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Interested in Commander 114

R

RCHAMPION

New member
Hello, my name is Richard. I just became a member of Commander and new to all of this.

I'm interested in buying a Commander 114 and would love some input from the experts,(i.e. those who have actually flown the aircraft.) Feel free to give me any thoughts or opinions or suggestions. I would like to know what people think before I move forward.

Richard
New Mexico
 
Re: Interested in Commander 114

Richard,

I recently purchased Commander 114 (N900CD) and it is the first plane I have ever owned. I did a ton of research as you are doing and I can assure you, these planes are worth every penny. They are very roomy inside with with a console between the pilot and co-pilot, the two doors are super nice and the useful load is awesome and allows for full use of the planes when traveling with 3 or four people.

They cruise at a slick 148 knots and the climb power is not to shabby (Lycoming IO540). I had not flown for 23 years and this plane did take about 50 hours before I felt comfortable. The parts are not hard to find and this forum will help out with any problems and provide excellent support in finding parts and fixing problems.

It will really boil down to what your needs are. My wife wanted comfort, a little speed, and good looking plane. The ramp appeal is undeniable. Good luck with your research and since you are logged into the Commander Forum, you might as well buy one!!!
 
Re: Interested in Commander 114

Richard, welcome aboard. While there are similarities, I can't comment on the 114's as my Commander is a 112. However, as I am also in New Mexico - Albuquerque - I can offer you checking out a Commander in person if you are interested. If you have not already done so, I recommend that you contact Judi Anderson - Suncoast Aviation.

Best wishes on your search.
 
Re: Interested in Commander 114

Hi Richard. Welcome! would be great for you to first start out by going to see a Commander up close & personal, and go for a ride in one/ See how you like the fit and feel.
(you will love that part of it, of course. :-) there are several good 114 owners out your direction I know all more than happy to extol the virtues and give you some in-depth
overview on owning one. then, if it makes sense for you and your typical mission, COG provides guidance for all things related. that's we are here; the best source for Commander
service and support.
Again, Welcome to the Owners Group.

Judi
 
Re: Interested in Commander 114

Richard,

Welcome! The Commander 114 was my first plane a few years ago. What Sean says is pretty true. I regularly fly between Denver and Norman, OK - see solid performance, great comfort and plenty of useful load.

Do your research, ask your questions - then re-sift the information. You really need to examine where you live and where you want to fly (and who/what you want to bring a long). I fly out of Front Range (5300' elevation) - I made the decision/trade off to make sure I operate mornings or nights - IF - I am going to have a full load and full fuel - due to density altitude. I also gave up operating up high. If you live in the higher elevations and traveling long distance, the turbo or turbo-normalized planes are great options.

Good luck!

Dean
 
Re: Interested in Commander 114

Welcome Rich,

Seven years + and I still have to pinch myself every time I go up in our 114.

Highly recommend aligning a static review and it would be great if you could arrange an orientation flight and rest will probably be history . . .

"IF" you can swing it, I like to recommend to folks 'looking' that they consider a 'B' model just for the fact that it is a newer airframe.

I also share with folks that the AC11 line is historically a lower total time fleet than most other brands and our earlier models are generally in fairly good shape (airworthiness).

I personally spend a lot of time and a few ($'s) upgrading to the 'B' model standard on my 78 model which is just shy of 1800 TT.

Also consider the avionics package and how it may / may not support your mission statement . ..

Good luck with your search!!
John
 
Re: Interested in Commander 114

Hi Richard. Welcome to Commanderland. Do not be shy and ask ...ask...ask. As the saying goes no question is a dumb question. When I purchased my 114B 4 years back, I had many questions and still do to this day. The knowledge you gain from this site is tremendous and will prove to be of great value. My list was simple, I wanted a good looking plane, that I could afford and comfortably fly. I wanted a low wing plane with retractable gear. After searching all makes and models the 114B Commander filled this bill with sexy ramp appeal and the greatest interior space for a 4 place single engine. I liked the armrest space between the seats both front and back, the leather highback seats, the two doors, the 1035 lb useful load, etc. etc. I agree with John, and I preferred the B model due to newer airframe and other advancements. I refer to it as an Escalade in the sky. So if it is a Commander you want, you have certainly taken the right first step. Judi will be able to provide you with sound specifics on each plane in the fleet that may be for sale through her brokerage or on many of the sites out there. ASO.com, TradeAPlane.com and Controller.com are probably the best sites outside insider information of a possible private sale. Good luck with your search and I look forward to meeting you and your new Commander at a future fly-in..
 
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Re: Interested in Commander 114

Any particular reason why you are looking at just 114s?

If it is just you and another 90% of the time...why not a 112?
 
Re: Interested in Commander 114

RCHAMPION said:
Hello, my name is Richard. I just became a member of Commander and new to all of this.

I'm interested in buying a Commander 114 and would love some input from the experts,(i.e. those who have actually flown the aircraft.) Feel free to give me any thoughts or opinions or suggestions. I would like to know what people think before I move forward.

Richard
New Mexico
Click to expand...

Hi Richard, welcome to COG...I am a new Commander owner, purchased my 1977 114 (ser# 14267) back in Nov. This came after asking a lot of questions and attending the COG Fly-In out in Colorado last September. The people there were friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about this great airplane. They told me what to look for when comparing 114's for sale and they put me in touch with Judi Anderson at SunCoast Aviation...if there is someone on earth with more knowledge of Commander's than Judi, I'd like to meet them! She found a 114 not too far from where I live in Florida, and we were able to work a deal with the previous owners. Judi is awesome to work with, definitely give her a call.
One thing I can't emphasize enough is to get a thorough pre-buy inspection by a Commander knowledgeable A&P; doing this caught an expensive issue with my plane, (a bad camshaft.) We were able to work out a price reduction with the sellers that was fair to all, and the deal was closed.
Good luck in your search, hope to see you at the fly-in this year.
John Fiandola
 
Re: Interested in Commander 114

Welcome Richard,
I don't own a 114 but a 112 and love it. I do a bit of cross country with it around the southeast, but do make a trek to Salem Or. once a year with it and have a blast. I am not as fast nor carry the weight as a 114, but it as rarely holds me back. My cruise is about 130kts @9.5 gph running at 23/24. There are a few speed mods on it like gap seal kit and extra gear door panel the previous owner put on.
I have about a 950lbs useful load in the "station wagon" configuration i.e. back seat is removed. I usually fly that way because most of the time I am flying alone or one other person.

Anyway all of us are ready to brag about their plane because we all love the Commanders and there something to brag about.

Good luck on your search.
 
Re: Interested in Commander 114

Thanx guys... Richard, let's first get you a ride in one and go from there. Once you decide and are ready You always work with the owner seller when they're available, along with a good inspection necessary on any airplane purchase.
There are several good qualified shops in the field familiar with the product and also Jim Richards at Aerodyme who can work with them remotely should you choose. He continually provides parts and service necessary to help maintain
our Fleet.
Again go for a ride in both and see what you think. If 'any' questions feel free to ask/ I have files on over half the fleet.

Judi
 
Re: Interested in Commander 114

Hi Richard
Welcome to the COG. Best owner group out there I think. I’ve owned a 114 now for about 5 1/2 years and love it. I’m not sure where in NM you are but I’m in TUS and would be happy to show you mine or take you up depending on the timing etc.

I just moved here from WA a year ago and flew mine through the Rockies several times. It’s done great down here in AZ as well.

Can’t go wrong with a Commander. Good luck in your search and if I can help let me know. I’m on the very low end of the knowledge scale about these planes but ask any thing you want to know and you will get answers from very knowledgeable and experienced owners.

Tim
 
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