Aero Commander 690B

[jergar999]

I have started doing part time contract flying services on my time off, and am about to start training for this aircraft. I was just wondering if anyone had any input as to things to look out for with this aircraft. It has the Garrett -5 engines. I am currently flying King Airs and have only a few hours with Garrett engines, and none in a turbine Commander. Any input related to the aircraft would be greatly appreciated. Incidentally, I wouldn't have believed a company would pay me and cover training costs just to use me on a random basis, but there it is.

 

[pilotyip]

Loved the TC-690

I have around 1100 hrs in the 690, of all the small Turbo Props I have flown, the 690 is my favorite. I have over 2, 500 hrs in KA's and they are all right, but they are like driving your brother in law's 78 Ford Station Wagon, the 690 is like borrowing your brother's sports car. Easy to fly ,easy to land, handles nice, none of that engine spool up lag, instant power response. Watch the fuel comsumption, and understand the prop and NTS. You will enjoy flying it.

 

[Gulfstreamlover]

Commanders are the best flying airplanes out there. Ask any one who's flown it and they love it. Landing it is just so easy. I don't have any 690, but I've flown a couple of it's piston sisters and loved all of them. Have fun.

 

[RockyMnt1]

Watch those brakes!!

Don't know if this system is carried over to the 690, but the 681 had no steerable nose wheel. Only differential brakes and power were available for turns. Those brakes were REALLY sensative!!! Very low brake pedal pressure between just barley engaged aloowing the wheel to turn and fully locked.

On serveal occasions I looked like that Herc that salutes the section 13 (?) crowd at the Reno air races. The nose was embarrassingly bouncing up and down for all to enjoy.

 

[Gulfstreamlover]

I forgot to mention that. I think all AC are like that. You get used to it after a while, but those first couple flights are embarrising

 

[bocefus]

Sorry guys, all Aero Commander steering is not like that. Hydraulic steering is available through the rudder pedals, this is not differential braking.

 

[jergar999]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. Does anyone know of any websites that have info on the Garretts or the airplane?

 

[BankAccount=0$]

Commanders are the best flying airplanes out there. Ask any one who's flown it and they love it. Landing it is just so easy. I don't have any 690, but I've flown a couple of it's piston sisters and loved all of them. Have fun.

I'd have to agree with the Gulfstreamlover, the mighty Commander is a good flying airplane. I've put a couple hundred hours on the 96th Twin Commander built (it's a 1953 520), and it's never let me down. She left the U.S. back in the 80's to run drugs down in the Carribean for awhile, and came back full of bullet holes. Sadly the boss put it up for sale, and currently it looks like it will spend the rest of it's days back in the Carribean on the Virgin Islands.
And for the record, I've never had any trouble with the steering or brakes. Of course I still think that the Bendix pressure carb works by magic, but that's a whole different story.
Enjoy the new bird,
TJ

 

[2000flyer]

Re: Watch those brakes!!

Don't know if this system is carried over to the 690, but the 681 had no steerable nose wheel. Only differential brakes and power were available for turns. Those brakes were REALLY sensative!!! Very low brake pedal pressure between just barley engaged aloowing the wheel to turn and fully locked.

On serveal occasions I looked like that Herc that salutes the section 13 (?) crowd at the Reno air races. The nose was embarrassingly bouncing up and down for all to enjoy.

It's been nearly 20 years since I flew one, but the 690B and C that I flew had pedal steering, however, you had to depress the toe brake slightly to activate the nose wheel steering. There was a fine line between steering and brakes. It was much easier to steer with differential power in my opinion.

Another factor with the B model was the wing tanks. There were something like 22 fuel bladders and they had a tendancy to dry out over time and crack. The fuel ran down the spar, followed above the cabin and weeped into the baggage compartment. The hard lesson learned, top it off from time to time to keep the bladders moist.

I will say it was an absolute blast to fly. The C model out-climed a Citation 500/501 in a heart beat. Noisy on the ground thanks to the Garrett's. You'll really enjoy flying them!

2000Flyer