Introduction to the COG

[red baron 112 tc]

Hi everybody,

I am a new member of the commander group since two days, living in Germany and would like to fly (charter) in the US next year. I own a 1976 Commander 112 TC, the plane has an almost new engine and a new interior as well. I like the plane a lot cause it`s so charming and stands for itself even when the engine is not running.
The Commander is not IFR equipped and my plan is to invest in an avionic upgrade next year. I really would appreciate suggestions or any kind of recommendations as far as that issue is concerned.

Anyway, I am happy joining the group as a flight and Commander enthusiast.


Peter Lieder

 

[proppilot]

Re: Introduction to the COG

Hello Peter and welcome to COG. You are located about 200 km from our corporate HQ in Herborn so I have a good idea of where you are located. You will find tremendous help and resources here for anything Commander.

There are many suggestions that will come back to your avionics question as everyone here has a different configuration that they love ( or don't ) however we did a complete avionics upgrade three years ago and install Aspen Pro 1000 EFIS driven by a Garmin GNS430AW and a GTX330 transponder that provides some ADS-B functionality.

The configuration was reasonably priced ( aviation reasonable ) and we had the work done in the US by Penn Avionics which provided much better pricing than in Canada and did an excellent job.

We fly our 112 hard IFR and the configuration is rock solid.

Regards, Tony

 

[gmores]

Re: Introduction to the COG

Welcome Peter.

Browse through the 'Upgrading - Avionics/Panel' conference in the members-only section of the site and you'll get many ideas on panel upgrades.

 

[TKutchera]

Re: Introduction to the COG

Welcome to the group Peter.

Tim

 

[Pat]

Re: Introduction to the COG

Peter,
Welcome, You will enjoy the group
I just returned Monday from the Caravan Show in Dusseldorf. I was there for the whole show and had a great time.
Pat Murphy

 

[Jamesdub]

Re: Introduction to the COG

Gutten Tag Peter!!
Back in my younger years we liked to customize our cars / autos. One of the local ‘speed stores’ (auto haus) had a sign over the door that read; “Speed Costs Money, How Fast Do You Want to Go?”

Well, add a few decades and the same principle applies to Avionics.
While you are putting your ‘dream’ list together also be thinking about who is going to do the installation for you. Someone once advised; if there are jets parked out front and a pretty girl at the front desk – go somewhere else . . Not really sure what options you may have in Deutschland. If at all possible I’d recommend trying to find a suitable avionics shop reasonably close to your homebase. It is conceivable that your bird will be down for an extended period and I’m sure you will want to visit for updates.

I tackled my upgrade in 3 stages; 1) radios and gps 2) upgrade the system instruments (JPI 930) and 3) the ASPEN. Maybe a 4) panel overlay??
You will receive MANY recommendations and please enjoy the advice from the members.

Couple things I’ll throw out there: GPSS (Autopilot steering) Highly recommend. Note: (Aspen 1000 Pro has this built in.) Transponder: not sure if Europe requires ADS-B currently or if it is forthcoming, but you want to think about how to fulfill that if it applies in Europe. And lastly; research your subscription costs to run your package.
Best of luck . . . John

 

[VGIAMPA]

Re: Introduction to the COG

Someone once advised; if there are jets parked out front and a pretty girl at the front desk – go somewhere else . .


Absolutely great advice. I visited several shops when doing my research for a panel upgrade a few years ago. Saved a good chunk of change by going to a shop without the fancy lobby, receptionist, etc. The shop I chose had nothing but GA aircraft parked outside, good references, reasonable prices and they encouraged frequent visits as the job was being done.

Couldn't have been more pleased.