Mooney Factory Tour

[Scott Aviation]

I just want to start out by thanking Chad, Stacey, Frank, Glenda and Bill for their hospitality last Thursday as Chad took me through the factory I got to meet some of the people that made Mooney airplanes what they are today.  Just a wonderful group of dedicated, passionate folks who you can tell care very much for the airplanes they produced.   I was taken back by the current state of the factory, you could almost hear a pin drop as you walked around, the staff was busy getting the parts and tooling ready for long term storage and preservation, most machinery and aircraft were covered in tarps and blankets.  It felt a bit like you had just lost a close family member and were mourning the loss.  As I got there I was told that they had just announced another cut back and that the current 30+ staff would be reduced down to a skeleton crew of 6 people just before Christmas.  The people that would be staying are handling the warranty and technical support as well as a few other duties.  The factory service center was finishing up inspections and new interiors on 3 airplanes due to be completed by mid December, after that all work is forwarded off to Dugosh across the way.  All I can say is I sure hope that something good comes out of this situation, from what it sounds like is the production group was just starting to get a real good handle on production issues and timing making for a very effecient operation.  Too little too late??  who knows, time will tell.

 

Take Care Mooney Folks!

 

Chris

[LFOD]

Thanks for posting those pictures. Looks very sad.  

[mooneygirl]

I have to say that I have just been sick about the factory going to skeleton crew.  Some of my good friends have been let go.  I remain hopeful that somehow positive will come out of this very very sad time.

 

[Capt_CrashN_Burn]

It's sad to see Mooney reduced to this, but that seems to be the story of American GA as a whole.

The only segment of the market that seems robust is the hombuilt/kit plane market.

When Mooney bounces back, It would be interesting to see if they try to diversify the company at all.

[thinwing]

Scott thanks for posting...so wierd seeing photo of wing on jig with one skin hanging by ft clecos only...felt like visiting an old ghost mining town where people just picked up and left...kp couch

[OR75]

last Oshkosh gave a good flavor of where GA is.

Where Mooney, Piper, Cessna, Lyc, etc ... used to be ... Now it is only Gamin, Aspen, etc ...   

[HopePilot]

I think we should all storm the factory and start building planes like they did (cars) at the end of the movie, "Gung Ho."

[Mooney_Allegro]

It really is a sad time for the employees of Mooney.  They are such great people and very talented, especially Brian Kendrick, Chad Nelson, John Elliott, Stacy Ellis, Paul Kehner, and Monty.  My plane is 63Q, one of the last Mooneys at the factory getting an extensive annual.  I finally found a shop I was completely comfortable with.  I sure hope things turn around and they come back in short order.  I should be able to pick my plane up by week's end. 

[Scott Aviation]

Quote: Mooney_Allegro

It really is a sad time for the employees of Mooney.  They are such great people and very talented, especially Brian Kendrick, Chad Nelson, John Elliott, Stacy Ellis, Paul Kehner, and Monty.  My plane is 63Q, one of the last Mooneys at the factory getting an extensive annual.  I finally found a shop I was completely comfortable with.  I sure hope things turn around and they come back in short order.  I should be able to pick my plane up by week's end. 

[Mooney_Allegro]

Thanks for the nice compliment!  I try to keep it up as best I can.  Are you still in Texas?  I plan on visiting Kerrville again tomorrow morning into afternoon. 

[Mcstealth]

Quote: Mooney_Allegro

Thanks for the nice compliment!  I try to keep it up as best I can.  Are you still in Texas?  I plan on visiting Kerrville again tomorrow morning into afternoon. 

[Mooney_Allegro]

Thanks David for the invite. I checked Mooneyspace too late and was over in San Antonio by then.

[Mcstealth]

No worries. Next time maybe

[richardheitzman]

which restaurant? I might come visit this coming week.

[Mcstealth]

Called the Cowboy Steak House. Right on Main St in the middle of town.

Love to see and meet you, and anyone that may be around.

David