New Member from Key Largo, FL (07FA)

[seadog]

Thanks to Bob, Glen, and Judi for assisting me in signing up as a registered user. I have been lurking for years on the website but just too busy flying commercially to make the jump to private aircraft owner. I think one of the turbo or turbo-normalized 112 would perfectly meet our needs. I have never actually flown in one but did grow up with a Piper Aircraft engineer who moved up to Albany Ga when the aircraft were first being produced. Our basic desires were 150kts , 800-900 lbs useful load and 700-800 mile range. Probably never fly that far without stopping but the fuel/range option would be good for weather avoidance. I would rather travel in comfort and a little slower than crammed into a Mooney tube. We do travel with a 100 lb Lab but rear seat travel would probably suit him just fine.

Looking forward to digging into all the information available on the website.

Judi has already been a wealth of information and she will probably get tired of hearing from me but any help or recommendations from owners will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Michael White
B-737
C-550
ATP/CFI

 

[Codeeno]

Michael - welcome and it sounds like you have a great start on your search - Good luck

Dean

 

[seadog]

Thanks for the encouragement. Looking forward to the journey and meeting some Commander owners

 

[Jaybird]

Welcome to the forum. Other pilots at my field hands down say my Commander easily gets more attention and compliments than about any other type plane on the field. May not be a performance plus but sure makes you feel good,

 

[mrcshbs]

Welcome to the group. You already started on the right step by talking to Bob, Glen and Judy. The 112/A/B sounds like a good fit for your useful load requirements. I am not sure about the range though. That might be a stretch.

Carl Lee got some add-on's that can make your 112 faster/better. The 114 would be great too, but they are pricier. I typically have 3 people on my 112 (Serial 102 - two adults and one child) and have no issues as long you pack light).

Like many of us here, I am always looking for a good tail wind. I hit a 166 Kts G/S going to French Lick, IN at 9500 burning 8(ish) gallons/h and 140 at 6500 on the way back burning 9 gallons/h Foreflight is great for giving you good altitude suggestions.

Please note those are good days and it's not every day we get this performance, but it sure can be done.

Good luck on your search and I am sure you will be happy with your commander.

 

[seadog]

Thanks for the reply’s. Looking forward to the process but will rely on advice from you owners and of course Judi who seems to be the best resource for us just getting started

 

[janderson]

Aye aye, Captain.

 

[gmascelli]

Michael,

Welcome to the group! It sounds like you have surrounded yourself with the best team to find your aircraft, best of luck on the hunt.

 

[seadog]

Walking my dog this morning a Commander magically appeared at out airport. I passed a message to the owner and hope to meet up with him before he leaves.

 

[janderson]

Christian Boehm. Prev N5821N. He uses it for rental, I think. (or did).

Judi

 

[seadog]

Thanks Judi, He offered to meet me shortly and tell me about his Commander.

 

[seadog]

Looked again N1809J. 68K but engine is going to need overhaul so probably priced about right if you factor in engine overhaul costs plus may be some unknown surprises