Man, didn't know that. Glad you and the wife are OK. So, you have a young one?? Didn't know that either. Congrats.

What is the latest on the Commander. Updates are truly wanted.

Jgreen

An Aerostar will fly with the upper door open.

But the pilot has to do his job.

How can I determine if I have the new or old duct?

I have the "Aero Air Corp." engine driven AC system...

Jason

The old style duct has rectangular vents, new style has round eye ball style vents.

Thanks, so this is old?


The "deflectors" seem to always spin to one direction when I have the fan on. The front one only blows toward the left or the right seat, one at a time...

I'm still working on the AC and need to order the compressor tomorrow... The guy Jimmy gave me was out of the office on Thursday when I called..

Jason

I have been told that the electric A/C unit is a refit of some non-aviation unit and very basic to work on. I suspect any good A/C man with a parts resource can keep it fit. Since we still maintain about 150 units, I think I'll educate myself some.

Jgreen

Forrest,

We have seen people crash because of popped doors on Barons. Just because it "can" be done sure doesn't mean I want to.

Jgreen

Yep, that's the old style duct.

There is also the duct with the big vent in the back in front of the fan.

There is actually two "new" styles of duct. Now you can have four eyeballs up at the front or two. The current upgrade from AAC is four. I have flown in an airplane with four and it does make a difference in how much volume.

The one with four eyeballs up front also has the extra large vent in front of the fan in back. This is like $8500 from AAC.

Here's a link to a picture of the new style duct.

http://www.flightinvestments.com/1983%2 ... 3wd400.htm

Rob Zohn is a good place to start if you are looking for a nice Aerostar, my understanding is that this is the 5th time he's listed and sold this one.

This might be a bit off subject, but I keep seeing people stating you shouldn't hand prop an airplane with a 3-bladed prop. Not sure if these folks have actually done it or if the problems they encountered had anything to do with the number of blades.

For hand propping to be successful, it needs to be done by a qualified person, just like anything else. As for the number of blades, the compression strokes per revolution and the number of blades ideally are the same. The 6-clyinder engine has a 3-blade propeller, 4-cylinder has 2. This configuration allows the prop to stop in the same orientation each time, eliminating the need to re-position the propeller. Probably the most dangerous part.

The degree of difficulty has more to do with with the displacement per cylinder and propeller height off the ground than the number of cylinders. For example, A little Mooney with a 4-cylinder 360 and a 3-blade prop is much more difficult, and dangerous, than a C-182 with a 6-cylinder 470 and a 3-blade propeller.

A yes, the A* is an easy airplane to hand prop, providing you have someone to hold the mag switch in the "start" position so the shower of sparks works.

Cheers,
Jeff

I'm considering a move to an Aerostar but was a bit disappointed when I sat in one recently. I'm 6'3" and pretty evenly built in torso & leg distribution but, my head was against the overhead in the Aerostar. My question is, can the seat frame be lowered?

I know the cushion can be shaved down but for the longer flights, I don't think I'd be satisfied with the thin cushion comfort. Is there a shop that will physically reduce the frame height?

I'm told there are height adjustable seat frames as well. That may be an option but, not sure of availability.

Thanks for the help.

I have the thin cushions in mine, and it's as comfortable as any airplane that I have sat in. They are maybe 2-3" thick..

I'm 6' tall and I have plenty of room above my head...

Jason