Commanders

[Throttlebender]

Any links to AC90 info out there? I'm looking to learn a few things before getting in the aircraft. Also, does anyone have any real world numbers or tips for me?

It's a 690B. What are the other turbo commanders out there? I know very little about this airplane...so far

Thanks.

 

[moving2vegas]

great plane

Hardest thing about commanders is learing to taxi, the hydraulic steering takes a little getting use to. Also, they tend to be maint. pigs, so make sure they stay on top of the mx. Otherwise it's an awsome plane.

 

[Lead Sled]

Any links to AC90 info out there? I'm looking to learn a few things before getting in the aircraft. Also, does anyone have any real world numbers or tips for me?

It's a 690B. What are the other turbo commanders out there? I know very little about this airplane...so far

Thanks.

My first turboprop was the turbo commander - rock solid stable on approach; tough to get consistantly good landings; taxiing the thing is "sporty" until you get the system figured out (It doesn't take long). Oh, and it feels like your butt's only a couple inches off of the ground until you get used to it. There aren't too many gotcha's - don't try to close the door while you're standing on the step. Make sure the L/H prop has come to a stop before you open the door - duh.

I used to fly one for a heavy equipment tire dealer. We'd fly the thing to mining sites out West. It was a hoot - landing on dirt strips and county highways that the local sheriff's office would shut down for us. (It's amazing what they'll let you do when the largest tax generator in the county needs something. )

'Sled

 

[jergar999]

Lead Sled pretty much summed it up. I have a part time job flying a 690B, and after 70 hours I am just getting comfortable taxiing. Just to save you some suspense, it is possible to smoothly taxi the aircraft with your feet on the floor, and any more than 2 inches of pedal movement will have you s-turning across a centerline like a drunk student. I actually like the way it lands, especially when the C.G. is aft. There are a few differences system wise from most other aircraft that took a little getting used to. There is no manual gear extension, if the hydraulics fail there is a nitrogen cylinder that simply blows them down in place of the hydraulics. One nice thing system wise is the ability to start the first engine on series (as opposed to parallel) which helps make for a cooler start. As far as real world numbers go, I file for 270 knots and make it 95% of the time. If the GPS is to be believed I have never seen the airplane true out slower than 265, and have seen 280 a few times. As far as fuel burns go, 600lbs for the first hour, 500 every hour thereafter if you climb it up. Total capacity is 2600lbs, so roughly five hours fuel (minus reserves of course). The fuel gauge is useless, but there is a fuel totalizer that is extremely accurate. The only other thing I can think of is that you really have to climb the plane to get good speed and fuel burn. The one I fly seems to like the high twenties. Overall, I really enjoy the airplane. All of these are generalizations, and based on Dash 5's, so things may be very different with your airplane.