On Mon, 8 Sep 2003 18:44:54 -0700, "Tom S." wrote:
wrote in message
news
snip
I'm just curious how many different makes/models of singles he's flown
around in, and how much time he's spent in the Commander.
I have 90 hours in the 112TC, and 230 in the 182RG. I have no PIC time in
the 114B, but I've got about 20 hours with an associate and his 114B. I
am/was also considering a 114TC.
Never had the opportunity to drive a TC of any variety. However, have
an associate that has ferried a couple new ones (114TC) across the
Atlantic. To paraphrase, he'd never taken a GA ship across that used
as much gas to go as slow.
How much time do you have in the 112/112TC/114B ?
All VFR (cain't legally fly with my head in the clouds), about as much
time as I've gotten in about every variety of PA28 and PA32 (turbo
included, ditto straight/T-tail and/or retracts), PA46-350P (no 310P),
35you-name-it, V35A, A36 (no F33), 201, 231, 172 & SP (? normally
aspirated IO-360 TCM six-banger), 182 (but no RG) plus a few other
odd-ball singles-Stearman, Husky, etc. Solo'd in a 7AC and finished up
a Traumahawk FWIW.
Useta be able to wring 'em out before & after performing annual/100 hr
inspections/maintenance on them, plus occasionally some time ferrying
them in for maintenance/inspection and back home again. Always took
somebody along in the Stearman, other times depended what was going on
and who wanted to ride along. Occasional "fun" flights also, although
most were work-related.
About the last one I flew was a nearly new 114B with about half tanks
and three extra souls onboard (being a professional aircraft mechanic,
feel free to consider me soul-less). Actually did a W & B for a
change. Didn't care for the acceleration/climb gradient, dropped like
a constant-chord PA32 (at a considerably higher airspeed) plus ran out
of rudder on final. Actually looked down at my feet on short final to
make sure I was pushing the rudder in the proper direction.
Discussed this flight with the ferry dude, he indicated that his
experiences pretty much matched mine. That was when he clued me in on
the TC trips across the pond.
Different strokes for different folks, but I wouldn't think about
buying a relatively expensive, complex, everyday flyer that wasn't
either in current production or very well-supported concerning parts.
And that's why I asked to ascertain anyone's experience or objective
knowledge of theri maintenance. As it is, I am pretty much eleiminating them
from my perspective list.
Bum some left seat time in an A36 some time. Prepare to be spoiled
thereafter. Only problem in one is headroom in some cases.
BTW have bopped around in a couple of 112's also, they seemed like a
totally different (hard to quantify "better") handling airplane.
How many hours? 112 or 112TC?
Honestly, probly about 2.5 on three occasions. Two solo, once a long
lunch trip with 4 on board. Didn't get a chance to work on the 112 (or
drive it around much), this was a low-time cherry trade-in that left
soon after-Commander ended up with it back when they were doing some
kind of "certified" used airplane deal. Enjoyed it more than any 114
I'd been up in.
BTW, My take on the 114B vs 182RG is that the 114 was MUCH more comfortable
(I'm 6'1" and very wide in the shoulders), the 182RG seemingly more like a
Chevy in terms of fit and finish and a feeling of being _solid_, where the
114's seem more like my Acura. I find the 114 much more comfortable in
turbulence.
6' 2" 205lbs, ditto. Ain't gonna argue about whether or not a
Commander looks and feels solid, I agree.
They just aren't one of my favorites to fly-my opinion, worth exactly
what it cost you.
Regards;
TC