Twin Commander

General Category => Airframe => Twin Commander Piston => Topic started by: Kzastrow1 on October 14, 2021, 01:18:31 pm

Title: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Kzastrow1 on October 14, 2021, 01:18:31 pm
All,

It seems that few on this board are still operating piston Commanders, at least based on the majority of posts but I thought I’d ask anyway.   We just sold our beloved MU2 and are thinking about a 500B or Shrike.  I’m curious if anyone knows how many AC50 aircraft are still actively flying?  Also, what’s the prop situation?  Does one require overhaul based on calendar months and one not? 

Thanks,

Kirk
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Bruce Byerly on October 14, 2021, 03:26:05 pm
I own a Shrike.  I have no idea how many are flying but maybe Barry Collman would know.

The old square tip props are subject to 500 hour/5 year AD.  It’s about $48k last I checked to get rid of them.  Most should be gone by now but you really don’t want them.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Kzastrow1 on October 14, 2021, 05:50:46 pm
Thanks Bruce.  I should’ve asked, “Does anyone other than Bruce still fly a piston Commander who frequents this board?”   ;)

When I had my Cessna 303 the twin Cessna group had a pretty good handle on how many of the original 297 were still flying, many had gone overseas.  The MU2 was the same, they had a good handle on the active fleet count.  I’m just curious about the AC50, I’m guessing Central Airlines might know. 

I’m looking for a non turbo, no ice, air conditioned, steam gauge, updated paint/interior, light IFR 500B or Shrike if anyone has any leads. 

Kirk
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: schrambow on October 14, 2021, 10:00:21 pm
Kzastrow1,
We still fly a AC680FLP, IGSO-540's, its a fun aircraft to fly.  We just have an old garmin430 waas in it, so nothing real modern in it, but it is ADS-B and is a great backup for us.  Engines are fairly low time, we really should fly it more, as we probably only put on 15 to 20 hours a year on it i am guessing.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: schrambow on October 14, 2021, 10:03:39 pm
here is a photo of it
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Ray787 on October 15, 2021, 09:16:31 am
I LOVE my 500B. It's everything a pilot could ask for and more. Aspen 1000 pro, Garmin GTN750, GTN650, JPI 750 color engine monitor, Aircenters "Cool Air" A/C and with all the Shrike mods. The Spar 208A AD does not apply on the B model. It maybe be 60 years old but it looks and fly's like brand new. 
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: donv on October 15, 2021, 09:27:21 am
I think there are quite a few 500 series Commanders still flying regularly. Where it gets difficult is with the big geared pistons-- the 680s and 560s. But the 500s seem to have a lot of life in them.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Kzastrow1 on October 15, 2021, 08:17:26 pm
I appreciate the info guys.  From what I understand, the 36 month wing spar AD applies to all of the Twin Commanders built starting in 1968, correct?  Has anyone had any success with the AMOC that extends it to 48 months?

Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: appleseed on October 15, 2021, 10:44:17 pm
I am flying a 500s. For 30 years I needed a plane and, though I always wanted a 500 the Beech and Cessna twin props were the most sensible options.

Now I don’t need a plane anymore than anyone who’s ever had one “needs” one. With a little luck,I managed to get a big enough hangar, Bruce pointed me towards a plane that fit my wants/budget, and finally interest rates dropped to nearly nothing.

The plane fully meets my expectations. Most of all I love cruising along at 500-1000’ checking out the landscape. I’m too much of a chicken to spend much time that low in a single. And, with all the other twins (excepting aerostar and aircam) the wing and engines block your view. The handling is superb, best of any plane I’ve flown. Truly a pleasure to guide through the air. It is a beautiful plane with superb engineering and build craftsmanship quality from the era when American engineering and manufacturing were second to none.

To be fair the maintenance during the first year has been more challenging than I expected. Most parts of the plane I find to be easier to access than a Baron or 310. The hydraulics though can be challenging to access and require a new set of tools and skills. The biggest challenge now and going forward is that planes in this class consume petroleum products on a scale commensurate with the era of American greatness and texas sweet crude at ten cents a barrel. It is only going to get more expensive and more frowned upon in the decades ahead.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Adam Frisch on October 16, 2021, 01:35:31 am
It seems that fewer of the piston Commander owners and pilots migrated over to this forum from the old board, than turboprop owners. Not quite sure why, but perhaps they were more invested in the older board and didn't want to start all over. Plus, there was some excellent archived information over there. Also, a lot of these same owner/pilots and aircraft have gone by the wayside or retired since the original board was created, so there's that. I see a lot less 500B's at airports in general these days, used to be there was always at least one at pretty much at every airport.

