Also Delivers First Acclaim Type-S To Speedy Dentist

In a wide-ranging press event that touched on a multitude of new programs, Kerrville, TX-based Mooney Aircraft filled in attendees Tuesday at Lakeland 2008 on the latest chapter in the storied planemaker's history.

Beginning April 15, Mooney will begin offering web-based training modules designed to assist its authorized service representatives in upgrading and updating their technical knowledge and support offerings. The training, which applies to both out-of-production M20 Series airplanes and current Ovations and Acclaims models, was developed in partnership with CAE, a Montreal, Quebec based provider of simulation, modeling technologies and integrated training services. It is being made available to approximately 450 technicians worldwide.

The training is accessible through a strategic learning web portal linked to the Mooney website and consists of specific maintenance modules designed over the past eight months.

"This training program is a key component in our efforts to provide consistent, world class service to our owners and operators, no matter where they are in the world," said Dennis E. Ferguson, president and chief executive officer of Mooney Airplane Company. "We've worked closely with CAE since last summer to create a curriculum that is practical, understandable and deliverable via the web. Their experience in providing online-oriented training solutions has been extremely valuable."

Mooney also announced the expansion of its warranty coverage on new aircraft from spinner to tail, assuming the responsibility of being the single point of contact and claim administration for all of the airplane's components, including those supplied by vendors. The new Maximum Coverage package extends the warranty from 36 months or 600 hours to 36 months or 1000 hours, whichever comes first. It also includes a new 6-year or 2000 hour structural warranty, as well.

"This coverage is designed to give our customers the benefits of straight-forward, efficient and consistent response to any service or support issues that arise during the warranty period on their aircraft," said Pete Wolak, Mooney's vice president of customer service. "Having a single point of contact takes the guesswork out of the equation and eliminates virtually all of the 'red tape' that can be associated with filing a warranty claim. It's also consistent with the type of treatment typically provided to owners and operators of higher-priced business aircraft. We're committed to providing customer service that sets the industry standard to our family of Mooney owners," he added.

The Maximum Coverage warranty covers parts, assemblies and integrated systems as did previous warranties, subject to typical limitations and exclusions. It also allows customers to deal with Mooney on issues related to the avionics, engine and propeller, all of which previously required separate contact with the manufacturers. Coverages for the latter are set by the vendors, but Mooney will now assist owners and operators with administration of claims and coordination of repairs or replacements.

Under terms of the Maximum Coverage warranty, owners who discover a potential defect are required to notify Mooney or a Mooney Authorized Service Center within thirty (30) days and deliver the item or arrange for its repair by such Service Center, along with a written Defect Report. Once Mooney acknowledges the part failure, any labor expenses incurred by the Owner for the removal, return, re-installation and related costs and expenses with respect to such part or parts (including transportation costs by normal service carrier to and from Mooney's facilities) shall be reimbursed by Mooney to the Service Center.

The repair or replacement of defective parts under an accepted Warranty claim will be made without charge to the owner. 

"Our goal is not only to minimize the number of warranty issues customers face, but to make the process of filing a claim and getting necessary repairs or replacements as efficient and painless as possible. We view the support of our customers' airplanes as a partnership," Wolak said.

Mooney also took the time to acknowledge "a memorable day" for Mooney employees and enthusiasts... especially one Dr. David Craddock, DDS, who recently took delivery of the first Mooney Acclaim Type S.

Craddock accepted the keys to his third new Mooney from the company's last week, and had the plane on display at Mooney's booth.

"This is a memorable day for all of us at Mooney, as well as Dr. Craddock," Ferguson noted. "It's great to welcome a loyal customer back to pick up another new airplane, but it's even more memorable when that new airplane is the 'first of the fastest.'

"Taking delivery of my Mooney Ovation eleven years ago was a highlight for me, but this event-and this airplane-have special significance to me," Craddock said. "I'm really looking forward to flying my Acclaim Type S because its performance means I'll be able to go further, faster than I ever have before."

An aviator since 1989, Dr. Craddock has logged more than 1,200 of his 1,450 flight hours in Mooneys... making the doctor a true "Mooniac," indeed!

FMI: www.mooney.com