For a while now I've been intrigued by Rockwell Commanders. Not only do they look pretty sharp, but I've heard that they are very comfortable for us larger humans! So, what do you guys think about them, and where can I travel to, to go fly one ?!

Which ones? Singles? Twins?

My fault, singles.

I've owned two Commander 114s, one in the late 80s and one in the 90s.

In one sentence:

they are the sexiest on the ramp, they are the most comfortable in the air, and they toddle along at a stately 145-150 knots.

More info:

Pros:
- doors on both sides
- trailing link landing gear
- built like a tank
- that wonderful Lycoming engine (IO-540)
- some pretty good bargains out there at times

Cons:
- not real fast
- orphan status; new parts can be a challenge at times
- some quirks that require an A&P/IA with imagination to maintain
- somewhat of a specialty market; sometimes not easy to sell

Are they life limited to something like 7000hs?

I've always liked the way the commanders look, I just wish they were another 15kts faster. I guess there is no free lunch in aircraft aerodynamics. I've always wondered if one could be cleaned up to get it faster. I know there's an io580 conversion. A 300hp lycoming in it would be nice.

I have a '76 114 which I've owned for a little over a year. I can affirm Arlen's observations with the exception of the hard to sell insight since I've not tried to sell mine. I earned my instrument rating in mine and find it to be very stable. With very little complex time, no instrument, and no high performance, my insurance was only $1,500 per year. My wife loves it because it feels (and is) spacious. I can load it up without sweating W&B. I get 145 true in cruise. I've received many compliments on the looks of the thing. Commanders have a great owners group with an extensive knowledge base. There is a company that caters to Commanders (Aerodyme/Jim Richards) which really helps with pre-packaged parts kits, upgrades, and troubleshooting. I love mine.

As an aside, I actually looked at Arlen's Debonair (I believe his broker closed the deal on an offer the night I looked at it). I remember Arlen commenting on his prior rides and the Commander specifically. Within a few weeks I located mine with the help of Judi Anderson (a dedicated Commander broker) who I highly recommend. It's turned out to be the right plane at the right time for me.

If you do not mind going slow a Commander is the best single engine plane in the sky. Big cabin and bad landings feel good. Reliable Lycoming 540 engine.

When I was looking for a plane, a close confidant with thousands of hours spoke very highly of a Commander 114. In fact, he recommended it as a first choice, behind a PA-32R. I looked at one and couldn't agree more - it is a beautiful, stable, and comfortable plane. It reminded me of a 1970's Cadillac De Ville on the inside. The big detractor for me was the speed... I wanted a Mooney and this was the other end of the speed/comfort spectrum.

So, I got a PA-32R...

They have always caught my eye as well, a great looking plane. What other comparable plane has this engine? What speeds are they getting?

On a side note, there's probably a new parts plane here at KSEE in San Diego. Guy hand propped the plane and.....you guessed, it got away and went into a hangar door across the ramp. Pretty sure it's totaled.

If anyone wants details of it, I'm sure I can find them.

Buy one with a run out and put in a IO- 580 and you have a real performer.

My first plane was a 1976 commander. I flew it 450 hours in two years and got my instrument ticket.

It is very stoutly built and the trailing link landing gear soaks up rough landings nicely. The cabin is wide and comfortable with a car like center arm rest.

The only thing I longed for was more speed.

The Trinidad is about the same plane. Maybe a little faster but nearly the same cabin. The problem again is the speed. 150 knot airplane. A Bonanza with the same HP is a 170 knot plane and my Glasair is 220 knots. Tradeoffs in many facets making the difference.

Piper Comanche 260B, 260C. IO-540 260 HP (same HP as 114). 165-175 knots.

The Commander 114 is like having a 25 knot headwind built in versus a Comanche. A Cessna 185 will fly as fast as the Commander 114.

Mike C.

Piper Comanche 260B, 260C. IO-540 260 HP (same HP as 114). 165-175 knots.

The Commander 114 is like having a 25 knot headwind built in versus a Comanche. A Cessna 185 will fly as fast as the Commander 114.

Mike C.