These aircraft display slightly differing specification and performance figures, as reflected in the introductory summaries. The new 114B featured a modified cowling, three-blade propeller, and a first-class interior and avionics package. Landing the airplane is easy but just in case you botch one, the trailing-link gear soaks up the worst landings a pilot can dish out. ©2021 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Hartzell two-blade, constant-speed, 76-in dia, Cruise speed/endurance w/45-min rsv, opt fuel. The only place where the 112 skimps on space is in rear-seat legroom. Cruise mph 181. Another excellent source of parts is General Aviation at (216)942-3500. . This cool running helps to retain the IO-360's 2,000-hour time between overhauls after the installation of the turbo. On a 300 nautical mile trip, a 10 knot penaltyin cruise speed will cost about 8 minutes. The first 112 was delivered in 1972. The TC was produced alongside the normally aspirated 112. Faret has his airplane's hull insured for $100,000. This airplane stands out from the throngs of Piper Arrows and Cessna Cardinals. Standard takeoff procedure in the owner's manual of a straight 112 calls for 10 degrees of flaps and a rotation speed of 50 kt. Commander Aircraft Company of Bethany, Oklahoma, resurrected the Commander 114 line and began offering new production airplanes in 1992. Disclaimer: Information on this site may not be accurate or current and is not valid for flight planning or any other aircraft operations. With two adults and 54 gallons of fuel, the 112A was loaded to within 50 pounds of its maximum takeoff weight. Ceiling 20,000. A product of extensive consumer research, it was a fourseat, retractable gear aircraft, originally powered by a 180-hp Lycoming engine. Gross wt. Small cracks in that area were discovered on several airplanes, necessitating the rulemaking. My cruising speed in the 114B is on an average of 150 KTAS. The Commander singles were conceived in 1972 by the Aero Commander division of North American Rockwell, maker of the successful Twin Commander and Sabreliner business airplanes. The 112B also received new disc brakes and larger wheels. With the single-engine Commander, the company was looking to compete with Piper's popular Cherokee singles. The Rockwell Commander 112 is an American four-seat single-engined monoplane designed and built by North American Rockwell (later Rockwell International) in the 1970s.A further developed version was also built by Commander Aircraft as the Commander 114 series in the 1990s and early 2000s, and as of late 2008 the type was due to go into production again in the near future as a Commander 115 series. Unfortunately, the original 112 had a serious design flaw in the tail structure that required the company to delay deliveries. Stalls are very gentle and don't result in a wing drop. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 173. Inspections and Repairs. A turbonormalized engine cannot make more than 30 inches of manifold pressure at sea level. @ 13.9 GPH, 7°C, 2550 lbs. Advertisement 1977 Rockwell Commander 112TC-A Average used price: $71,000 Engine make/model: Lycoming TO-360-C1A6D Horsepower@rpm@takeoff: 200@2575@SL Horsepower for takeoff: 210 TBO hrs. Nice touches of the Commander design include a fuel selector with a Both position, a rarity in a low-wing airplane. The maximum speed is 191 mph (307 km/h). The TC designation of the former means turbocharged, and the added boost helps the 112TC climb to 10,000 feet in 10 minutes. The modification added weight to an already heavy design. Speed, (kts) – Max – 187; 75% - 150; 65% - 141; 55% - 135 Takeoff Ground Roll – 1,390 ft. In fact, Commander Aircraft performs restorations to older 112s, outfitting them with many of the same materials used in the new 115s. All rights reserved. The Top 10 Planes Of All Time: WARNING: This List Goes To 11. Type of Aircraft: Commander Models 112, 112B, (112TC, 112TCA - EASA only) and 112, 112B with “Turbonormalizer” per FAA STC SA5202NM; EASA: 10054491 R1 (issued May 3, 2018) FAA STC: SA03658NY (issued February 1, 2016) Applicable Aircraft: Rockwell Commander