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Re-Introduction

lovetwinprops

New member
La Verne, CA
Aircraft Year
1978
Aircraft Type
114
Reg Number
N14SG
Serial Number
14434
Hello again from Los Angeles!

It's going to happen! I'm going to be a Commander owner!! :D :D :D

The pre-buy inspection took place Thursday, and found no deal-killers. There are items that need attention, besides the high-time engine, but nothing critical. One thing that is relatively urgent is that the orange-covered flex hoses inside the cowling are hard as a rock, and pretty much NOT flexible. The mechanic expressed concern and said that those should get replaced pretty soon. We're going to look into whether we should do those hoses immediately and then just keep them when the engine is overhauled, which will be soon.

It's my hope that the deal will be completed sometime this coming week, but maybe that's a tiny bit optimistic. But I can't see it taking more than another 2 weeks. As soon as we get the engine overhauled, we're going to actively search for a 3rd partner to join us. Then we'll use his/her investment to get a great new panel done, perhaps something like Joe Cavanaugh's (which I like a lot!).

Of course, I'm going to need a CFI for insurance and staying alive purposes. When I figure out where in these forums to post about a CFI, I'll get that posted, as I'd like to get up and running ASAP after handing over the check and sending paperwork to the FAA.

Finally, since this IS going to happen, Glenn and Judi will be happy to know that I've now joined the COG as a full, paid member. :)


Gerry Borts
Soon-to-be co-owner of N14SG, a 1978 Commander 114
 
Re: Re-Introduction

Oops, I forgot to thank Neal Clayton for his recommendation of Gibbs Flying Service at Montgomery Field (KMYF) for the pre-buy. Wayne Harris, the Director of Maintenance, Henry, and lead mechanic Lyle were all terrific. Three other A&Ps there also helped. I appreciated them letting me watch the whole thing and pester them with questions. So thanks, Neal!


Gerry
 
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Re: Re-Introduction

Kool Jerry.. hope all goes well. You'll find SO much more info as a fully fledged COGger, too!

Judi
 
Re: Re-Introduction

Congratulations, and welcome to an exclusive group of pilots with exceptional taste!! :D
 
Re: Re-Introduction

Congratulation
Is the N14SG for Super Gerry?
 
Re: Re-Introduction

Hello again from Los Angeles!

It's going to happen! I'm going to be a Commander owner!! :D :D :D

The pre-buy inspection took place Thursday, and found no deal-killers. There are items that need attention, besides the high-time engine, but nothing critical. One thing that is relatively urgent is that the orange-covered flex hoses inside the cowling are hard as a rock, and pretty much NOT flexible. The mechanic expressed concern and said that those should get replaced pretty soon. We're going to look into whether we should do those hoses immediately and then just keep them when the engine is overhauled, which will be soon.

It's my hope that the deal will be completed sometime this coming week, but maybe that's a tiny bit optimistic. But I can't see it taking more than another 2 weeks. As soon as we get the engine overhauled, we're going to actively search for a 3rd partner to join us. Then we'll use his/her investment to get a great new panel done, perhaps something like Joe Cavanaugh's (which I like a lot!).

Of course, I'm going to need a CFI for insurance and staying alive purposes. When I figure out where in these forums to post about a CFI, I'll get that posted, as I'd like to get up and running ASAP after handing over the check and sending paperwork to the FAA.

Finally, since this IS going to happen, Glenn and Judi will be happy to know that I've now joined the COG as a full, paid member. :)


Gerry Borts
Soon-to-be co-owner of N14SG, a 1978 Commander 114

Gerry,

I just sent you a PM re: local CFI
 
Re: Re-Introduction

Congratulations Gerry!
 
Re: Re-Introduction

Oops, I forgot to thank Neal Clayton for his recommendation of Gibbs Flying Service at Montgomery Field (KMYF) for the pre-buy. Wayne Harris, the Director of Maintenance, Henry, and lead mechanic Lyle were all terrific. Three other A&Ps there also helped. I appreciated them letting me watch the whole thing and pester them with questions. So thanks, Neal!


Gerry

Glad it worked out! I think they may have maintained that airplane you are buying at some point. Judi may be able to confirm. They mentioned one to me that they had kept up when I bought mine and I think it was that tail number, or at least similar to it. If it's the same one I'm thinking about the previous owner had died, and it changed hands around the time I bought mine.

Either way, yeah Lyle is a true old school mechanic. He has done two pre-buys for me and also did my insurance ride home on both of those purchases as well.

Sounds like Wayne is moving up in the world, I figured Lyle would start to wind down one of these years. He's been out there at that field since he was 17 years old, so probably north of 45 years!
 
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Re: Re-Introduction

I think they may have maintained that airplane you are buying at some point. Judi may be able to confirm. They mentioned one to me that they had kept up when I bought mine and I think it was that tail number, or at least similar to it. If it's the same one I'm thinking about the previous owner had died, and it changed hands around the time I bought mine.

No, it's not the same plane. This plane was first sold to someone on Pennsylvania, but less than two years later it was sold to someone in Florida. At some point it appears that the Commander Aircraft Company owned the plane for awhile, but I haven't gone over the title and records report in great enough detail to figure out the exact timeline.

The current co-owners bought the plane in early 2000 in Florida apparently from a Georgia(?) attorney(?) who had owned it for quite a number of years. They flew out there commercially with their CFI and flew the plane here. To the best of my knowledge, Gibbs has never seen the airplane before last Thursday.

Thanks again!


Gerry
Soon to be the co-owner of 114 N14SG
 
Re: Re-Introduction

Must've been a different one I'm thinking of. Glad the prebuy worked out ok, ask Wayne about your airplane getting Lyle-itized, lol.
 
Re: Re-Introduction

Hi Gerry Congrats on the purchase. I purchased 114DT at KMYF and had my pre-buy done there too, but I cannot recall off the top of my head the guy who did it. Anyway it all worked out and I'm glad to see it has for you too. I wanted to introduce myself to you as I am based in Fullerton not too far from Brackett. I think you met Rich Koren a friend of mine and friend of Vince's at the last local lunch bunch fly-in. I wasn't able to make it. But, I hope to see you at the Fly-in in MO, and if not, at one of the upcoming local ones. I know Vince recommended a CFI to you, should it not work let me know, as my CFI could help, and I know of another in Fullerton as well. You already know, this group has great support for us newbies. Safe Flying.
 
Re: Re-Introduction

Congrats on your new bird!
 
Re: Re-Introduction

Thanks for the welcome, David. Exceptional taste in AIRPLANES, I assume you mean! ;-)

Thank you Glenn and Terry for the congrats. I'm very excited and happy!

Thanks also to you, Brett. I did meet a few folks at the lunch bunch fly-in, thanks to Joe Cavanaugh's kindness in bringing me along up to Santa Maria with him. Sorry you didn't make it then, but I do hope we can finally say hello to each other in person one of these days very soon. Also, thanks for the CFI offer; I was able to find someone with 31 hours of 114 time, 5000+ total time, and 1000+ retract time.


Gerry
 
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