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Rusty Pilot

Clark

Clark

New member
Greetings from the West Metro of Minneapolis. I'm Bill. It's been 10 years since my Medical Certificate expired, but my new one came in the mail today! And I'm dying to own a Commander. I know what to do...talk to Judi. I've been on Suncoast's mailing list for years. And I've watched them come and go, but have never inquired, or talked to Judi. But I will.
As a flight instructor 40 years ago, I only flew Cessna's, and loved them. Mostly 172's. a 210, and a 185. But they weren't so pretty. Not like a Commander...striking. So I don't care if they aren't that fast. 140kts...or less, is plenty. For me, it's more about looks than speed.
My kids and grandkids are in Bozeman, MT, and I'm tired of the 14 hour road trip to visit. But what a georgeous place to fly into. I'm so looking forward to it.
Anyway, enough rambling. Hopefully, I will be a part of this group in the very near future. By the way, I've never even sat in a Commander!
Thank you for listening.
Bill
 
Bill,
Good luck in your search. I was a "Rusty" pilot too who got back into aviation after a long absence.

Also - I bought my Commander sight unseen and without myself ever even seeing a Commander in person much less sit in one or fly one. I found mine (with Judi's help) on Long Island and made the trek from Texas to pick it up and fly it back home to Texas. When I took off from Islip NY that was my first time ever flying or sitting in a Commander. Before I even got switched over to Departure out of Islip I knew that I had made a good (albeit spontaneous) decision.

I just got back from a trip this past weekend to Wisconsin and could not wipe the grin off my face when I landed back in Texas.
 
Bill,

I was in a similar state as Stephen. I had a long absence from aviation and decided it was time to get back into. I had narrowed my search down to TB-20 and the 114. I got to sit in a TB-20 and see a 114. I found 42w in Texas, the owner brought her over to a shop for a pre-buy and with Judi's help - I made it through the process. It was not easy or quick. However, my pre-buy protected me from my ignorance. I then did a few hours for my transition training in TX - then flew her to her new home in Colorado. I don't think I could have done any better. I am very very happy with 42w.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions!

Dean
 
And just to be clear....I do NOT recommend buying an airplane sight unseen and without ever having even seen one in person before.

I got very lucky. I used to do things like that years ago when I was younger. I think that was 3 years ago.
 
Bill, I’m located at Anoka and you are welcome to come and see just how comfortable these Commanders are. If I decide ( like your Medical Examiner ) that you’re not crazy, in all likelihood we’ll go flying…
I have a neighbor who just picked up a 112 TC or TCA, if you want to compare the differences we have that opportunity also. Welcome!
 
Hello Rolf. I was hoping someone nearby would offer me a ride. I would love to check out your Commander. I'm old but certainly not crazy.
Would this be the 112TC your neighbor recently bought? It was in my sights but I didn't have my medical yet.
Thank you!



112a commander.jpeg
 
Thanks for sharing your buying experience Dean. I spent 15 years of my life selling real estate so "contingent on inspection" is nearly always a part of the contract.
How that works with buying an airplane...I'm not sure. But I think this forum is going to give me the answers. Thank you!
 
Clark said:
Would this be the 112TC your neighbor recently bought? It was in my sights but I didn't have my medical yet.
Click to expand...

The aircraft in that photo is not a 112TC.
 
I didn’t think that looked like Brian’s airplane…
 
Bill, like many here, I was off from flying for a couple of years because of my work. I bought 1102J in 2019 and love her!!! I transitioned from a Warrior and it wasn't bad at all. I fly around burning 9-10 gallons an hour with my Lycoming 4 banger and I am always looking for a good tail wind. 8K to 10K altitude is where I fly for most trips. I just hit a buck 70 going from Saint Louis to French Lick, IN for lunch. The way back was around 135 for obvious reasons, but better than a 172 for sure.

I flew from California to Missouri with no issues at all and I always go down to Jack Edwards by the golf shores for beach and margs.

I think the commanders are a great balance between comfort, speeds and economics (my 2 cents). If you get the right airplane, it will make this long commute something to look forward to.
 
I put in a request to have the east fly-in (in 2 years) at Jack Edwards. Beach is one mile and pure white sand.
 
Planecents said:
I put in a request to have the east fly-in (in 2 years) at Jack Edwards. Beach is one mile and pure white sand.
Click to expand...

Interesting fact: In two years it will no longer be Jack Edwards. It is being renamed Gulf Shores International Airport later this year when they open a brand new tower.

The folks out there have been very nice to work with.
 
Thanks for the correction FS. I had it mislabeled in my file. It's pretty amazing that you know all these Commanders. I have a lot to learn!
 
Clark said:
I have a lot to learn!
Click to expand...

While having conversations on the ramp at Jekyll Island during our Fly-In, I gave a quick lesson on how to identify Commander models based on just looking at the front of the cowling. The 112TC/TCA have very large openings (got to keep that turbo cool), the 112 and 114 have similar openings but the 114 has cylinders right up front (and the prop governor on the left side) whereas the 112 cylinders are deep into the opening and not as visible, the 114B/115/TC have squinty little openings.

So now you're just as much of an expert as I am.

112TC.jpg 112.jpg 114.jpg 114B.jpg
 
Thanks for sharing Marcos. It's great to hear from satisfied owners. I'm thinking a 114 would best suit me for flights in the mountains of western Montana where my kids live. I have a few hundred hours in a Cessna 210R so I'm thinking the transition to a Commander should be fairly smooth. However, I think I only have about 5 hours total in a low wing plane! I'm used to looking straight down and seeing the ground. It will be interesting.
You mentioned you were away from flying for a couple years. I'm embarrassed to say how long it's been since I've flown...so I won't.
Thanks again for sharing your story.
Bill
 
Thanks for the lesson FS...but I'm far from being an expert. Again, I have a lot to learn. Thanks!
 
Jack Edwards is awesome. The FBO is great. Car rentals are right on the field... I always had a great time... If I leave Saint Louis early, I will be playing in the sand and hitting the waves in the afternoon. I will totally go. Count me in.
 
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