Models 112, 112B, (112TC, 112TCA - EASA only) In 1970, Rockwell's Aero Commander division developed a new line of aircraft that would span everything from the fixed-gear four-seat market to a retractable twin-engine six-seat design Even though it was slightly less than that of Piper's Arrow III, which was also introduced in 1977, the useful load of the Commander 112 had reached a respectable 1,000 pounds. Takeoff distance (50′) 1,585. Check … Commander owners enjoy a certain exclusivity since there were only 540 of them built. Ultimately, the premium price and lackluster performance overshadowed the design's comfort and modern looks. Ceiling 13,900. Contact. Range 529-764. 1977 Rockwell Commander 114: 1800 TTSN, 10 STOH, GAMI injectors, 3 blade McCauley Prop, G3X with EIS, GTX-345, 3 G5’s, G530W ADSB in/out, GNC250XL comm/nav, Standby alternator, Remote oil filter. The Rockwell Commander 112 and 114 are superior, retractable undercarriage light flying machine. Flying the 112A revealed an airplane with very nice handling qualities. All specifications are based on manufacturer's calculations. PHOTOS: A Closer Look At What Just Might Be The World’s Coolest Plane. Rockwell designed and built two versions of a four seat cabin, low-wing monoplane in 1970. Commanders have a fanatic following among their owners, many of whom can be found online ( www.commander.org). Owners also have a quarterly newsletter available from the Commander Aircraft Association. Stall mph 58. Range – 75% - 619 nm; 65% - 650 nm; 55% - 675 nm Ceiling – 17,400 ft. The Model 114 utilizes a 260-hp normally-aspirated engine to provide a useful load with enough allowance for four persons, full fuel, a full radio package, and 100 pounds of baggage. In 1974, the introduction of the 112A solved the door problem. Faret uses 70 kt for rotation and it's easy to see why. The turbo installation and several other modifications that Faret has completed over the years have created what has to be one of the most well-equipped—and heaviest—112As in the fleet. One of only a few nits to pick in the handling department is an apparent lack of rudder authority, which may make landings in a stiff crosswind a challenge. By Plane and Pilot Updated February 6, 2016 Save Article. The first deliveries of the Model 112 began in the summer of 1972 under the name of Aero Commander. These early ADs contradicted Rockwell's claims that the 112 was a tough little bird. The fix was to use aluminum doors, which added still more weight but provided the desired fit to quiet the cabin and keep the rain out. This price includes installation plus the addition of aileron and flap gap seals. Welcome to Aerodyme Corporation. For information about the refurbishments, call Commander at 405/495-8080 or visit the Web site ( www.commanderair.com). The 1976 Commander line introduced two new models one of which was the Commander 112TC with a turbocharged engine of 210 hp and MTOW of 2,850 lb, The 112TC had a significantly improved cruise speed of 160 knots (300 km/h; 180 mph) when flying at higher altitudes, as high as 20,000 feet (6,100 m), which was aided by a 32 inches (810 mm) increase in wingspan. In 1979, Rockwell stuffed the panel with an extensive Bendix/King Silver Crown avionics package and called it the TC-A Alpine. 250 HRS SMOH, 200 HP, LYCOMING IO-360, GAMI FUEL INJECTORS, ENGINE O/H MAY 2007 Propeller S.P.O.H. Landing distance (50′) 1,310. Empty wt. The Hot-Shot turbo conversion adds $9,000 to the value of a 112, according to Vref. The Hot-Shot conversion lists for $18,250. Get Insurance Operating Costs Apply for Financing A recent copy of the aircraft value reference, Vref, explains that the value of a Commander 112 varies greatly from the "pristine" airplanes to the "rough, original" examples. 