So here is the deal:
Commander has been in Hanger at another airport for almost a year. I've been flying the 18 and working on it getting things like I want them. Mainly interior and panel. The airplane is 15-20 knots slower than the commander but actually burns less gas. The Commander is a better flying airplane and in my humble opinion a better built airplane. However,
I was planning to keep the Commander and get the annual done so I went to pick it up to fly it back to my hanger. On the way back the cable for the prop governor on the left engine snapped on landing. I also need to remove the gear box on the engine to have it rebuilt. I think I've just decided though that I'm going to sell it as I don't really fly it that much any more and don't need the extra work. It is a shame though as I have 12 new jugs on it and no leaks other than cabin seals for pressurization.
So back to the Beech:
Despite burning 40gph and flying around 160 knots I've about decided that this is how I was meant to fly. This airplane is so freaking fun to fly and having something that large dragging its tail around it just heaven for me. The round engines are simple to work on and the sound (while big) is so laid back and relaxed compared to the angry growl of the Commander. Everything about this airplane is perfect for me. Lots and Lots of room, 2300lb payload with full fuel, 6 hours of flying if I could stand it. The Cockpit is huge but the space between the spar and the rudder pedals isn't great. So to stretch out I have to move my leg across to the other side. The Commander was a lot more confy to fly but there is just something about those two huge radials hanging out there on the wings.
Here is a video I did the other day on the new G5 install. You get a pretty good perspective of what it is like in the cockpit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S21fZT_m740Don't get me wrong: I loved flying the Commander but it is a completely different experience. My main issue with the Commander is that I fly too much to deal with those engines. The airplane itself is freaking awesome. But I'm sorry to say I've been Beeched. The 18 just has everything I've ever wanted in a single plane. It also stays simple enough that I can fix most anything on the plane without having to take it to a shop. I love to fly and flying slower just means I fly more :-)
Glenn