Mooney Factory Service Center, Kerrville, TX

[Mooney_Allegro]

Has anyone used the Mooney Factory Service Center in Kerrville, TX for their annual or had work done there?  I visited the factory yesterday in Kerrville, TX. It was sad to see the factory at idle.   Hopefully the economy will recover sometime soon and Mooney will thrive again.

[richardheitzman]

Well I like to tell people this about the factory:

1. They are very meticulous about the inspection and will (or use to) write up EVERYTHING. Some as airworthy issues, some as non airworthy issues, then give you a quote to fix everything.

2. Brian Hendricks runs the service center and I would trust him without hesitation

3. Once you get over the shock of the price they send you for all the repairs, sit down and go item by item and decide what you want to fix now, and what you want to defer. DONT GET UPSET! I know it's your baby and you have been taking care of her so well, but this is the FACTORY and they have some fantastic mechanics that know what to look for.

4. A FACTORY annual inspection in the log book is (to me) as good as gold when it comes time to resell.

5. If you have not had your aircraft into a Mooney Service Center then you are going to get a double sticker shock so be ready.

6. A Factory annual with Brian flying the aircraft for the post annual flight, he will not let it go untill EVERYTHING is perfect, that includes rigging, engine and prop. He is very good at spotting this and getting it fixed.

I recommend them, and I also recommend Don Maxwells and Dugosh. All worthy facilities.

[Parker_Woodruff]

I'd go to Don Maxwell first.  The Factory is great, and what Richard said is absolutely true from experiences I've heard from others.

[67M20F]

I have never delt with  the factory.....

 

If a shop and I mean any shop is short on work do you think that when they look at something that might be OK what do you think they will say....

 

Their job just depend on the work.....

 

I love my mooney and  hope to see them around for a long time, but in hard times I have convinced people that work should be done now rather than later, and it was better for  them in the long run but they could have not done  it for a awile and still been OK at least maybe they would have.

All I am saying is if work is slow then the mech is more likely to say it needs something that  when all hell is  braking loose he would say that its not and to watch it.

[flight2000]

Which is what worries me with the big time shops.  How do I as a new owner keep from falling prey to a shop that is looking to make work out of nothing to help with their bottom line?  It's a catch 22 if you ask me.

I prefer a mechanic that knows Mooney's (and powerplant/airframes in general) over a specific shop with big overhead.  Even they make expensive diagnostic mistakes sometimes (ask me how I know...).

Brian

[lahso]

Quote: flight2000

Which is what worries me with the big time shops.  How do I as a new owner keep from falling prey to a shop that is looking to make work out of nothing to help with their bottom line?  ...

Brian

[DaV8or]

Quote: flight2000

Which is what worries me with the big time shops.  How do I as a new owner keep from falling prey to a shop that is looking to make work out of nothing to help with their bottom line?  It's a catch 22 if you ask me.

I prefer a mechanic that knows Mooney's (and powerplant/airframes in general) over a specific shop with big overhead.  Even they make expensive diagnostic mistakes sometimes (ask me how I know...).

Brian

[N9660M]

I echo Rich Heitzman's thoughts on the Factory Service Center. They do excellent work and know more than just about anybody else. Brian Kendrick is OCD about airplanes not leaving until they're right. He's the kind of guy you want giving your plane its final rundown. 

BTW, Rich, it's GR, formerly of Premier. I don't know if you remember me, but I was PR and KC's support up in Addison. Back when things were good in 06-07 I was at the factory at least once a week. None of us knew how good we had it, did we?

[roundout]

That wasn't Jim Carpenter posting, it was me. 

[Mcstealth]

Quote: roundout

That wasn't Jim Carpenter posting, it was me. 

[Mooney_Allegro]

Thanks guys for the response concerning the Mooney Factory Service Center.  I have grave reservations in using them.  I met Brian Kendrick last Friday at the Mooney Service Center, and several other managers.  He gave me a nice tour and we discussed service on my plane.  He was very professional and an expert on the Mooney aircraft.  What struck me wrong was that they require 50% upfront payment a month in advance of any work being done.  Payment needs to be either wire transfer or bank cashier's check.  That's just to reserve your date for the annual.  When I was there last Friday, they only had 1 plane in the hangar that was getting an annual.    Lets say my annual is estimated to cost $8000, they require $4000 upfront wire transfer a month in advance.  Whose to say they won't shut-down due to lack of finances and keep my money?  I've had planes now for 21 years and used about 8 different facilities in the past, none of them required any money upfront.  When the plane is ready, I pay and go.   The other issue to consider is if I would have my plane there and they go bankrupt, now my plane is in a locked hangar for who knows long. It could easily be locked up for a year or more in litigation.  This happened to my friend with a Bonanza. His plane was locked up for over a year and he went through a terrible time over that year trying to get it out.  No thanks.  I trust all the Mooney employees in Kerrville and would trust them 100% working on my plane.  It's not them I'm concerned with, it's the owners.  If they don't get a return on investment, they will be shutdown.  It's just business.  I'm not going to risk it. 