1974 ROCKWELL AERO COMMANDER 112A SPECIFICATIONS. In the field, you can expect a Hot-Shot-converted Commander to fetch far more than book value. Engine 210-hp turbocharged Lycoming. The additional attention to gear-up drag improved cruise speed by a handful of knots. The Model 112 features the most spacious cabin of any four-seat, single engine production aircraft, and for convenience it has a passenger access door on each side. STC - Data. STANDARD DATA: (112TC) Seats 4. The company decided that only the 112 would go into production. Faret uses 70 kt for rotation and it's easy to see why. Stall mph 62. In 1979, the final year of Rockwell production, the 114A Gran Turismo model was offered. Translation: the 114 needed larger fuel tanks to allow a greater cruise speed at longer distances. Takeoff performance of the 112 is not spectacular. The Commander single series began life as the Rockwell 112, a 200-HP retractable designed to compete against Cessnas Cardinal RG, Pipers Arrow and Beechs Sierra. This 260-hp engine pushed the 114A to a higher maximum cruise speed of 157 knots, and a long-range suggested cruise speed of 137 knots. Takeoff distance (50′) 1,780. The rear seats sit slightly higher than the front seats so that the passengers in the rear can see out front too. The short-wing Commanders (112, 112A) feature crisp roll rates and docile stalls. The panel was fully loaded, and it had numerous other options as well. Round robin travel time on the Commander is 2.5 hours, including a stop in St. Louis, versus 4.8 hours on the airlines. All performance figures are based on standard day, standard atmosphere, sea level, gross weight conditions unless otherwise noted. With its six-cylinder 260-hp Lycoming IO-540, the 114 proved to be a much better marriage of airframe and powerplant. Max Speed: 160 kts; Normal Cruise: 156 kts; Economy Cruise: 145 kts; Cost per Hour: $ 228.01 Owners have come to terms with the 112's speed and payload shortcomings and relish in the fun of owning and flying a well-built, good-looking airplane that is the most comfortable ride in its class. In 1988, the fights for the Commander 112/114 were bought by a new company called Commander Aircraft, which allowed that company to maintain the existing fleet. Huge windows and a high seating position provide excellent visibility for all of the Commander's occupants. An example used in the marketing program is a company located in Peoria, Illinois, with meetings scheduled in Decatur and Chicago. Many new construction procedures were developed to facilitate assembly and reduce drag while retaining the plane’s structural integrity. At around the same time, a bit of good news arrived for Commander fans. Fuel capacity 48-68. Links to additional information about the Commander 112 and 114 may be found on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/pilot/links/links0011.shtml). North American Rockwell (which later became just Rockwell) wanted an entire family of light airplanes from a fixed-gear single to a six-place twin. A fixed-gear version of this low-priced Aero Commander was called the Model 111, but its production life span was short. The Rockwell Commander 112 is a four-seat, single-engined aircraft developed by North American Rockwell. The McCauley three-blade prop improves sound and vibration levels. The 112A also brought a 100-pound maximum gross weight increase, minimizing the perceived weight gain from the modifications. Service ceiling 15,200ft. 112s came standard with 48 gallons of usable fuel or the optional 68-gallon capacity. N1151J - AC11 - Rockwell Commander 112 - Private - AirNav RadarBox Database - Live Flight Tracker, Status, History, Route, Replay, Status, Airports Arrivals Departures. Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Find it free on the store. A turbocharged version, dubbed the 112TC, arrived in 1976 with a carbureted 210-horsepower Lycoming TO-360 engine. ROCKWELL COMMANDER Model: 112A Year 1976 Reference Number: 7153 Airframe Time: 2500 HRS TTSN CURRENT ANNUAL Engine S.M.O.H. Parts. As the decision was made to begin with a retractable and compete with Mooneys, Arrows and Sierras, a Rockwell survey showed that most pilots would give up a little speed for a really comfortable cabin that could be entered from either side. Plane and Pilot expands upon the vast base of knowledge and experience from aviation’s most reputable influencers to inspire, educate, entertain and inform. Empty wt. There is a 580 available, which I recommend and have flown, but