---------------------------------------------------------- Commander-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Mon 08/29/05: 26 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 06:48 AM - Re: Morris Kendrick (Randy Dettmer, AIA) 2. 02:11 PM - grass strip length (Ben Baltrusaitis) 3. 02:14 PM - Re: Re: Commander Article (Moe) 4. 02:17 PM - Re: Re: Commander Article (Moe) 5. 02:26 PM - Voltage Regulators (CloudCraft@AOL.COM) 6. 02:29 PM - Re: Re: Commander Article (Bill Bow) 7. 02:29 PM - Re: Re: Commander Article (nico css) 8. 02:33 PM - Re: Voltage Regulators (Barry Collman) 9. 02:34 PM - Re: Voltage Regulators (BobsV35B@AOL.COM) 10. 02:35 PM - Re: grass strip length (CloudCraft@AOL.COM) 11. 02:42 PM - Re: Voltage Regulators (Bill Bow) 12. 02:43 PM - Re: grass strip length (Jim Addington) 13. 02:45 PM - Re: Voltage Regulators (CloudCraft@AOL.COM) 14. 02:49 PM - Re: Voltage Regulators (Barry Collman) 15. 03:06 PM - Re: grass strip length (Ben Baltrusaitis) 16. 03:36 PM - Re: Voltage Regulators (Moe) 17. 03:46 PM - Re: grass strip length (CloudCraft@AOL.COM) 18. 03:47 PM - Re: grass strip length (Tom Fisher) 19. 03:51 PM - Re: Voltage Regulators (Tom Fisher) 20. 05:06 PM - Re: grass strip length (Steven) 21. 05:49 PM - Re: grass strip length (N560WM@AOL.COM) 22. 07:24 PM - Re: grass strip length (Ben Baltrusaitis) 23. 08:21 PM - Re: grass strip length (Don Girod) 24. 08:35 PM - Re: Voltage Regulators (Dennis Polito) 25. 08:48 PM - Re: grass strip length (tylor.hall) 26. 11:46 PM - Re: grass strip length (nico css) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 06:48:51 AM PST US From: "Randy Dettmer, AIA" Subject: RE: Commander-List: Morris Kendrick --> Commander-List message posted by: "Randy Dettmer, AIA" Hi John, Yes, I would love a ride back to SBP..!! I will be arriving at SCK around 10:30AM. I had planned to drive a rental car home, but would happily cancel that in favor of a Commander ride. If I don;t hear from you this morning, I'll give you a call (if I can find your phone number...) Thanks, Randy 805 541 4864 / 805 459 0806 cell -----Original Message----- From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of John Vormbaum Subject: Re: Commander-List: Morris Kendrick --> Commander-List message posted by: "John Vormbaum" Hey Randy, how you getting back to SBP? I may pop down to visit my brother....need a ride? /J ----- Original Message ----- From: "Randy Dettmer, AIA" Subject: RE: Commander-List: Morris Kendrick > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Randy Dettmer, AIA" > > Here is Morris' cell phone number - 321 403 8813. It's the best way to > contact him. I'll be dropping off my 680F tomorrow (Monday) at SCK > (Stockton, CA) for Morris to do the annual. > > Good luck with the project. > > Randy Dettmer > 680F / N6253X > > > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com > [mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of > rjhinm@atlantic.net > To: Commander-List Digest List > Subject: Commander-List: Morris Kendrick > > > --> Commander-List message posted by: rjhinm@atlantic.net > > > I would like to contact Morris about a twin commander project (rebuild). Any > help with finding a phone number would be greatly appreciated. > Thanks > Ron Hinman (Eastern Airlines retired) > rjhinm@earthlink.net > 352-427-7272 > > ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 02:11:26 PM PST US From: "Ben Baltrusaitis" Subject: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: "Ben Baltrusaitis" Hi Guys, How short of an unobstructed grass strip are you willing to land on, assuming reasonable temperature and a few hundred under gross? Please tell me what you fly. I'm looking to buy a Twin Commander in the spring and have been set on a 680E for a long time. Now I'm wondering if one of the others may be better for me. I have been flying on some really short grass airports and would like to continue that with my Aero Commander. I will be flying with no more than 150 gals fuel, 4-6 people, limited baggage. It looks to me like the 680 may be the best choice, but with fuel prices, a 560 may be smarter. What are your opinions? Thanks!! I hope everyone in the South is safe! Ben-PA ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 02:14:14 PM PST US From: "Moe" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Re: Commander Article --> Commander-List message posted by: "Moe" Nico (and others), The new, August 2005 issue of Twin & Turbine Magazine has a good article concerning a soon to be STC environmental control system. Do you have it, can someone email it to you, or shall I mail it to you to post. Thanks Moe ----- Original Message ----- From: "nico css" Subject: Commander-List: Re: Commander Article > --> Commander-List message posted by: "nico css" > > We received a nice article on the -10 Commanders from yanknbank2002@yahoo.com.au. Hmmm. I wonder who that would be? I see he's a member of the Real Aussie Air Force. > Thanks anyway, Yanknbank. > > It has been published in http://www.teletuition.org/documents/Aviation/Aero%20Commanders/Articles%20Manuals%20etc/_8-26-2005/ > > Thanks > Nico > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Yanknbank2002 > To: nico@cybersuperstore.com > Sent: Friday, August 26, 2005 9:36 AM > Subject: Commander Article > > > See the attachment > > > Messenger 7.0: Make free PC-to-PC calls to your friends overseas. You could win a holiday to see them! > > ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 02:17:32 PM PST US From: "Moe" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Re: Commander Article --> Commander-List message posted by: "Moe" Fellow Commander drivers, Am considering getting rid of the stock "Frankenstein" voltage regulators on my 680F(p). Any suggestions? Regards, Moe Mills N680RR 680F(p) ----- Original Message ----- From: "nico css" Subject: Commander-List: Re: Commander Article > --> Commander-List message posted by: "nico css" > > We received a nice article on the -10 Commanders from yanknbank2002@yahoo.com.au. Hmmm. I wonder who that would be? I see he's a member of the Real Aussie Air Force. > Thanks anyway, Yanknbank. > > It has been published in http://www.teletuition.org/documents/Aviation/Aero%20Commanders/Articles%20Manuals%20etc/_8-26-2005/ > > Thanks > Nico > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Yanknbank2002 > To: nico@cybersuperstore.com > Sent: Friday, August 26, 2005 9:36 AM > Subject: Commander Article > > > See the attachment > > > Messenger 7.0: Make free PC-to-PC calls to your friends overseas. You could win a holiday to see them! > > ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 02:26:37 PM PST US From: CloudCraft@AOL.COM Subject: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com A bazillion years ago (1997, to be exact) a company called Zeftronics developed and mounted in an Aero Commander, solid state voltage regulators to replace the Frankenstine units. I believe Dennis Polito installed some a few years ago in his AC-500-B. If you can't Google it, let me know and I'll try to find archive issues of the Flight Group News that featured these. Wing Commander Gordon PS: Is it pronounced "Frankenstine" or "Frankensteen?" Life is not simple anywhere. Probably less so elsewhere. ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 02:29:31 PM PST US From: "Bill Bow" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Re: Commander Article --> Commander-List message posted by: "Bill Bow" Air conditioner? bilbo ----- Original Message ----- From: "Moe" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Re: Commander Article > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Moe" > > Nico (and others), > > The new, August 2005 issue of Twin & Turbine Magazine has a good article > concerning a soon to be STC environmental control system. Do you have it, > can someone email it to you, or shall I mail it to you to post. > > Thanks > > Moe > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "nico css" > To: ; "Yanknbank2002" > > Subject: Commander-List: Re: Commander Article > > >> --> Commander-List message posted by: "nico css" > >> >> We received a nice article on the -10 Commanders from > yanknbank2002@yahoo.com.au. Hmmm. I wonder who that would be? I see he's a > member of the Real Aussie Air Force. >> Thanks anyway, Yanknbank. >> >> It has been published in > http://www.teletuition.org/documents/Aviation/Aero%20Commanders/Articles%20Manuals%20etc/_8-26-2005/ >> >> Thanks >> Nico >> >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: Yanknbank2002 >> To: nico@cybersuperstore.com >> Sent: Friday, August 26, 2005 9:36 AM >> Subject: Commander Article >> >> >> See the attachment >> >> >> Messenger 7.0: Make free PC-to-PC calls to your friends overseas. You > could win a holiday to see them! >> >> > > > ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 02:29:59 PM PST US From: "nico css" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Re: Commander Article --> Commander-List message posted by: "nico css" If you mail it to me, I will scan it up and post it. Did you see the articles about the history of Commanders that I scanned and posted? If so, please comment on the format and quality. I didn't scan them into a pdf file. Thanks Nico ----- Original Message ----- From: "Moe" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Re: Commander Article > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Moe" > > Nico (and others), > > The new, August 2005 issue of Twin & Turbine Magazine has a good article > concerning a soon to be STC environmental control system. Do you have it, > can someone email it to you, or shall I mail it to you to post. > > Thanks > > Moe > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "nico css" > To: ; "Yanknbank2002" > > Subject: Commander-List: Re: Commander Article > > > > --> Commander-List message posted by: "nico css" > > > > > We received a nice article on the -10 Commanders from > yanknbank2002@yahoo.com.au. Hmmm. I wonder who that would be? I see he's a > member of the Real Aussie Air Force. > > Thanks anyway, Yanknbank. > > > > It has been published in > http://www.teletuition.org/documents/Aviation/Aero%20Commanders/Articles%20Manuals%20etc/_8-26-2005/ > > > > Thanks > > Nico > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: Yanknbank2002 > > To: nico@cybersuperstore.com > > Sent: Friday, August 26, 2005 9:36 AM > > Subject: Commander Article > > > > > > See the attachment > > > > > > Messenger 7.0: Make free PC-to-PC calls to your friends overseas. You > could win a holiday to see them! > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 02:33:11 PM PST US From: "Barry Collman" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators --> Commander-List message posted by: "Barry Collman" Don't Lucas do some good ones? BC (UK) ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators | --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com | | A bazillion years ago (1997, to be exact) a company called Zeftronics | developed and mounted in an Aero Commander, solid state voltage regulators to replace | the Frankenstine units. | | I believe Dennis Polito installed some a few years ago in his AC-500-B. | | If you can't Google it, let me know and I'll try to find archive issues of | the Flight Group News that featured these. | | Wing Commander Gordon | | PS: Is it pronounced "Frankenstine" or "Frankensteen?" | | Life is not simple anywhere. Probably less so elsewhere. | | | | | | | ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 02:34:05 PM PST US From: BobsV35B@AOL.COM Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators --> Commander-List message posted by: BobsV35B@aol.com In a message dated 8/29/2005 4:27:41 P.M. Central Standard Time, CloudCraft@aol.com writes: If you can't Google it, let me know and I'll try to find archive issues of the Flight Group News that featured these. Wing Commander Gordon Try: _http://www.zeftronics.com_ (http://www.zeftronics.com) Happy Skies, Old Bob AKA Bob Siegfried Ancient Aviator Stearman N3977A Brookeridge Air Park LL22 Downers Grove, IL 60516 630 985-8503 ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 02:35:17 PM PST US From: CloudCraft@AOL.COM Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com Ben, Not one to give advice ... but one to spend other people's money at the drop of a hat, here are some things to consider: The power and long blades of a 680-E can not be beat for short field performance. The long blades of a 680-E do offer less ground clearance, but if it's grass and not gravel, I'd say "no danger!" I've operated 500 series and 680 series in dirt, grass and almost sand and they're just great. Pot holes and rocks with wreck any airplane, regardless. You haven't told us your field elevation and hottest day you'll be flying off it and what your approach and departure path looks like ("obstacle clearance plane," if you want to speak as if it were a major airport) so get back to us with that info and the Group will have lots of free opinions and advice, worth every penny, guaranteed. Wing Commander Gordon Life is not simple anywhere. Probably less so elsewhere. ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 02:42:21 PM PST US From: "Bill Bow" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators --> Commander-List message posted by: "Bill Bow" Lucas, you mean the "Prince of Darkness". bilbo ----- Original Message ----- From: "Barry Collman" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Barry Collman" > > > Don't Lucas do some good ones? > > BC (UK) > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: > To: > Subject: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators > > > regulators to > replace > of > > > ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 02:43:32 PM PST US From: "Jim Addington" Subject: RE: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: "Jim Addington" Ben, I have a 500A and fly mostly off field elevations of 700'. I routinely have flown in and out of 2200' strips at gross with out any problems. Commanders are good short field, high altitude, as well as one of the most comfortable planes and one of the best flying airplanes you will ever find. They are all good. I have owned mine since 01APR81 and it has gotten me out of any trouble I could get it into. Jim Addington N444BD jtaddington@charter.net -----Original Message----- From: owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-commander-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of Ben Baltrusaitis Subject: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: "Ben Baltrusaitis" Hi Guys, How short of an unobstructed grass strip are you willing to land on, assuming reasonable temperature and a few hundred under gross? Please tell me what you fly. I'm looking to buy a Twin Commander in the spring and have been set on a 680E for a long time. Now I'm wondering if one of the others may be better for me. I have been flying on some really short grass airports and would like to continue that with my Aero Commander. I will be flying with no more than 150 gals fuel, 4-6 people, limited baggage. It looks to me like the 680 may be the best choice, but with fuel prices, a 560 may be smarter. What are your opinions? Thanks!! I hope everyone in the South is safe! Ben-PA ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 02:45:12 PM PST US From: CloudCraft@AOL.COM Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com In a message dated 29-Aug-05 14:33:48 Pacific Daylight Time, barry.collman@air-britain.co.uk writes: --> Commander-List message posted by: "Barry Collman" Don't Lucas do some good ones? BC (UK) > > Lucas, Sir Barry? Where's that British sense of public shame? Wing Commander Gordon Life is not simple anywhere. Probably less so elsewhere. ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 02:49:07 PM PST US From: "Barry Collman" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators --> Commander-List message posted by: "Barry Collman" They're the ones! BC (UK) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Bow" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators | --> Commander-List message posted by: "Bill Bow" | | Lucas, you mean the "Prince of Darkness". | | bilbo | ----- Original Message ----- | From: "Barry Collman" | To: | Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators | | | > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Barry Collman" | > | > | > Don't Lucas do some good ones? | > | > BC (UK) | > | > ----- Original Message ----- | > From: | > To: | > Subject: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators | > | > | > | --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com | > | | > | A bazillion years ago (1997, to be exact) a company called Zeftronics | > | developed and mounted in an Aero Commander, solid state voltage | > regulators to | > replace | > | the Frankenstine units. | > | | > | I believe Dennis Polito installed some a few years ago in his AC-500-B. | > | | > | If you can't Google it, let me know and I'll try to find archive issues | > of | > | the Flight Group News that featured these. | > | | > | Wing Commander Gordon | > | | > | PS: Is it pronounced "Frankenstine" or "Frankensteen?" | > | | > | Life is not simple anywhere. Probably less so elsewhere. | > | | > | | > | | > | | > | | > | | > | | > | > | > | | | | | | | ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 03:06:43 PM PST US From: "Ben Baltrusaitis" Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: "Ben Baltrusaitis" Thanks, Wing Commander Gordon! The fields I fly from now are grass and in the Northeast, so elevation is less than 2000 ft. and mostly under 1000. Summer temperatures here are usually cool in the morning 60-70 F., however, this summer was an exception. Most of the grass runways have 30 foot or less obstructions-several unobstructed. I do plan to go West and get in some wilderness under-the-wing camping. I've never been to Idaho or Wyoming. I've been looking at the specs that Chris compiled on the Twin Commander Flight Group site and it says there that the 680 will beat the 680E off the ground and the 560 will beat the 680. I appreciate the advice. Ben-PA ----- Original Message ----- From: CloudCraft@aol.com To: commander-list@matronics.com Sent: Monday, August 29, 2005 5:32 PM Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com Ben, Not one to give advice ... but one to spend other people's money at the drop of a hat, here are some things to consider: The power and long blades of a 680-E can not be beat for short field performance. The long blades of a 680-E do offer less ground clearance, but if it's grass and not gravel, I'd say "no danger!" I've operated 500 series and 680 series in dirt, grass and almost sand and they're just great. Pot holes and rocks with wreck any airplane, regardless. You haven't told us your field elevation and hottest day you'll be flying off it and what your approach and departure path looks like ("obstacle clearance plane," if you want to speak as if it were a major airport) so get back to us with that info and the Group will have lots of free opinions and advice, worth every penny, guaranteed. Wing Commander Gordon Life is not simple anywhere. Probably less so elsewhere. ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 03:36:22 PM PST US From: "Moe" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators --> Commander-List message posted by: "Moe" Sorry guys, I have already had a Jag and a Triumph that had Lucas electronics. However, I must admit that improvements may have been made....my Phillips TV doesn't wonder from station to station like the Phillips radio did in the Jag. Moe ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Bow" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Bill Bow" > > Lucas, you mean the "Prince of Darkness". > > bilbo > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Barry Collman" > To: > Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators > > > > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Barry Collman" > > > > > > Don't Lucas do some good ones? > > > > BC (UK) > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: > > To: > > Subject: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators > > > > > > | --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com > > | > > | A bazillion years ago (1997, to be exact) a company called Zeftronics > > | developed and mounted in an Aero Commander, solid state voltage > > regulators to > > replace > > | the Frankenstine units. > > | > > | I believe Dennis Polito installed some a few years ago in his AC-500-B. > > | > > | If you can't Google it, let me know and I'll try to find archive issues > > of > > | the Flight Group News that featured these. > > | > > | Wing