New 980 owner

[JMA]

Little off topic- but anyone have any interesting stories about Commanders back in the 80's regarding drug trafficking?  I know they were a popular tool of the trade.  As a result didn't most of the 980's end up impounded and eventually used by the governments?
I can recall growing up, my father repeatedly getting calls with cash offers from persons in Colombia. 
I believe this picture shows famous drug cartel member Carlos Lehder flying a commander?

[donv]

I don't know about "most" but Commanders in general, and 980s and 1000s in particular, were always very popular for that sort of thing. After all, fast, carries a big load, easy to load, lands short... pretty much perfect for that mission!

[JMA]

Thanks Don, yes mission perfect planes I would say...

[Bruce Byerly]

Thats great Bruce!  Guessing that's you then hoping out at 3:04...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8yg9BN7sUE

Yessir. I didn't watch the end but sure enough I made TV!

The drug running was definitely a "thing." I just spotted slipper tank hardware on a long range 840.  With almost 600 gallons onboard, I suspect it could take 1,000 kilos from Columbia to Canada.  One 980 had a hole in the aft bulkhead to facilitate dropping out of the baggage door ...

[Adam Frisch]

Nevermind drug running - I want 600 gals! Then I could finally go to NY direct from LA. I'm assuming the slipper were never certified for the long wings, right?

[donv]

Would the 980 with the hole in the aft bulkhead still pressurize?

One 980 had a hole in the aft bulkhead to facilitate dropping out of the baggage door ...

[JMA]

Knew you would have some crazy stories Bruce!

[Bruce Byerly]

Nevermind drug running - I want 600 gals! Then I could finally go to NY direct from LA. I'm assuming the slipper were never certified for the long wings, right?

Never certified but neither was running 50 ft off the deck with Tony Montana quantities of blow

[Bruce Byerly]

Would the 980 with the hole in the aft bulkhead still pressurize?

One 980 had a hole in the aft bulkhead to facilitate dropping out of the baggage door ...

I'm guessing they had some sort of door or cover if they wanted to make pressure.  We all know how tough it can be to make max diff if there's any significant pencil size hole.

[JMA]

That is a Commander in the Lehder pic right Bruce?

[donv]

Definitely a Commander.

That is a Commander in the Lehder pic right Bruce?

[Bruce Byerly]

Definitely a Commander.

That is a Commander in the Lehder pic right Bruce?

690A - we could probably figure out which one if it was a high res pic!

[donv]

Here he is, in what looks like the same airplane.

Sorry for the thread hijack!

[JMA]

That's some good investigative work Don!

[JMA]

Love these old ads...