 

 

[DaV8or]

Quote: Mooney_Allegro

Thanks guys for the response concerning the Mooney Factory Service Center.  I have grave reservations in using them...    It's just business.  I'm not going to risk it. 

 

 

[mooneygirl]

I am taking my E model to Troutdale Oregon for service [Advanced Aircraft Systems] and I have to give a 50% payment when I drop off the aircraft. The remaining 50% due upon completion.  And as well, when we took the Ovation for paint, we paid 50% up front.  I am writing this because I was hoping to illuminate that this is a fairly common practice.

 

[flight2000]

While I understand the 50% payment for paint (I did the same) and for avionics installs (paid for the avionics up front), I have a problem with maintenance shops doing this.  What are they basing their fee off of and what does 50% equate to?  This just doesn't sit well with me because maintenance is strictly manpower until something is found and parts need to be ordered.  Seems if you pay up front, they are going to want to find something wrong to cover the fee already paid to avoid having to issue a refund to the customer. 

I'm a former mechanic and shop supervisor, so I know how it is supposed to be run and I've never seen the 50% requirement up front here in the midwest.  Maybe I'm just to cautious and don't trust anyone (same goes for auto repair shops)... 

Brian

[N601RX]

My mechanic just gives me a list of what parts are needed and a some recommended places to call and price shop.  I order the parts and when they come in he puts them on.  He has never asked for anything up front. I can understand paying some up front for large ticket items especially on engine jobs or avionic jobs that can take a few weeks or months to complete. But then again if they don't get their money till there finished they have more incentive to go ahead and finish the job. I would be looking elsewhere very quickly is someone wanted money just reserve a spot for annual.

[tony]

Dave, I think you’re absolutely making the right decision.  As you say, it’s just business.  I do hope that the factory is reading this board.  In the aircraft industry, there is far more profit to be made in the sustainment of the product than at the point of sale.  

[Mooney_Allegro]

Hi Tony, I thought long and hard about the decision to use the Mooney Factory Service Center.  I talked to numerous Mooney owners and other aircraft owners about this issue.  I probably know at least 50 people with planes, all across the country and none of them have paid or will pay 50% estimated cost upfront for an annual and a month or more in advance.  (I spent a lot of time over the weekend on the phone).  This is not a common practice on the east coast for sure, maybe in California, but not here.  I did contract for a huge avionics upgrade for my plane that took nearly 3 months, and I did put $7000 down, and I didn't have a problem with that.  We also had our old 1979 Warrior II painted, and I think we put $1000 down, but again, no problem, but when a company has been in bankruptcy 3 times in the past, combined with our present economy, I just can't see gambling with a few thousand dollars or more, especially when the plug could be pulled at any time by the owners in New York.

[mooneygirl]

In preparing for the Oshkosh Ambassador presentation I was contacted by two Mooney owners who took their airplanes to Kerrville for service. These testimonies were unsolicited. I thought I would share these in light of the concerns of this thread.

----------------------------------

Philippe:Flew from Paris to Kerrville for a new interior

"I finally made it back to France without having to swim thanks to a very dependable aircraft and great maintenance.I just want to point out that only a very few stock aircrafts are capable of crossing the atlantic with only one stop. Proof is that I managed to join Narsarsuaq-Keflavik direct, when a Cirrus SR20 behind me had to stop in Kulusuk adding a very expensive night stop in Greenland. Same from Kevlavik to Scotland with the same "modern cirrus" having to stop in Vagar (Feroe Island). Although my aircraft is 30 years old, it feels brand new to me, especially with the fantastic interior refurbishment it has gone through. The 5400+ miles I flew from Paris to Kerville were, on top of a fantastic experience, mo(o)ney very well spent. The dedicated and professional Mooney team will always make the difference."