Fact is, I don't see that many TP's either. Used to be a 690B across the hangar for me owned by Nick Martin, but haven't seen it in years. Maybe he sold it.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: donv on October 16, 2021, 09:32:05 am
It's funny, because there seem to be more Turbo Commanders coming to my area than there have been for many years. Richard at Aero Air was even commenting on this to me the other day.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Adam Frisch on December 04, 2021, 02:13:02 pm
So, how many do we have flying 500-series Commanders on this board? Raise your hand!
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Ray787 on December 04, 2021, 07:26:55 pm
Hello there Adam,

I'm a Happy 500B guy. Where ever you go, someone usually walks up and says I love the the Commanders and wishes they had one.   
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Badger on December 05, 2021, 03:04:05 pm
I love my 500B.  I fly her as often as I can and love to talk about her whenever anyone asks (which is quite often!)

Ed
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: butchm on December 10, 2021, 11:06:48 am
There are probably quite a few of us 500 guys lurking on this site.  I had a 680flp for couple years, too expensive to maintain for me.  Had a 500B for half dozen years.  Sold it to move to a Piper Jetprop, a fun experience.  Now back to the comfortable 500.  Gary Gadberry at Aircenter might know of a few for sale.  Good Luck.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: WilsonRiggan on December 11, 2021, 03:57:51 pm
I have one of the last 685's still flying, although the fuel/air system components that make the -K version of the GTSIO-520 engines unique are getting harder to maintain.

It is comfortable and a joy to fly.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Adam Frisch on December 11, 2021, 11:25:38 pm
I have one of the last 685's still flying, although the fuel/air system components that make the -K version of the GTSIO-520 engines unique are getting harder to maintain.

It is comfortable and a joy to fly.

Nice to see someone keeping them going! She looks like a beauty!
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: appleseed on December 12, 2021, 02:09:08 am
Hey Wilson,

Some of us are fascinated by the geared commanders, tell us more.

speeds? climb, cruise, approach.

power settings? fuel flows

flight profiles? cruise altitude choice

useful load? fuel capacity

operating cost? maintenance challenges you've had

Systems? air conditioning, must be a combustion heater etc.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Kzastrow1 on December 12, 2021, 12:08:53 pm
I really appreciate all of the replies.  Other  airplanes of similar age (Duke, 421, Aerostar) seem to have avid lovers and avid haters.  The 500B/Shrike seems to primarily garner affection from the entire aviation community.  I think that says a lot about the airplane. 
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Sergio Vega on December 13, 2021, 07:01:10 pm
After five years since I bought N6517V and going through four different shops, it seems that I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only the last two shops I can say that are good and honest and worth what they charge (De Britton in Chino, CA., and SoCal Jet Services in Long Beach, CA.). All in all, I've spent more than what the airplane cost me in 2016, but I was not willing to part it out. The airplane is now at SoCal Jet Services. Between other things, I got the props overhauled, got the landing gear overhauled, got the A/C working and it seems that the pressurization is fixed. I'm supposed to get the airplane back this weekend and I can't wait. Picture is of me landing in Long Beach in August of this year. 
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Bruce Byerly on December 13, 2021, 08:56:51 pm
It’s great to see classic and cool designs flying. For piston models other than a 500B-S type, I appreciate how challenging it is to support them.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Adam Frisch on December 14, 2021, 12:45:13 am
After five years since I bought N6517V and going through four different shops, it seems that I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Only the last two shops I can say that are good and honest and worth what they charge (De Britton in Chino, CA., and SoCal Jet Services in Long Beach, CA.). All in all, I've spent more than what the airplane cost me in 2016, but I was not willing to part it out. The airplane is now at SoCal Jet Services. Between other things, I got the props overhauled, got the landing gear overhauled, got the A/C working and it seems that the pressurization is fixed. I'm supposed to get the airplane back this weekend and I can't wait. Picture is of me landing in Long Beach in August of this year.

