Alti Cruiser at Torrance

[VOD80]

Hi, I'm a Noob on this forum, basically a fan of Aero Commanders since the days of my youth (a long looong time ago...) when there was one that visited the airstrip near where we lived in Lobatse, Botswana. Affected me badly :-)

I have a question:

In some old posts on other forums (PPRune, for example) Adam posted about an Aero Commander 720 Alti Cruiser Ramp Mummy that was being restored to flight at Torrance, CA.

Does any one know which 720 that was and does any one know what became of the project,or the aircraft?

Thanks in advance!

Tony, from Toulouse, France

[donv]

I can't help you with the particular airplane that you're talking about, but it is interesting to think about the 720 in regard to Glenn's 680F(p).  According to the sources I found, the 720 is basically a pressurized 680E.

[VOD80]

Yes, an amazing aircraft, more complicated than an Airbus inside 😁

I was interested to see that there was one still around

Cheers!

[donv]

You've probably already read this?

http://flightlevelsonline.com/2015/winter-2015/looking-back-the-model-720-alti-cruiser/

[VOD80]

Surely have. I loved this bit:

One of the first things designed for the Model 720 interior was a separate toilet compartment at the rear of the cabin, but this reduced the six-place passenger cabin to a four-place.

I'd love to see a drawng of that. Must have been quite something :-)

The picture I have is taken by, I think Adam Frisch - should be attached>

Tony

[donv]

Interesting... I was into Torrance a few years ago, and definitely did not see that. Of course, it could be in a hangar somewhere on the airport.

[Adam Frisch]

Yeah, went to look at that plane as it was for sale back in the days. Think it was in 2010. It was pretty obvious it needed way too much work (even for a guy like myself who doesn't shy away from a challenge). Not sure what happened to it, but when I've flown in after that I haven't seen it sitting there.

[VOD80]

Well, my Google fu got better and I managed to find out that it was N138K, the second Alti Cruiser built... Sad if it has been scrapped!

[Adam Frisch]

Was at Torrance the other day to buy a truck and sure enough, the AltiCruiser is still there. It's owned by the city now and they're desperate to get rid of it if anyone is interested. Snapped a few photos.

[donv]

Would this be a good parts airplane for Glenn's 680F(p)? It's basically a pressurized 680E, and I wonder if the pressurization stuff (and plenty of other things) are common?

[Adam Frisch]

Would this be a good parts airplane for Glenn's 680F(p)? It's basically a pressurized 680E, and I wonder if the pressurization stuff (and plenty of other things) are common?

Too many differences.

[butchm]

I Donated my 680FP to Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake WA.  They have an A&P school but the old technology on that aircraft is not beneficial to their teaching program.  They would probably sell it.

[EagleScoutPilotDylanG]

Hello, I am Dylan Gregory An Eagle Scout who is passionate about aviation.
I have seen the Alti-Cruzer, as I stop by the South Bay Cessna Dealer at the Torrance airport.
 I spent some time searching through the Torrance city Administration and found that most of the Torrance administration doesn't have a hand in dealing with the airplane, and the Owner still owns the airplane apparently. Although I am not an AMP mechanic, I made several observations on June 29, 2020. The plane needs to be cleaned from mold and mildew. The Rudder is missing the plate that covers the rudder trim. And the linkages of the flaps, ailerons, and elevator are all rusted and need to be replaced. The front cowling needs to be replaced along with all three wheels, pumped up. Obviously, the paint and the pedo tubes need to be cleaned and painted/ sanded. The internal electronics seem to be in ok condition and the upholstery seems to need quite some work.

I've been thinking of restoring this plane, and am in the process of creating a Non-Profit association in order to restore this wonderful piece of history and other neglected planes.

Dylan Gregory, Student Pilot aiming for Private Commercial Gulfstream pilot/ Eagle Scout 19yrs old

[SKYFLYER]

Welcome Dylan...

The enterprise that you are considering would be a monumental task for a page full of ample reasons.


Are you considering restoration to an airworthy state or for a static (museum) state?

You might want to review the multiple threads on this site regarding restoration and ongoing maintenance which involves tens of thousands of dollars and in many cases difficulty securing parts.

There are hundreds of years of talent on this site and I am sure that you will hear from some of them.

I wish you much success

[Steve binnette]

Welcome to the site and to aviation in general.

There are many ways to get your hands dirty in aviation.  Taking on a project like this might not be the best choice.

You can do it but it is more than you know.

Consider joining the EAA, find a kit builder who needs an extra set of hands, get a job at the local airport and learn some of the ins and outs.

I did a project while I was in college. A beech musketeer.  I learned a lot.  It would have been impossible without the job and contacts I had at my local airport.

Consider starting with something  simpler.  Your dream is good, (restore an aero commander) the devils in the details,