to make it ideal, it would have a turbo. America’s owner-flown aircraft enthusiasts and active-pilot resource, delivered to your inbox! – 1,088 ft./min. Please login below for an enhanced experience. This was only noticeable because every other volumetric aspect of this airplane is so generous. Powerplant Recommended TBO Lycoming IO-360-C1D6 2,000 hr Propeller Hartzell two-blade, constant-speed, 76-in dia Length 24 ft 10 in Height 8 ft 5 in Wingspan 32 ft 9 in Wing area 152 sq ft Wing loading 16.8 lb/sq ft Power loading 13.25 lb/hp Seats 4 Cabin length 6 … You won't win any short-field takeoff competitions with this airplane. The increased span allowed Rockwell to raise the max takeoff weight of the normally aspirated 112B to 2,800 pounds. The Gran Turismo is a three blade 260-hp model, and the Alpine is a 210-hp turbocharged wide-body Commander. Max range with reserves 1085km (585nm), or 1647km (890nm) with optional fuel. Rockwell discontinued production of the single engine line by 1980. The 1976 Commander line introduced two new models one of which was the Commander 112TC with a turbocharged engine of 210 hp and MTOW of 2,850 lb, The 112TC had a significantly improved cruise speed of 160 knots (300 km/h; 180 mph) when flying at higher altitudes, as high as 20,000 feet (6,100 m), which was aided by a 32 inches (810 mm) increase in wingspan.In the late 70’s the 112TC was further … Service Kits. Initial rate of climb 880ft/min. Back in the terminal area, Commander pilots will notice that operation of the gear and flap systems results in little or no pitch change. But that doesn't preclude getting a thorough logbook check and pre-buy inspection just to be sure. It is a high-wing monoplane. During its development, Rockwell conducted elaborate studies of pilot preferences and even aviation journalists ( Aviation Consumer editors included) were invited to take a look atpreliminary designs and … 2,950. Commander Aircraft owns the type certificates for the 112 line and provides factory support for the airplanes. Cruise mph 188. Even at about 65 kt, an attempt to rotate Faret's 112A was met with a stall warning and a prolonged takeoff roll thanks to a draggy, nose-up attitude. The maximum range with reserves was only 730 nautical miles. Peter A. Bedell, AOPA 1136339, is a first officer with a regional airline and former technical editor of AOPA Pilot . 112B - Max speed 277km/h (150kt), max cruising speed 251km/h (135kt), long range cruising speed 222km/h (120kt). The more rigorous certification standards and the stout look of the airplane reeked of sturdiness, and the Commander's marketing team played that card heartily. The 112B was introduced in 1977 with the same 32-inch stretch in wingspan as the TC. Already a member? E-mail the author at [email protected]. Faret routinely sees 152 kt at 10,000 feet. STANDARD DATA: (112TC) Seats 4. Glass. Inside, pilot and passengers ride in comfort that can only be matched in cabin-class twins. 2,950. He admits to taking out the rear seats to gain 35 pounds of useful load and enough room to carry the kitchen sink. The Rockwell Commander 112 is an American four-seat single-engined general aviation aircraft designed and built by North American Rockwell (later Rockwell International) starting in 1972.In 1976, they introduced the turbocharged 112TC and a version mounting a larger engine and other minor improvements as the Rockwell Commander 114.A total of approximately 1,000 examples of all … The result of the insulation, however, is an extremely quiet airplane, a trait that the 112 design wasn't known for. The 1976 Commander line introduced two new models one of which was the Commander 112TC with a turbocharged engine of 210 hp and MTOW of 2,850 lb, The 112TC had a significantly improved cruise speed of 160 knots (300 km/h; 180 mph) when flying at higher altitudes, as high as 20,000 feet (6,100 m), which was aided by a 32 inches (810 mm) increase in wingspan. Stall mph 62. Engine 200- hp Lycoming. 2,800. 