Flying a Commander

[Throttlebender]

Well, I just finished initial training for our 690B. I'm pretty excited about it. I really like the way it flies. No suprises and it performs very nicely on one engine.
Now I just have to figure out the GX50/MX20 combo that's in it. We may be getting a 690C to add to the fleet, and if that happens I hope I can get the boss to put a couple of 530s in it. Much easier to use
Oh yea, wanted to mention to those that sent me private messages a while back about our Atlanta opening that I've still gotten no word from on high. Sorry but I WILL post info when I learn something.

 

[Ultraman]

Throttlebender,


Congrats on finishing school. You'll really enjoy the Commander. I flew one for about 5 1/2 years and 1600 hours. They really are a pilots airplane. I miss it!

Ultraman

 

[some_dude]

Congrats on finishing training! I always enjoyed flying the old Commander. It is a fun airplane after you learn how to steer it on the ground.

The numbers get a bit confusing after you go past the 690B. The "690C" is typically referred to as an "840" (the type certificate says "690C" but the marketing materials said "840"). To add even more confusion, a "980" (an 840 which had dash 10 engines from the factory) is a "695" on the type certificate.

A "1000" has dash 10s and a stretched cabin (no picture window) and is a "695A" or "695B" on the type certificate. Confused yet? Wait, there's more...

A 900 is a 690D (I think) although visually it looks just like a 1000.

Let's not even get into the 680 series!

Well, I just finished initial training for our 690B. I'm pretty excited about it. I really like the way it flies. No suprises and it performs very nicely on one engine.
Now I just have to figure out the GX50/MX20 combo that's in it. We may be getting a 690C to add to the fleet, and if that happens I hope I can get the boss to put a couple of 530s in it. Much easier to use
Oh yea, wanted to mention to those that sent me private messages a while back about our Atlanta opening that I've still gotten no word from on high. Sorry but I WILL post info when I learn something.

 

[Lead Sled]

It is a fun airplane after you learn how to steer it on the ground.

The Commander was my first turboprop. I loved flying the airplane... after I finally learned how to steer it on the ground.

Have fun, be careful and above all, enjoy!

'Sled

 

[G100driver]

Throttlebender,


Congrats on finishing school. You'll really enjoy the Commander. I flew one for about 5 1/2 years and 1600 hours. They really are a pilots airplane. I miss it!

Ultraman

I do NOT I am a little jaded though. I spent a lot with owners who thought that it was OK to use nose wheel steering immediately after landing. Nothing like going sideways at 80kts.

Be careful out there. Nothing like a 30 year airframe that has a tail with a propesity to fall off in turbulance. Not to sound like a wet blanket, but, be sure and check out that the airplanes that you are flying has an updated wing spar. If not, make sure that your shop REALLY complies with the yearly AD on the spar. You do not want your wing to break off either.

With that said, it was a great airplane to fly.