In that case insurance buys you a new plane

Flying a 112 from Vegas to Bakersfield was the only time ATC told me "you need to cancel IFR - you'll never get to MEA." And it was October, going around the south side of the high terrain. It had no oomph but was very comfortable.

I have a current IFR student who owns a 114. Beautiful plane, fun to fly and plenty of power. It takes more runway than I'm used to but climbs out well once off the runway and cleaned up. Again, very comfortable and feels tank-like.

What's the useful load and CG range like?

Thus the reason it has an airframe "life limit" The need for having such a number, as I understand it, did not exist prior.

I might be mistaken, but I read it on the internet, so it must be true.

Parts are not an issue. Aerodyme has a strong PMA list. The factory has actually been bought and NOS parts are available. Supposedly they are working on renewing parts production. I have the 112 version. I flight plan 125 knots. Yah, it’s slow... and as previously mentioned, climb rate is pretty lacking when it gets warm. 300-400fpm at gross during the summer is all you get. It has a nice size interior but nothing that really makes me overlook the performance penalty it created. At least I can say that I own a plane where I can walk under the tail. Lol. For those on Instagram, I put a lot of pictures up at @twincountycommander.

When I was shopping for a 114, I met Judi from Suncoast Aviation. She was familiar with almost every 114 built. I’d give her the N number and she knew who owned it, previous owners, if it was registered outside the U.S. at any time etc.

She was also not shy to tell me to stay away from any particular plane.

She is a great resource if you’re interested in buying a Commander.

I will second that!

I am not sure if Judi is the Neil S of Commander singles or if Neil S is the Judi of Beechcraft...

But she flat knows Commanders. If I ever was to try to buy one I would just call her and ask...

RAS

The Commamder is a very interesting airplane. I am glad that I asked about it. Also glad to hear that a few people seems to be supporting the plane.

KJ

...well I guess that just solved someone else's parts problem!

Just YESTERDAY Judi helped me avoid a possible problem plane. Huge resource to the COG community.



Ron

I’ve got about ten hours in a 112, about twelve years ago . I’ve always wanted a 114 or a 115, since they have the more powerful engine. Not only do the Commanders have two front doors (as I wish all planes had), they are also the only low wing aircraft I know of that have a BOTH fuel selector, like the Skyhawks and Skylanes. For me, that is something I want in my plane. Not as big of a deal now, but it still is a plus for me.

My uncle worked for Commander as an aeronautical engineer in the 70's during the development of the 112/114 series. He could tell you all kinds of stories.

Like...??

For one 1979 114:

Useful load 1107 pounds
Payload with full fuel (70 gal) 687 pounds