1974 ROCKWELL AERO COMMANDER 112A SPECIFICATIONS. The reduced number of rivets together with beaded skins improved airflow over the 112’s surfaces. They were offered fully IFR-equipped by Rockwell with King avionics and a Century III autopilot. The result is a slight increase in speed for the 114, 112TC, and the 112B. Engine 210-hp turbocharged Lycoming. Speed C linic. On our evaluation flight, cylinder head temperatures never got higher than 370 degrees, even in a climb on a 90-degree day. Empty wt. : 1800 Fuel type: 100LL … Read More "1977 Rockwell Commander 112TC-A" It can be assumed that any Commander in the field has had the necessary fixes after all of this time. Even at 14,000 feet, the airplane can continue to climb at a rate of 900 fpm. However, some would argue that the design should have had 300 hp from conception. The ironic reality, however, is that this sharp-looking airplane lacked the punch to compete with the Cessnas, Pipers, and Beeches of the 1970s. Ceiling 20,000. Real-time flight tracking with one of the best and most accurate ADS-B coverage worldwide. Plane and Pilot builds on more than 50 years of serving pilots and owners of aircraft with the goal of empowering our readers to improve their knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation. Max Cruise Speed: 166 knots 307 Km/h Approach Speed (Vref): Travel range: 706 Nautical Miles 1,308 Kilometers Fuel Economy: 10.39 nautical mile / gallon 5.083 kilometres / litre Service Ceiling: 16,500 feet Rate of Climb: 880 feet / minute 4.47metre / second Take Off Distance: Is it worth the extra 8 minutesto travel in high style and roomy comfort? Likewise, its interior volume is closer to that of a cabin-class twin than other four-seat singles. Both the 112 models were increased by over 100 pounds. Gross wt. In the early 1990s, Commanders received another blow in the form of an AD requiring a beef-up modification where the main landing gear drag link attaches to the wing spar. The Aero Commander 500 family is a series of light-twin piston-engined and turboprop aircraft originally built by the Aero Design and Engineering Company in the late 1940s, renamed the Aero Commander company in 1950, and a division of Rockwell International from 1965. What’s Going On with Cessna Denali Turboprop? Cruise mph 163. Although many have made the conversion, I cant seem to justify the upgrade at this time. 114 - Max speed 307km/h (166kt), max cruising speed 290km/h (157kt), long range cruising 254km/h (137kt). Faret elected to keep the original paint scheme when the airplane was repainted in 1984. N1182J's empty weight of 1,949 pounds is about 100 pounds higher than that of most 112As. You won't win any short-field takeoff competitions with this airplane. Takeoff distance (50′) 1,750. Since the useful load of most Commanders is quite low, the partial-fueling tabs that Rockwell added into the filler ports will come in handy. The airplane featured on these pages is a 1974 112A owned by Sven Faret of Plainview, New York. The 112TC also had serious competition from a new stablemate, the Commander 114. If people bought airplanes based on looks and roominess alone, there would likely be a lot more Rockwell Commanders out in the field. 1,834. A power-off stall in the landing configuration occurred at approximately 50 kt. Support. Rockwell's General Aviation Division started advancement of the first Commander 111 and 112 amid the late 1960s, and proclaimed its new run in late 1970. Thoughtful aileron rigging, instead of a rudder-aileron interconnection, allows the 112 pilot to keep his feet on the floor during relatively steep turns while the slip indicator ball stays caged in the center. Average values range from $54,500 for a 1972 112 to $71,000 for a 1977 112B. To convert my 114B to a 580 sets me back $100K. The 200-hp Rockwell 112 was dropped from the lineup of single-engine aircraft in 1979, and the names of the 112TC and the 114 were changed to the Alpine Commander and Gran Turismo Commander, respectively. Rockwell Commander 112: STANDARD DATA: (112) Seats 4. If the owner desires, the restoration jobs can be extremely thorough and make older 112s look much like the new airplanes. This last version included a three-axis autopilot and a price tag nearly $20,000 higher than that of Piper's Turbo Arrow IV.