Since the days of Bob Hoovers Shrike Commander performances I've loved the airplane. Aside from being few available on the market, I'm interested your comments about owning a Shrike like this one http://m.controller.com/ListingDetail/I ... tegoryId=9

My inexperienced take on the positives are:

Pros:
Roomy interior
Seating for 7
Well built
Beautiful design

Cons:
Slow at 160 kts ?
Few available
Hangar space
Parts
Loud interior noise level?

An acquaintance of mine has one. He loves it - flies it all over the western US and parts of the east. His wife and family think it rides like an airliner. It's sure built like one.

I think 160 kt is too slow - he sees, I think, 180-190.

Good to hear! I think most have had the spar replaced?

The outboard arrows point to the unguarded fuel shut-off switches. The inboard arrows point to the fuel pump switches. I know of one fatal accident that occurred during 135 training because the pilot turned off the fuel instead of the pumps. With that time, was it a freighter?

I like this one!

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetai ... 256335.htm

I know a couple of shrike owners that turned into TBone owners and are very happy to have done so....
They are similar in many ways. Both seem cool to me. But I like Beech.

I think I would prefer a T-bone as well. Bigger Cabin and most likely a higher quality machine. You have plenty of T-Bone experts here to help you and lots of parts available. I doubt if you would have the same support with the Twin Commander.

I agree on support and the love of twin Bonanza's, my Dad owned one, but after you see Bob Hoover doing a 16-point roll with both engines shut down, well, perks my interest.

Hoover could have done the same or better show with the T-bone.
The record has proven it to be a tougher plane.
Just compare the size of the maneuvering speed envelope on each, and the light bulb will come n.

I flew them new in the 70's, and loved them. This is one of the best flying airplanes, I have EVER flown. It is extremely stable and a very good IFR platform.
As I recall, is was a little slow, and liked a little more fuel. As far as maintenance issues, as it has aged, I am not much help.

Me too! That's a lot of airplane for the money!

I am closely acquainted with these beasts: http://www.texasaviationlaw.com/flightops/N799CE/

They are great airplanes. N799CE is a ~175 knot airplane. It has excellent shoulder and head room - much more than a Baron on similar fuel . It is no noisier than any other non-geared twin I have spent time in.

I think the AC500 is an awesome looking airplane. Roomy! I understand a lot of them have been shipping out to the south pacific, they are popular inter island hoppers for some reason. You see them a lot in places like Hawaii and Tahiti.