• Welcome to the new Commander Owners Group Forums. Please bear with us as the kinks are worked out and things are tweaked. If you have any questions or issues with the new platform, please post them here.

New Member

J

Jfowler

New member
Hello Everyone,
I am not an owner yet. Looking for my plane. Getting back into flying after a 30 year hiatus. Have recently renewed the medical, passed a flight review, received my complex endorsement in a piper arrow, and beginning instrument training. Have to admit the Commander has got to be the best looking plane on the planet. The big question now is which one? I want to buy my last plane first.



The mission- IFR training platform and a comfortable xc bird
 
Re: New Member

Welcome



Post where you are located and I am sure you will get responses from some nearby owners
 
Re: New Member

Welcome to the group Jim. I think you'll find any commander will fulfil your mission. They are wonderful aircraft.
 
Re: New Member

Welcome Jim to a really great forum! Virtually any question you have about Commanders can and will be answered here, and generally in a speedy manner.
Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to decide how many people you will take with you on a regular basis. If it will be you and one other person, you can utilize a 112, as they are great for 2 people and baggage @ 130 knots. If you want to haul 3 or 4 on a regular basis, you would be more inclined to look for a 114. If you need to go higher than say , 11K you will need a TCA, TC or a hot shot ( all three are turbocharged).
As you can see, I have a 112, which is a wonderful,comfortable, 2 place traveling machine.
However, I seem to be like hundreds of other pilots in that I want to go higher and faster, which is like an itch that can never be scratched enough, if you know what I mean.
Good luck in your search, do some more research, read more on this forum and talk to Judy Anderson. She has helped many find a plane that suits their needs.
 
Re: New Member

Welcome Jim. Make sure you've read through our FAQ if you haven't already found it.
 
Re: New Member

Hi Jim; Jim Rose close by in Portland area. not been a COGger for awhile, but I'll ck on him and see if he can show you his 114.

Judi
 
Re: New Member

Welcome Jim,
You are looking at a great airplane and you have come to the source of information. Rely on Judi to get you the details. She always goes the extra mile to get the correct information.
About flying altitude. Look at your mission. The airports you need to use and the altitude you like to fly. I've owned 2 Commander 114s for almost 30 years, both in Southern California and in the flat lands of Michigan. I like the power at the lower airports but I have flow out of most of the Rockies. 10,000' DA was not uncommon, even with 4 on board. Although I have flown many times at 14 - 16,000 for weather or mountains, I do not like to fly on O2 so my normal cross country is 10-12,000.
Load is another thing. Most my flying is only 2 but many times I have some LARGE friends fly along.
 
Re: New Member

Jim; there was, maybe still is? a 112 in Eugene. has been a project "sitter", tho.

Judi
 
Re: New Member

Jfowler said:
We are in Lebanon Oregon if anyone is close by
Click to expand...

Welcome Jim. I usually fly out once a year to Salem Or almost every year for business and the pleasure of flying out there. Usually around May/June time frame when the weather is nicer. If you haven't found one yet I would be glad to stop by and take you up.
 
Re: New Member

Thanks for the offer. Normally in May we head out in the motor home to Alaska for the summer. One of the reasons for wanting an airplane. I still work in Alaska May to Nov. and it would be nice to make the trip in 1 day vs 6.
 
Re: New Member

nice visiting w/you on Commander world, Jim.
also, forgot..there's a 114 owner in Sisters, OR (Bend), but he owns a 114 Hot Shot. quite diff. performer, but if Joe chimes in maybe you can @ least go see for the 'fit and feel' of a 114. (just don't get spoiled :) )

Judi
 
Re: New Member

Jim,
Welcome and good luck. Not so long ago I was in exactly the same position as you - but I took a 32 year sabbatical from flying.

I got my medical, got current again, and went on to get my IFR rating. Next step was to buy an airplane (my second) and the Commander 114B fit my requirements exactly.

Judi Anderson helped, which I consider a "must" along with joining this Type club.

I fly my airplane alot (business) and I think I am probably still grinning on every flight. Just got back from a great trip to Fort Worth yesterday. Flying to Midland tomorrow.

Good luck and have fun looking!
 
Re: New Member

Hi Jim, as Judy mentioned, my plane is in Bend, OR. WX right now east of Cascades is horrific, but we can plan to get together when things settle down.
 
Re: New Member

Hi Jim,

Welcome.

Not all Commanders are the same. I am available to provide some insight from 15 years of fleet maintenance if you are interested.

Jim
 
Re: New Member

Definitely call Jim Richards too! I did and he provided a wealth of information.

Of course he also made me start to desperately desire a Super Commander upgrade. If I ever fall into a pot of money, Jim Richards will be the first person I call.

That Lycoming IO-580 would be such a great upgrade to my airplane!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top