980 Questions

[Bruce Byerly]

I know some CF’s but going to need more info than that to find it.

[JMA]

Think I had it backwards Bruce, my father bought it from Byerly, then it was transferred to S. Africa.

An online commander production list shows only one NxxxCF mentioned below.  Guessing this must have been it.

690-11069 Turbo Commander         N123CF - N321MG - [wfu c1998 Malindi, Kenya]
      11070                                     [built as Rockwell Commander 690A c/n 11100]

[Bruce Byerly]

That’s a straight 690.  There are other 690A’s, N245CF off the top of my head.

[donv]

I've been flying N690CF, but I know it's not that one.

[JMA]

Yeah thats what my father said it was as well a straight 690 (Not A/B).  Any history would be great if that still exists Bruce.  Likely sold to "AMI" not Larry directly.

[JMA]

I know we had a thread somewhere on this topic, couldn't find it though, but that winter storm gave us a great push home.
420 knots cruise, descent got to 460kts.  1980 aircraft still got it.

[JMA]

So quick controller search suggests a couple of planes that have comparable performance to the Commander (think epic/pilatus, etc), but for $3-5 mill.  Seems safety of two engines/fraction of the price (even after overhaul/refurb) a used Commander would be the better choice?  Just curious if people searching in this niche are looking at Commanders or not?

[JimC]

Some people just want new, and some banks just want new.

No matter how great we think these planes are, there will be some minds we just can't change.

[donv]

The 1000 (695A and especially B) are superb airplanes, in my opinion better for most missions than any turboprop on the market today.

However, many people, maybe most, view them as 40+ year old antiques. They don't want something that old... and what about parts? (ignoring that Pilatus and TBM certainly have their own parts issues!).

So I understand it... the thing is, some Commanders, think the big pistons like the 680 series, really ARE antiques and need to be viewed in that light. But from the 690A on they are still fantastic transportation.

[JMA]

Parts are an issue across the board.  I just wonder if they are really taking a look at the commander, but I do agree some people just love the new plane smell and cant resist.
Thank you both, appreciate the view points.

Without any disrespect meant whatsoever- is this gentleman a member here?
Adam J. Barney, the pilot of the Aero Commander 500:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article278213752.html

[Adam Frisch]

Parts are an issue across the board.  I just wonder if they are really taking a look at the commander, but I do agree some people just love the new plane smell and cant resist.
Thank you both, appreciate the view points.

Without any disrespect meant whatsoever- is this gentleman a member here?
Adam J. Barney, the pilot of the Aero Commander 500:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/florida-keys/article278213752.html

Don't think he is, but the YouTube channel BaronPilot did fly along in his 500 with him. Looked like an immaculate plane and he seemed to have taken great pride in it. Sad it got lost, but glad he survived.

[donv]

Some good 980 photos in the Vintage photo thread, @JMA !

[JMA]

Just saw them. downloading and bringing to the old man.  Wish I could get him to join on here, he would have a field day. 

[donv]

We need some more 980 photos here!