24 Apr 2024, 05:51 [ UTC - 5; DST ]
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Post subject: Rockwell Commander Posted: 08 Feb 2015, 14:36 |
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Joined: 11/13/14 Posts: 382 Post Likes: +327 Location: New Hampshire
Aircraft: PC-24
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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 ?!
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Post subject: Re: Rockwell Commander Posted: 08 Feb 2015, 18:06 |
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Joined: 10/06/13 Posts: 108 Post Likes: +54 Location: KOCF
Aircraft: Commander 114
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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.
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Last edited on 08 Feb 2015, 19:38, edited 1 time in total.
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Post subject: Re: Rockwell Commander Posted: 08 Feb 2015, 21:57 |
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Joined: 12/25/14 Posts: 270 Post Likes: +67
Aircraft: PA-32R Piper Lance
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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...
_________________ Andrew PA32R - '76 Piper Lance N8792E Commercial ASEL+IR
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Post subject: Re: Rockwell Commander Posted: 08 Feb 2015, 22:41 |
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Joined: 12/19/08 Posts: 12161 Post Likes: +3535
Aircraft: C55
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Username Protected wrote: 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. 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.
_________________ The kid gets it all. Just plant us in the damn garden, next to the stupid lion.
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Post subject: Re: Rockwell Commander Posted: 08 Feb 2015, 22:52 |
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Joined: 12/03/14 Posts: 19252 Post Likes: +23622 Company: Ciholas, Inc Location: KEHR
Aircraft: C560V
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Username Protected wrote: What other comparable plane has this engine? What speeds are they getting? 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.
_________________ Email mikec (at) ciholas.com
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Post subject: Re: Rockwell Commander Posted: 08 Feb 2015, 22:55 |
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Joined: 07/30/12 Posts: 2388 Post Likes: +364 Company: Aerlogix, Jet Aeronautical Location: Prescott, AZ
Aircraft: B-55, RV-6
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Username Protected wrote: What other comparable plane has this engine? What speeds are they getting? 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.
Obviously, this is all aerodynamics, but this plane doesn't look like it has that much drag? I guess it's just the additional width of the cabin? The gear certainly don't hang down. The same speed as a C-185, absolutely unacceptable! The 185 has other attributes that make that acceptable.
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