triple8s Posted December 8, 2013 Report Posted December 8, 2013 I just opened the right access panel and noticed people at the factory signed their names inside. I wonder why they'd do that?
Bob Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 Looks like something special! Was your aircraft the first or last of something cool? Did something big happen at the factory when your Mooney was completed? Looks like too much effort without a cool connection. May be worth contacting the factory. Can't wait for the answer! Very Cool!
Dave Marten Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 Simple - The folks at Mooney Aircraft have PRIDE IN THEIR WORK! Its a long-standing tradition in aviation, especially for prototypes, first-lots, anniversary editions, etc. Earliest example I can think of is Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis. All the factory workers at Ryan signed inside the Spirit's engine cowling. Extremely common during WWII where the gals building the planes would send words of encouragement on the inside of access panels to the mechanics and crews. The tradition is very much alive today! Many Mooney owners will recognize some of the names on that panel. I got a kick out of Bill Wheat's "nobody" title. Fly it with pride - Mooney built it with pride! 3
Bob_Belville Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 Post a picture for us! He has a pic in his gallery. That plane might be #10,000 from the factory. Or the 10,000th M20...
triple8s Posted December 9, 2013 Author Report Posted December 9, 2013 We'll I tried to move the pic but I'm on an iPad and it isn't working like my PC ......operator error....
kmyfm20s Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 We'll I tried to move the pic but I'm on an iPad and it isn't working like my PC ......operator error.... Found it on your gallery. Very cool!
N33GG Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 Awesome! I wish they had signed my airplane...
mooneygirl Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 I will post to the Mooney Airplane group of workers on FB to see what the scoop is
N601RX Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 When we design and manufacturer a new product or reach some other milestone, everyone involved usually signs it as it comes off the assembly line, it usually goes in a display case then. They have done that at the last 3 companies I have worked at, so it must be somewhat common.
mooneygirl Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 Could I have your serial number please? Stacey Ellis from the factory would like it.
Bob_Belville Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 Could I have your serial number please? Stacey Ellis from the factory would like it. 29-0087(FlightAware)
carusoam Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 29s are the M20R series... Best regards, -a-
carusoam Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 That is a pretty special find! First Ovations had a 3-blade prop. 888's has a 2-blade prop. Could That be the beginning of the O2(s)??? Just speculating, -a-
mooneygirl Posted December 9, 2013 Report Posted December 9, 2013 Boy you had the Mooney Airplane Company employees page on facebook hopping. Here is what Stacey Ellis had to say: Stacey Ellis 29-0087 was the 87th Ovation built. There were no changes made at this serial number. There was a customer that wanted signatures of employees here at the factory that built his plane. 3
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