So glad you're finally seeing the light at end of tunnel, Sergio! We've both been through the ringer by now with various players, as you know. I hope you get to fly her often and lot! I flew my girl to Chino last night after a few months of not flying, and except for L EGT gauge and R gear light acting up, it was all good. So nice to be back in the air!
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: sbdpilot on December 30, 2021, 09:32:12 am
I have a great 500A with colemill conversion. Low time airframe, well equiped, props with no AD note and it's just now going up for sale. Jim Buckley 678-457-3507 for specs.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: DarylW on January 07, 2022, 11:11:15 am
not trying to whine… but I am still waiting for the prop shop to find a serviceable hub for N11L my 1953 AC 520…6th month…
HC-83X20-2c/8433 3 blade feathering….
any ideas…
Adam suggested Capt JimBob… but I couldn’t find contact info
any help would be very much appreciated
she is sitting outside my mechanic’s hanger in Lodi enduring these wonderful winter storms with just a Bruce cover….
Daryl W
text-call
12093510502
KSCK
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Badger on June 13, 2023, 07:44:13 am
Hello there Adam,

I'm a Happy 500B guy. Where ever you go, someone usually walks up and says I love the the Commanders and wishes they had one.   

Same experience here...  I love my 500B.  Where do you fly out of?
Ed
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Ray787 on June 13, 2023, 03:42:15 pm
Good morning Ed & Adam,

I agree with you guys!

It’s kind of a good feeling...Someone usually will always come out, walk around and say I love the Aero Commander.

I LOVE our 500B, It's been my dream airplane... never ever thought I would be lucky enough and be able to have one. I'm fortune enough to say that I met Bruce Byerly through Bob Mays and help me find the perfect commander for me.

Would love to have a Commander fly-in somewhere out in the west. I'm in Arizona

Although I think Bruce might have the ultimate 500 Commander now.... ;)
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: donv on June 13, 2023, 04:37:20 pm
I really admire you guys who are still operating the big geared pistons. Talk about a labor of love!
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Popeye on June 17, 2023, 12:27:28 pm

Well....I truly enjoy Flying my 680F with the big geared engines. Just flew it out for lunch to Venice, FL. Its just another level.......I will go to fly in from South Fl. anyone??
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Adam Frisch on June 19, 2023, 11:34:36 am
I'd consider a GO/GSO-480 engined Commander again as the parts are plentiful for that engine, but not a GO-435 or any of the weirder ones, like the one in the 560F and 685 (I think the 560F engine was only installed in that aircraft). Too much headache.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Big Pistons Forever on June 19, 2023, 11:07:28 pm
I have always thought the 680E was the one that most tugged at my heartstrings.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: donv on June 20, 2023, 12:04:02 am
The 680F is the one I like! More power is always good!
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: appleseed on June 20, 2023, 10:27:22 am
I like how the 680F is almost indistinguishable from a 500, but has enough juice stuffed in those cowlings to outrun any light twin.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: appleseed on March 29, 2024, 08:41:31 pm
Hey Popeye,

I haven't seen your plane on flightaware this year. If I can't find the time or money to fly, I always get a kick out of seeing what your hotrod is up to.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: Popeye on April 02, 2024, 03:04:03 pm
Thanks for looking out. Indeed I did fly a few months back, but a piece in the nose wheel broke so back doors would not come up. Should have been an easy fix. But the people working it turned into a project, taht took them a couple of months, coincidentally running my annual to expire. So now I am at annual, so I should be taking a spin in a few weeks, and start flying anywhere I can find a hangar at an acceptable price. KTMB became prohibitive at $3000/month large T, and must do maintenance with their shop. So....give me an address and I can enjoy the flight there. N630TA
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: appleseed on April 05, 2024, 02:42:30 am
Come on members. Let's help a brother out. Somebody in South Florida must have hangar space for a Commander that is a little more reasonable than 3k/month?

What is the best shop to trust with your piston Commander in the SE US?
 
Is anybody taking their plane Central Air Southwest? I've heard, maybe third hand, they don't have time to take on GA commanders right now.
Title: Re: Anyone here still flying piston version?
Post by: donv on April 05, 2024, 11:40:42 am
I'm on the opposite corner of the country, or I'd have some suggestions-- sorry!