Hello Folk,
The following is a series of raw conversations regarding TCFG members' thoughts/experience in regard to owning/operating the Model 500A Aero Commander.
These conversations are sourced from the TCFG Chatlist in the early 2000's and are strictly the opinions of members at the time.
While I am sure the experiences discussed are still as relevant in 2015, it should be noted that some key members featured have since passed out of Commander ownership.
Enjoy!
Cheers
Russell
VH-CAU
560E s/n 726
500A
Does anyone have performance details for these? They were 500A models;
re-engined with IO-520-E; 3-blade props replacing the 2-blade; mtow
increased to 6,530lb.
I would put out 500A info if I had some. I haven't had it long enough to figure it out. Bringing it back from Yoda's Place on one leg MAF to MOB, 4+15hrs, 97 gallons, at 9500ft. Not very precise info. Sorry
Hello I have a partnership in a 64 500A with a guy from Europe.
This is a great airplane!! But dont expect it to jump off a short strip.
Ours has 2 bladed props, and it needs at least 2000 ft. to jump up.
Thats with 2 people and full fuel. you would need more at gross.
It is the most economical twin commander ever built. It will go about 165
KTS. on 24 gallons per hour.
Paul Reason
Atlanta, GA.
I just got off the phone with Morris Kernick and he has a 500A
Commander for sale that might be just what you are looking for. Good times
and late model avionics. Nice p & I. This model has direct drive engines
and could be used to train for your multi engine rating. It has very
ecenomocal Continental engins that burn only about 22-25 gph. It will cruse
185 ish so it puts "X"s in most of your boxes. Asking $135.000 with a fresh
ann. Call Morris at Commander Services (510) 783- 3041 or 3028
As for flying a Colemill, I did, with Dave White, based at Palomar - Carlsbad
airport (KCRQ) for about a year and a half.
We ran at 62-65% power or so at DENALTs typically at 10,000' using 20" MAP
and 2300 RPM (Continentals don't seem to like lower RPMs as the Lycomings do)
and this yielded a consistent 165 to 168 kts. and I think fuel burns were in
the 26 gph range, running 25 to 50 degrees rich of peak EGT.
Yes, you can push the IO-520-Es harder but there didn't seem to be much
benefit. He did have problems with cracked cases.
