---------------------------------------------------------- Commander-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Wed 06/11/03: 3 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 08:23 AM - Wind Dancer aviation (Barry Hancock) 2. 08:31 AM - 680E for sale (Barry Hancock) 3. 09:16 PM - New to group; Looking for first Commander (Alan Kucheck) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 08:23:26 AM PST US Subject: Commander-List: Wind Dancer aviation From: Barry Hancock --> Commander-List message posted by: Barry Hancock Just wanted to drop a quick note about one of our member's fine establishments. Just last week I ferried one of my CJ's (for those of you new to the list, or me, that's a military trainer, not a kerosene sucking bug smasher) to Colorado where I said goodbye to her. On the way there stopped in at Pagosa Springs - in a beautiful part of the San Juan mountains in southern Colorado, just east of Durango -to check out Tylor Hall's Wind Dancer aviation, say hi, and hang out for a bit before moving on to consummate the deal on the CJ. Well the party picking up the CJ was held up by Wx so I stayed the night in Pagosa. Tylor was a great host and he really is going to have a first rate FBO when it is all said and done. The mechanic (a gal) does really nice work. With the extra time I ended up giving several rides in the CJ before heading over the ridge for my last flight in N99YK. I had a great time and highly recommend stopping in to visit Tylor and Wind Dancer if you are ever in the area. Cheers, Barry Barry Hancock Director of Operations Red Stars, Inc. 949.300.5510 www.allredstar.com "Communism - Lousy Politics, Great Airplanes" ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 08:31:53 AM PST US Subject: Commander-List: 680E for sale From: Barry Hancock --> Commander-List message posted by: Barry Hancock Hi again, Morris is currently doing the annual on my 680E. Unfortunately we have confirmed that the landing gear trusses and engine mounts need to be replaced. Otherwise it is a nice airplane. At this point I would like to sell the airplane at a reduced value based on the work that needs to be done. When the work is completed it will be the most mechanically sound 680E flying (or at least as good as JB's:). If anyone is interested in picking up a 680E with great running, lowish mid-time engines, a nice IFR avionics package, and a good interior at a reduced price, let me know. All AD's and SB's are current. Please email me off list or contact me via cell phone @ 949.300.5510 Cheers, Barry ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 09:16:10 PM PST US From: Alan Kucheck Subject: Commander-List: New to group; Looking for first Commander --> Commander-List message posted by: Alan Kucheck All: I have been lurking for a while now, having joined TCFG a couple of months ago. I am looking for my first Twin Commander and I have to say, this group has been a real education. I have begun to feel that I know a few of you already; at least your email personas. ;>) I currently fly a 1964 Beech Debonair. I am still trying to figure out how to convince my wife that it is really essential to have TWO airplanes. I'm instrument rated and current, a low-time guy [about 400 hours], just about to get my multi. Without wanting to get into the whole "geared vs. direct" war [I am open to either], I would be interested in any thoughts about getting into one's first Commander: particular things to watch out for, etc. Clearly a good pre-buy is essential. I have been watching the ads, talking to a few owners. There does not appear to be a lot of turnover right now - an occasional 500A, always a few B models [though some very high time] and a handful of Shrikes. The latter are clearly outside my budget. The B's seem to command higher prices [I suppose that Colemill-converted A's, with HP in the same league as that of the Bs command the same prices]. In fact, I have seen one B model [with ~13,000 hours TT] advertised for exactly the same price an A that had 10,000 hours fewer TTAF. My interest has been piqued recently by a particular 500A. So to you "A" drivers out there: * Are you happy with your decision? Or do you have "B envy", and are just biding your time until you can get into a B, S, or maybe something geared? * Can you tell me what you typically cruise at and what the fuel burn is? My missions don't typically involve high density-altitude departures; I will not be at max gross most of the time. I love speed as much as the next guy but also appreciate fuel economy when it can be had without compromising safety. * Going into SNA I am forever being asked to "keep my speed up" til the FAF and the relatively high max gear extension speed of the Deb [143Kts] helps quite a bit. Can you confirm max gear extension speed on the 500A is 156Kts? * Is the fact that there are so few "original" 500A's out there starting to cause any parts availability problems? My intent is to first acquire the right airplane and then 2 or 3 partners. I am based in Orange County, CA [the Debonair is hangared at SNA], so if there are potential partners out there, let's talk. thanks, Alan All: I have been lurking for a while now, having joined TCFG a couple of months ago. I am looking for my first Twin Commander and I have to say, this group has been a real education. I have begun to feel that I know a few of you already; at least your email personas. ;) I currently fly a 1964 Beech Debonair. I am still trying to figure out how to convince my wife that it is really essential to have TWO airplanes. I'm instrument rated and current, a low-time guy [about 400 hours], just about to get my multi. Without wanting to get into the whole "geared vs. direct" war [I am open to either], I would be interested in any thoughts about getting into one's first Commander: particular things to watch out for, etc. Clearly a good pre-buy is essential. I have been watching the ads, talking to a few owners. There does not appear to be a lot of turnover right now - an occasional 500A, always a few B models [though some very high time] and a handful of Shrikes. The latter are clearly outside my budget. The B's seem to command higher prices [I suppose that Colemill-converted A's, with HP in the same league as that of the Bs command the same prices]. In fact, I have seen one B model [with ~13,000 hours TT] advertised for exactly the same price an A that had 10,000 hours fewer TTAF. My interest has been piqued recently by a particular 500A. So to you "A" drivers out there:

* Are you happy with your decision? Or do you have "B envy", and are just biding your time until you can get into a B, S, or maybe something geared?

* Can you tell me what you typically cruise at and what the fuel burn is? My missions don't typically involve high density-altitude departures; I will not be at max gross most of the time. I love speed as much as the next guy but also appreciate fuel economy when it can be had without compromising safety.

* Going into SNA I am forever being asked to "keep my speed up" til the FAF and the relatively high max gear extension speed of the Deb [143Kts] helps quite a bit. Can you confirm max gear extension speed on the 500A is 156Kts?

* Is the fact that there are so few "original" 500A's out there starting to cause any parts availability problems? My intent is to first acquire the right airplane and then 2 or 3 partners. I am based in Orange County, CA [the Debonair is hangared at SNA], so if there are potential partners out there, let's talk. thanks, Alan