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Posted

Creative Googling failed me, so I'll throw myself on the mercy of crowd sourced wisdom: is the Mooney logo representing a particular bird? Doesn't look like any specific raptor that I can recognize - which would have been the most likely choice I'd assume.

Looks kinda like a fluffed up sparrow to me, but I doubt that was the intent.

Anyone happen to know the history or background?

R.

Posted

Not sure but I think the thunderbird idea looks good based on the style it was drawn. I've often thought about what kind of bird is the best flyer. Have you ever watched a group of white pelicans cruise in line about 4 feet above the water kind of like a Mooney in ground effect that doesn't want to come down. And when they hunt at high altitude until they spot a school of fish then they fold up and make the most incredible high speed dive into the water. So many species all birds but all so different in the way they fly.

Posted

Not sure but I think the thunderbird idea looks good based on the style it was drawn.

 

I believe this is correct. IIRC, I have read that the original Mooney logo, this one I think- Old_Mooney_Logo_Sm.jpg is supposed represent a Thunderbird. However, a Phoenix is far more appropriate for this company, so perhaps it has evolved in that direction.

Posted

Have you ever watched a group of white pelicans cruise in line about 4 feet above the water kind of like a Mooney in ground effect that doesn't want to come down. And when they hunt at high altitude until they spot a school of fish then they fold up and make the most incredible high speed dive into the water. So many species all birds but all so different in the way they fly.

 

I have. All manor of birds live in my bay. However the one that most impresses me most is a coastal bird that is found all over the Caribbean. Check out the Frigate Bird. Amazingly efficient bird and resourceful too. I have read that NASA and other aircraft designers have studied this very bird for it's properties.

 

frigate_bird-lg.jpg

 

Notice the plan form does resemble the Mooney Logo a bit... ;)

Posted

I love Magnificent Frigates!! I've spent a lot of time watching these guys in Mexico as well!

 

Aren't they cool! They can stay aloft for over a week at a time and will scavenge for hundred miles or so from it's nesting area. They are masters of efficient flight.

  • Like 1
Posted

When we were filming Boots on the Ground, I believe I remember Herbie Witt saying that when the French bought Mooney they came up with the "modern" logo, and something to do with the interior as well. Would have to look back at footage.  From what he said, folks at the factory didn't much like the new bird. HA.

Posted

Thanks everyone.

 

It had never crossed my mind that the logos were creative ways of working with the letter M, I had so assumed it was a bird 1st and foremost. Shows the power and pitfalls of preconceived notions - blinds you to the alternatives.

 

Robert

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