------------------------------------

Robert: Rob owns a 1998 M20 J  Rob is a CFI and an A&P but chose to take his bird to the factory.  Mounting of a new 406MHz ELT Antenna under the dorsal fin in place of the old 121.5MHz unit.
SB-282 complied with by replacing the no-back spring in the landing gear servo motor.

The new management at Mooney have a realistic view of their market and are very genuine people. These are regular guys that care about us as customers and care about keeping the existing fleet in top shape and providing excellent service. Everyone is optimistic about the economy improving to start up the production for new aircraft in the future. In the meantime they are here to stay which is good news for all of us.Everyone on the shop floor and in the offices was friendly, concerned and took an interest in performing the maintenance with quality and customer service with pride. The enthusiasm on the floor seemed to be contagious right on up to the offices or is it the other way around with the new management?  The new management really seem here for the long haul and are focused on making the company what Al Mooney envisioned.

[tony]

Jolie,

I don’t think David has any concerns about the quality or workmanship at the factory.  Since he was willing to ferry the aircraft half way across the country, just for an annual, to me speaks volumes.  In fact, I would infer that he actually prefers to have his annual done there and is willing to pay a premium for it.  The issue here is about business practices.  One of the biggest assets the Mooney aircraft company has for increasing revenue is its existing customer base.  They need to leverage on that asset, not chase it away.  In the aircraft industry for the OEM, there is more profit to be made from sustainment, then they could ever make in production.  The Mooney Aircraft company needs to embrace that concept.

Tony

[jezzie]

[mooneygirl]

That is a good point Tony. One further point on Mooney Factory service is that statistics show for the months of June and July that the factory was able to turn around a part within 24 hours. That includes order, fabrication, and shipping. The factory is doing more and more insurance service work [when our owners forget to put the gear down and the like] and has gained an excellent reputation for quality and timely service. 

I don't really think that being concerned that your airplane will be locked in a hangar is valid.  Yes the production line is in hibernation, but the company continues to support its fleet.

What can we do as individuals to help support our company?  Check out our Mooney Ambassadors! Fly your airplane!  We are there, trying to keep the name in the forefront. Because we all know that Mooney is an American legend.

[GeorgePerry]

Paying for maintenance up front is ridiculous.  I could see if expensive parts or materials are required, but if that’s not the case I’d go somewhere else.  

I Love my Mooney but good grief, the factory makes it hard to support them.

[fantom]

I too, believe you made the correct choice, David.

All of us a rooting for Mooney, but handing over funds that far in advance, to a company having cash flow problems is neither wise nor realistic. As I've said before, the behind the scenes Mooney money people need to polish their tactical business plan if they want to survive. Talent for building fast planes isn't the same as building a business around doing annuals. I've had work done at the factory, both in and out of warranty, and it was OK, nothing more.

If you want a trip to Kerrville, think Dugosh, or Longview, think Maxwell. Annuals are their stock and trade. Executive management at Mooney, based on their pricing, payment terms, and "transparancy" haven't made up their minds where their future lies, IMHO.

[Mooney_Allegro]

The only parts I spoke to the factory about were a 1) new door seal, 2) some replacement, "No Step" decals, 3) AMSafe Airbag front seats upgrade(which they have in stock), and a nose wheel tire.  All of these parts are in stock at the Mooney Factory, except maybe the door seal, and maybe the "No Step Stickers".  It's not like I'm ordering thousands of dollars in parts.  I considered using the factory for their expertise, reputation, and because I want to help keep them in business.  We love our Mooneys.  With all the items on my list, it would probably come to at least $8000.  Probably more if I get some areas of filiform corrosion fixed, and the flaps adjusted so they don't rub into the rivet heads.  Like I said before, the management in Kerrville was great, very professional, and they did care about my concerns with my Mooney.  I wanted to get to see the legend Bill Wheat again(met him 2 years ago at Oshkosh), but he doesn't work on Fridays.  The highlight was definitely touring the factory!  It was all much bigger than I envisioned. 

[richardheitzman]

Well guys that the FSC required a deposit is news to me. In all my years in aviation maintenance I have never seen or needed a deposit for an annual inspection. Major repairs that are parts and or labor intensive usually requires a monthly draw to cover ongoing expenses and then monthly reports of expenses.

Somthing you said caught my eye though, if you wanted the seatbelt system they run about $4k so maybe that is what Bryan is asking you to pay for up front?

I would say call him to clarify and give him a second chance to explain. If that don't work then take it across the line to Dugosh or over to Don Maxwells. Both can take care of your needs as well.