The first Acclaim

[mike_elliott]

In Honor of the late Mike (Mikey) Miles on his birthdate, N311TN SN 31-0001, The first Acclaim and Mooney test platform was delivered to its new owner  steward and I had the privilege of flying with him to her new home in Evansville Indiana. Another Acclaim kicked out of the nest and released into the wild. Mikey, your steed is in good hands.

without lipstick

 

Mikey keeping her warm

Here she is all dressed up for her new steward and ready to go for a ride

 

[Parker_Woodruff]

Very cool, so will it be a 2020 Acclaim or a 2006 Acclaim once the FAA updates its registration?  How many hours on the airframe?

[mike_elliott]

I believe it is still a 2006, has 300+ on her. She has the new Ultra seats and some other dress ups, including latest G1000 updates. She is quite fast also, how much of that is paint and how much of that is Mikeys, Rob's and Kevins tweaking over the years is unknown. It was a real honor to be able to fly this one, and to have it now in the hands of a truly great gent.

 

[StevenL757]

Mike, when you say "G1000 updates", is this the NXi cockpit?

@mike_elliott

[Urs_Wildermuth]

@mike_elliott what is actually happening to the unfinished but ordered (if any) airframes at the factory? Any change of getting any of those out of the house?

[MooneyMitch]

Mike Miles...... a kind and gentle soul.

During filming of Boots movie, I asked Mikey about stall characteristics with different weight configuration during flight testing of the Mooney.  We all laughed when he said he flew the test planes alone cause nobody wanted to go with him.  A true gentleman he was.

[Greg Ellis]

I think it would have been cool if they left the Capt. Mikey painted below the pilot's side window when they painted the airplane.  Sort of a tribute to Mr. Miles.

[tmo]

49 minutes ago, Greg Ellis said:

I think it would have been cool if they left the Capt. Mikey painted below the pilot's side window when they painted the airplane.  Sort of a tribute to Mr. Miles.

I'd pay extra to keep it!

[mike_elliott]

6 hours ago, StevenL757 said:

Mike, when you say "G1000 updates", is this the NXi cockpit?

@mike_elliott

No, just the latest G1000 stuff

[mike_elliott]

5 hours ago, Urs_Wildermuth said:

@mike_elliott what is actually happening to the unfinished but ordered (if any) airframes at the factory? Any change of getting any of those out of the house?

Ill let Jonny opine here, but my Mark I eyeballs saw an Ovation just waiting for lipstick and someone with a checkbook, and there is N197CV that just might be available.