View Full Version : Rockwell Commander 112?
360BakTrak
20th Feb 2005, 17:35
Have a friend looking into buying an aircraft and the subject of the Rockwell Commander 112 came up. Any of you got any opinions/advice/comments on them?
Any help would be gratefully received!;)
2Donkeys
20th Feb 2005, 18:08
In a nutshell, Horribly underpowered. Buy a 114 instead.
Like he said. I was in a group on one for a couple of years. Looks gorgeous, bit scary on ADs, horribly underpowered (or overweight).
4-up adults, you can't even take off in IFR because the fuel it can carry is less than IFR minima.
I enjoyed it, but we only ever flew 2-up.
The 114 is an entirely different kettle of kippers.
rosewellian
20th Feb 2005, 21:22
www.commander.org is the commander type club owners/enthusiasts website where you can investigate all the pros and cons of the 112.
Interestingly AOPA USA have picked a Commander 112 as their next sweepstake aircraft and have purchased I think a 1975 model for a full makover.
aerobatic_dude
20th Feb 2005, 21:27
As people have said 112 is extrememly underpowered. I remember watching one with 3 up from a 900m grass strip. He was a lucky guy to get airborne.
:eek:
Dan Winterland
20th Feb 2005, 22:03
Well built, roomy, nice to handle and generally a pleasure to fly. But underpowered. (Sorry, has that been mentioned?)
BEagle
21st Feb 2005, 06:08
Needs another 50 bhp, but otherwise nice for touring once you've got it all set up.
Doors on both sides and the Dan W-sized cabin are nice!
deice
21st Feb 2005, 14:14
I currently fly a 114B and you can't go wrong with that. It'll take on anything you want and cruise comfortably at 140+ knots.
My friend has a 112TC and it too is a great little airplane, I don't remember him having any problems three aboard or even four.
May be a bit different to the plain 112 though, I've also heard they're a bit underpowered, so we elected for the 114! :D
360BakTrak
21st Feb 2005, 14:39
With the recent demise of the manufacturer will parts become more and more expensive and hard to obtain?
Davidt
21st Feb 2005, 17:28
Are you also posting on the Flyer forum ? See comments there.
Ironically parts are getting cheaper and easier to get now Commander is bust . The owners group is making big efforts to find parts sources.So instead of going to Commander for eg a micro switch at $60 the same part is being sourced via electrical wholesalers at $25.
Like everyone above has said if you can go for a 114, love mine;)