February 3, 2009, Kerrville, Texas - The first production Mooney Acclaim Type S owned and piloted by Dr. Dave Craddock was flown to set a world speed record on a trip from Minneapolis, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana. Flying at an average speed of 333 knots with a max ground speed of 357 knots, Dr. Craddock traveled 904 nautical miles in 2 hours and 43 minutes.

The record flight, submitted to the National Aeronautics Association (NAA) for review and certification in the C-1.c category, spanned the entire length of the Mississippi River. To accomplish the world-record speed over a recognized course, Dave departed Crystal Airport outside of Minneapolis, did a running start over MSP at 25,000 feet and a running stop over New Orleans descending through 11,400 feet.

“I had been watching the weather for several days via the internet and realized that I could set a blistering record,” Dave said. “I love flying my Mooney Acclaim Type S at 25,000 feet, and I look for opportunities to do so.”