA Flight Standards District Office.
Ordering Information & Pricing
MEDECO lock assemblies are available individually or as complete kits. For Beechcraft installations, we require the aircraft model and baggage‑door type to ensure the correct components are supplied.
Because aircraft configurations vary and MEDECO hardware is a restricted security product, pricing is provided on a per‑aircraft basis. This ensures that each installation receives the correct lock bodies, cams, hardware, and keying options.
Please contact us for a current quote.
- Specify aircraft model and year
- Identify baggage‑door type (standard, push‑button, or long “D‑handle”)
- Indicate number of locks required
- Advise if keyed‑alike systems are desired
Most orders ship within 24 hours.
Terms are COD or cash in advance unless other arrangements have been established. Most orders ship within 24 hours.
If you have questions or need assistance determining the correct kit for your aircraft, we are always glad to help.