Commander Spotlight

I started my journey to aviation like some, but unlike others. I grew up on a farm in a small up state NY area. Our farm land was in the shadow of the “Base”, Griffis Air Force base, now KRME. Griffis was a strategic bomber base and this was the height of the cold war, late 60’s through the 80’s. We loved the sound of freedom when the huge B-52’s, the delta wing fighters and, on occasion a very odd, very sleek and very black aircraft would go over.

As a farm kid I loved seeing the planes, but flight training of any kind was way out of reach for us. I figured I would be stuck looking from the ground forever. One day when I was about 14 a relative that worked on “the base” asked if I was interested in a close up look at the planes. Of course I said yes!

He was a senior civilian there, so I got to go inside the big B-52’s and a transport of some kind. We were able to get right up to the fighters, but only just peek in. I got all kinds of information and stories about all the planes. How fast they went, what they did and how many people could go in them. Off in the distance, guarded by people with guns was a big, sleek, fast looking plane. I wanted to go see it, but was told it was off limits. I asked all kinds of questions to no avail. The only thing they told me was it was a “Blackbird”, that’s when I knew I wanted to fly.

Fast forward a few years and flying was still out of my reach, however being Marine was not. I spent the next 20 years or so between active duty and reserves ,doing the next best thing to flying, being a Marine tanker. We did not fly, but the engine of the M1A1 is a 1500 hp turbine and we did have the biggest guns.

After the first Gulf war I went back to reserve duty and started a mechanical contracting business. I enjoy all things mechanical, metal and electronic, so it was a good fit. I still wanted to fly, but as in most business, when there is time, there is no money. After about ten years in business I had saved some money and decided that for my 40th birthday I was going to take 3 weeks and learn to fly. I took a commercial flight to a flight school in Hawaii, and returned 25 days later a private pilot! I had exactly 41.5 hours in my log book, all of this in a C172. I logged 1.5 more hours in make and model and knew that was not for me.

Due to work I took almost a year off from flying, but kept looking and dreaming of my own plane. The first time I looked at a Commander I knew that was for me. It was a real plane, not just a tin box. I spent the better part of a year looking, joined COG, and finally bought N4623W, a 1977 112TC.

I spent a six months or so getting used to flying her, putting hours on and learning as I went. I decided I wanted a Garmin 430W, so took her in for that and ended up with a full new custom panel. I loved the outcome of it all. I flew her for about 4 months more and had to return to the avionics shop for a few minor tweaks. This is where my life as a pilot changed. One big lesson, always, always, always, no matter how good the shop or what great things people say, make sure you double and triple check everything when your aircraft comes out of any maintenance. I walked away with a totaled airplane, a mess with the FAA and a big dent in my Marine pride.

Thanks to the great folks on this board, the offers of rides and flights I was able to shake it off and get back to the business of flying again. I bought N114AD, a 1998 114TC and have enjoyed making her mine over the last few years. Thanks to the folks in the COG I have learned much about the aircraft and about being a good owner. Folks stepped up for me the second news was out about my accident. Some other groups seem to take great humor in the problems of others, but in COG land that is not the way. There are folks here with knowledge of our planes and aviation in general that I can only marvel at. I do however wish to extend my help and experience to any and all the members in whatever way I can.

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