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 Post subject: Re: Comanche 400 advice
PostPosted: 23 Jan 2023, 00:57 
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Username Protected wrote:
I don't believe the 400 had cowl flaps... As it is, the 400 has a reputation for high cylinder temps in climb. Mike C.

Yes the 400 has cowl flaps. In fact it's the biggest engine control in the cockpit.

Regarding cooling, none of the many 400s I've had the pleasure to fly, in OATs as high as 90F, displayed any high temp issues while airborne. When you're climbing at 130-140 KIAS there is plenty of cooling air (and cooling fuel). Of course you've sacrificed your vertical speed to only 1200 FPM or so, at 3500 lbs (100 below GW). It doesn't take long to burn off that first 100 lbs of fuel.

Once you understand it and operate it accordingly, it's a marvelous airplane.

George

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Amateurs train until they get it right. Professionals train until they don't get it wrong


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 Post subject: Re: Comanche 400 advice
PostPosted: 25 Jan 2023, 19:18 
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Company: Skyhaven Airport Inc
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Local radio shop finished up an install of new equipment and paint job on a 400. I was working as their test pilot. I flew it around to shoot a couple approaches to make sure everything worked and it was similar to other Comanches and a twin Comanche.

No problem to fly. But you must know the speeds, fuel system, gear and manage cooling. Some Comanche and 400 specific training would be much better before flying it. Please do not “Practice” an emergency gear extension in flight.

I wandered into another airport and there was a heated debate going on in the FBO about 400 Comanches. The local airport experts said you could not take off in one using full power because it would torque roll over and a bunch of blah blah blah. None of them had ever seen one before in person. Just repeating “Well I read that XXXX said.... "

I said Huh didn’t know that. Flew one two days ago. Got in used takeoff power and it was fine. It can’t be that bad or it would never have been certified. The fin and rudder work for a Twin Comanche which holds it with one windmilling.

The Stabilator was bigger than other Comanches on the 400 I flew but not sure if all S/N are the same. Might be something to research.

If you can afford the gas, maintenance and maybe insurance go for it. Research all that is possible and get a ride in it to see for real.


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 Post subject: Re: Comanche 400 advice
PostPosted: 25 Jan 2023, 19:28 
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Location: West Long Branch, NJ (KBLM)
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I agree, a TN 35 is an awesome plane. I would love to own one.

But if you don’t want to go experimental or turbocharged (sucking on O2) that could be the WHY for a Comanche 400. Different strokes for different folks.

Username Protected wrote:
As for flying it - just read the POH. Tells you everything you need to know.

As for owning, WHY? It is 185-190 knot plane on 18-21 GPH. A TN V35 will do 200 knots on 17GPH and is much better looking and much better built. Any modern experimental is far better like the Lancair ES with an IO-550 will do 185 knots on 14 GPH.

The old IO-720 has limited parts available and has some cooling issues in the Comanche.

There are much better planes for the $.

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 Post subject: Re: Comanche 400 advice
PostPosted: 30 Jan 2023, 17:12 
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The Comanche 400 is a beautiful flying machine…no turbos needed…. Goes non stop for a 1000 miles…smooth and handles nicely…would love to have one again!


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 Post subject: Re: Comanche 400 advice
PostPosted: 30 Jan 2023, 18:27 
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Username Protected wrote:
Against my recommendations, it looks like a friend of mine is going to have a Comanche 400

I have never flown a Comanche.


Given your experience, upon what basis did you advise him against the Comanche?


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 Post subject: Re: Comanche 400 advice
PostPosted: 30 Jan 2023, 20:00 
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Username Protected wrote:
Against my recommendations, it looks like a friend of mine is going to have a Comanche 400

I have never flown a Comanche.


Given your experience, upon what basis did you advise him against the Comanche?

I based my recommendations on the fact that the only high performance or complex time that he has, is riding with me in my 210 and Baron. All his time is in a Cherokee 180. I think that this is going to be quite a jump for him in performance, but I do believe that he can do it.

I own a 1960 210. Cessna only made 575 1960 and 1961 210s which are basically the same. Those 575 planes have a different hydraulic system than any other Cessna. I have dealt with what it takes to keep an old rare airplane flying and I don't really want my friend to have to deal with similar problems while there are planes available that would be much easier to support.

I have found a friend I who does have Comanche 400 time so I will be able to get checked out in the plane before I instruct him. The plane has not gone through a pre-buy yet so he may not even buy it, but I suspect he will.
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 Post subject: Re: Comanche 400 advice
PostPosted: 31 Jan 2023, 17:22 
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Joined: 03/28/17
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Username Protected wrote:
Against my recommendations, it looks like a friend of mine is going to have a Comanche 400 in his hangar pretty soon. He wants me to instruct him in it. All he has flown is a Cherokee 180 and he does not have his high performance or complex signoffs.

I have never flown a Comanche.

Any advice? It's too late for me to get out of this. Are there any quirks in this plane that I need to know of? Any info is greatly appreciated.


I have this problem with a hangar neighbor and his Turbo 210. He's about a year out of currency and needs a flight review. I have a few hours in a 210 from decades ago.

I could read the manual, but not do him justice, and I don't have CFI insurance. So he needs another instructor.


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