Mooney News from Oshkosh

[201er]

Mooney held a press conference today. Someone in that company understands Mooney pilots and how they are cheap and managed to lure us out there with free lunch. However, others at Mooney do not undestand this. The 1st built Acclaim S since reopeneing was auctioned off for $640AMU when sticker price was over $800AMU thus equipped.

I asked about how Safety and Style come into play now that they changes the three S motto from speed speed speed. Their answer was that the Mooney has always had safety and style but that they will simply emphasize and market it more. Mooney is under contract for 14 planes since reopening, at least 10 of them are going to China where they opened up airspace for General Aviation but only below 1000 meters. Exactly what the acclaim was designed to do...

 

Someone asked if they are bringing the J back and they pretty much said no.

Hey at least the food and free give aways were good.

[201er]

[carusoam]

Mike,

Who else in your family went with you besides Kili?

Best regards,

-a-

[Jerry 5TJ]

Mooney has a good presence here at OSH. They have a substantial display tent and the first new Mooney built in years is here. I'm glad to hear of the investment in new tooling at Kerrville.

[cliffy]

A shameless plug here-

In the next "The Mooney Flyer" emagazine I have an article of my visit last week at Mooney in Kerrville. Hope all who read it enjoy it.

[Jeff_S]

Was that the wing of a Mooney I saw in the attached picture? Does it have some type of winglet on the end?  Interesting...

[201er]

Acclaim S "winglet" just for shits and giggles.

[fantom]

It does my heart good to see that Mooney tent back up at Oshkosh

[Marauder]

Mooney is under contract for 14 planes since reopening, at least 10 of them are going to China where they opened up airspace for General Aviation but only below 1000 meters. Exactly what the acclaim was designed to do...

Mike - I had to read your message twice. Only 1000 meters? That is 3,280 feet. I think most Acclaims would want to know why they are flying so low. That sounds better suited to J (or a Piper Cub).

Hope this is not what logic they are applying to decide how to pursue the market.

[1964-M20E]

Mike - I had to read your message twice. Only 1000 meters? That is 3,280 feet. I think most Acclaims would want to know why they are flying so low. That sounds better suited to J (or a Piper Cub).

Hope this is not what logic they are applying to decide how to pursue the market.

In this case they should brign back an all manual, basic, bare bones J model. 

[Alan Fox]

Number one , Cheap pilots do not buy new planes......Mike you are not who they are targeting , the building of aluminum planes at that price level is also futile , you can get a lot more plane made from plastic , with more safety features , for the same or less.....If Mooney plans to be viable , they will have to build another type..... Focusing on passenger comfort , and payload.......Would love to see it happen......  The J will never be made , because the cost associated with an airplane is mostly in the labor to build the airframe......This is why Plastic planes excel in the marketplace.......  The difference between a J and an Acclaim would be less 80 to 100 K no one would even think of buying one...

[drake15d]

In this case they should brign back an all manual, basic, bare bones J model. 

 

My J hates anything less than 6k. You'd need a Mooney Mite.

[1964-M20E]

Alan

 

While you are 95% correct with your statements about what airframe Mooney should produce making 11 to 20 planes a year is not sustainable either and at $800k you are pricing yourself out of most markets.  Furthermore while speed, speed  and more speed is the mantra I do not think anyone here would argue that the J fits a very nice niche between speed and efficiency.

 

I think Mooney utilizing cheaper labor in China for grunt work and with final inspections and assembly in the US could produce an affordable basic J model.

 

 

Yes it is a pipe dream but our ability to dream is what makes us great.

[Alan Fox]

They are not producing in China , They are producing in Kerrville , the only difference being deeper pockets , and Cirrus dominating the piston market.....They should throw a parachute on it , seems to be a big thing these days....

[rbridges]

The Acclaim is powered by a TSIO-550-G turbo-normalized engine and features a Garmin G1000 avionics suite. Mooney also makes the non-turbocharged M20R Ovation.

Dr. Chen said the first new Ovation is currently being manufactured, and reflecting demand, the company will build five Acclaims for each Ovation. 

 

 

does that sound right?  I thought demand would be even or possibly favor the ovation.  I guess at that price range, the buyers want turbos.

[carusoam]

The price to add a pair of snails to TN the engine...$30k???

The cowling and exhaust pipes are different and the AF is S vs R...

These differences don't add extra costs...

Build them as Acclaims, fly them like an Ovation at Carson's speeds...if you so desire.

Either way, the TN 310hp will be the desirable combination to have over the TN 280hp. Measurably better T/O and climb...

I expect to be able to buy one used in about 15 years if things go as planned...

So for you guys buying one new today, keep me in mind. I like the MSE with the blue and white paint....

Best regards,

-a-