What a fun flying, comfortable ride. What has happened with these? Are there issues with parts and ADs?
Jamie
Thanks! Aero Commander 114, thought they were called AC-112 for fixed gear and 114 was the retract, but could be wrong. It has been a long time back and having trouble finding old logbooks. Lots of fond memories.
The model 111 was supposed to be the fixed gear version, but Rockwell never put it into production.
Two prototypes of the 111 model were produced and were fixed gear with 180 HP.
I've never heard the 112 or 114 called "AC" or "Aero Commanders"; everyone I know refers to them as Rockwell Commanders. Maybe that's because both owners I know have rather hefty looking nameplates with "Rockwell" cast into them riveted on either side of their fuselages.
...It was originally called [ahem] "North American Rockwell Aero Commander 112"...
Because they were the first GA airplane to be produced under Part 23.............They were heavier and didn't have the performance of all the CAR 3 competitors.
Yea mean AC-11? No issue with parts unless you bend metal, even then pets are available just takes time to get.
Great planes, comfortable and fun to fly.
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My 112A, 130-135 knots, very roomy and the trailing link gear is great!
Gary - What kind of take off numbers do you see for distance? Very tempting plane for my future and your's looks great - Will have to set up a visit to OC to ogle it in person.
View attachment 78302 If you take a goose to your tail it may take a scramble to repair. Most ‘parts’ are consumables, tires, Avionics, or Lycoming engine parts or accessories.
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My 112A, 130-135 knots, very roomy and the trailing link gear is great!
Is that an IO-390 Super Commander?
The 114 seems to have better payload than the 112. That's equipped, with full fuel.
Sort of a Navion with doors instead of a canopy (and not a Navion Rangemaster).
Reports say docile, stable, heavy plane...
Seems everything in GA aircraft associated with NA (in it's heritage) is built to last, and comfortably roomy, if not "screaming eagles."
Just my general impressions from a "if I could buy a 4 place plane what would I look at" standpoint. Providing, of course, if I didn't look at my bank account first.
It's Shank's mare, a pickup truck, and rentals for me...
But if I win the "tax on math flunkies" lottery, it has made the list.
Yeah... That's what I gleaned as well. Thanks for the additional comparison points.The 114 has a good bit more payload than the 112, and bigger engine as well. Most 114's I see are around 1K-1,100lbs total payload. I'd guess they're probably closer in comparison to the PA24-250/260 Piper Comanche in terms of metrics. Payload/cruise speed/fuel burn/etc.
Really going to miss my Commander. Cross country trips were amazingly comfortable for everyone...