Commander Gordon > > | > > | PS: Is it pronounced "Frankenstine" or "Frankensteen?" > > | > > | Life is not simple anywhere. Probably less so elsewhere. > > | > > | > > | > > | > > | > > | > > | > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 03:46:24 PM PST US From: CloudCraft@AOL.COM Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com In a message dated 29-Aug-05 15:07:26 Pacific Daylight Time, ben@gmpexpress.net writes: it says there that the 680 will beat the 680E off the ground and the 560 will beat the 680. I'd take the extended wing (the "E" in 680E) any day over the short wing ... as long as I'm spending your money ... for the increased lift and handling characteristics at the low speed range. (as in stall characteristics) A 560 beating a 680? Ummmmmmm ... maybe in the world of brochures but I doubt that would be the case in the field. There's little substitute for power. Or, as one of my mentors told me, "the only thing that compensates for lack of brains is lots of thrust and lots of fuel." (He was flying Gulfstreams for a major construction firm in Alaska in the 1970s.) At the risk of public outrage, I'd say if you developed some expertise in the 680-E, you could work off 2000 feet. Less, maybe, but I wouldn't ever say that on a public email net, would I? Your mileage may vary. If you're grass strip is 2500+ feet, you'll be very comfortable, quite soon. Keep in mind, you'd better have a flat clearance plane in the event of going one engine inoperative. I hate to state the obvious, but I am forced to. If you ever had one engine inoperative, or a hydraulic abnormal, go land at a big airport and get a ride home. Obviously, if you're going to go camping under the wing in Idaho or Wyoming, your runway requirement is going up. How much? Can't tell you without the AFM, which I don't have. Wing Commander Gordon ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 03:47:51 PM PST US From: "Tom Fisher" Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: "Tom Fisher" Just as a note, a sea level warm 25 degree day take-off with no wind @ 8500 Lbs. in my Mr.RPM 680FLP takes all of 2500 feet (and you better fly around that 50' obstacle). I don't think the engines/controls are tuned/rigged properly but I have nothing to compare it to. Tom F. C-GISS ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ben Baltrusaitis" Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Ben Baltrusaitis" > > Thanks, Wing Commander Gordon! > The fields I fly from now are grass and in the Northeast, so elevation is less than 2000 ft. and mostly under 1000. Summer temperatures here are usually cool in the morning 60-70 F., however, this summer was an exception. Most of the grass runways have 30 foot or less obstructions-several unobstructed. > I do plan to go West and get in some wilderness under-the-wing camping. I've never been to Idaho or Wyoming. > I've been looking at the specs that Chris compiled on the Twin Commander Flight Group site and it says there that the 680 will beat the 680E off the ground and the 560 will beat the 680. > I appreciate the advice. > Ben-PA > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: CloudCraft@aol.com > To: commander-list@matronics.com > Sent: Monday, August 29, 2005 5:32 PM > Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length > > > --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com > > Ben, > > Not one to give advice ... but one to spend other people's money at the drop > of a hat, here are some things to consider: > > The power and long blades of a 680-E can not be beat for short field > performance. > > The long blades of a 680-E do offer less ground clearance, but if it's grass > and not gravel, I'd say "no danger!" > > I've operated 500 series and 680 series in dirt, grass and almost sand and > they're just great. > > Pot holes and rocks with wreck any airplane, regardless. > > You haven't told us your field elevation and hottest day you'll be flying off > it and what your approach and departure path looks like ("obstacle clearance > plane," if you want to speak as if it were a major airport) so get back to us > with that info and the Group will have lots of free opinions and advice, worth > every penny, guaranteed. > > Wing Commander Gordon > > Life is not simple anywhere. Probably less so elsewhere. > > ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 03:51:08 PM PST US From: "Tom Fisher" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators --> Commander-List message posted by: "Tom Fisher" I remember my father's MkIV and then the 420G, the heater could be turned on or off (nothing in between), for a high-end car I thought that was pretty miserable and the electric's were always a problem. Tom F. C-GISS ----- Original Message ----- From: "Moe" Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Moe" > > Sorry guys, I have already had a Jag and a Triumph that had Lucas > electronics. However, I must admit that improvements may have been > made....my Phillips TV doesn't wonder from station to station like the > Phillips radio did in the Jag. > > Moe > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Bill Bow" > To: > Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators > > > > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Bill Bow" > > > > Lucas, you mean the "Prince of Darkness". > > > > bilbo > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Barry Collman" > > To: > > Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators > > > > > > > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Barry Collman" > > > > > > > > > Don't Lucas do some good ones? > > > > > > BC (UK) > > > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > > From: > > > To: > > > Subject: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators > > > > > > > > > | --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com > > > | > > > | A bazillion years ago (1997, to be exact) a company called Zeftronics > > > | developed and mounted in an Aero Commander, solid state voltage > > > regulators to > > > replace > > > | the Frankenstine units. > > > | > > > | I believe Dennis Polito installed some a few years ago in his > AC-500-B. > > > | > > > | If you can't Google it, let me know and I'll try to find archive > issues > > > of > > > | the Flight Group News that featured these. > > > | > > > | Wing Commander Gordon > > > | > > > | PS: Is it pronounced "Frankenstine" or "Frankensteen?" > > > | > > > | Life is not simple anywhere. Probably less so elsewhere. > > > | > > > | > > > | > > > | > > > | > > > | > > > | > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 05:06:38 PM PST US From: "Steven" Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: "Steven" Ben, I can't think of a light twin I'd rather be in than a Commander for short field. Did get my multi in a Robertson equiped Aztruck, though. Not as cute as an Apache and kinda full-figured but gets the short field job done pretty good and hauls a load. Faster than I would have figured too.... If you're not new to twins, don't read any further and I apologize in advance.... The following would not be appropriate, as I'm sure you well know it. Landing short is no problem and you CAN haul these things (any light twin) off 'really short fields', but do you really want to as a steady diet? I'm thinking grass fields means a lot of pleasant summer time flights in high-density altitude conditions. Yuck. If you're 'stepping-up' to twins, there are a couple excellent references I keep around and reread myself fairly often. Cavet Emptor, but if multi-engine flying is new to you, the following links might illustrate some of the operational problems with light twins and short fields. Interested in what the other fellows think. I've been taught from some time back to go for the speed early, and decelerate to Vx when you lose an engine .... Can't do that short field. Got to have the presence of mind to shut the good engine down and crash straight-ahead rather than push it and end up upside-down in heap. Sounds easy, but in practice we don't do so well and a lot of us end up in the heap. http://www.avweb.com/news/columns/182040-1.html http://www.iflypete.com/documents/Always_Leave.html Steve ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ben Baltrusaitis" Subject: Commander-List: grass strip length > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Ben Baltrusaitis" > > > Hi Guys, > How short of an unobstructed grass strip are you willing to land on, > assuming reasonable temperature and a few hundred under gross? > Please tell me what you fly. > > I'm looking to buy a Twin Commander in the spring and have been set on a > 680E for a long time. Now I'm wondering if one of the others may be better > for me. I have been flying on some really short grass airports and would > like to continue that with my Aero Commander. I will be flying with no > more than 150 gals fuel, 4-6 people, limited baggage. > It looks to me like the 680 may be the best choice, but with fuel prices, > a 560 may be smarter. What are your opinions? > Thanks!! > I hope everyone in the South is safe! > Ben-PA > > > ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 05:49:05 PM PST US From: N560WM@AOL.COM Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: N560WM@aol.com My 560F has no problems loaded with lobsters from X01 ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 07:24:47 PM PST US From: "Ben Baltrusaitis" Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: "Ben Baltrusaitis" Thanks for the links, Steve, I'm stepping up to a twin and find the information most valuable. Ben ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 08:21:06 PM PST US From: "Don Girod" Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: "Don Girod" Ben; I fly a 560E and when I had my annual a few years ago, I flew into a 2800 ft. grass strip. I could land and take off in just over half the length, 2 on board with about 150 gal. of fuel on board, warm spring day, 1000 ft. elevation. (Atlanta). In fact there used to be a video of me taking off from that strip. However I will say that when operating normally I rotate at 90 kts. but when on a short field I rotate and approach at 70 kts. 90 kts is my single engine speed, if I don't need to fly below it, why sit myself up for the extra work. I don't believe it would be a problem at the slower speeds, but would probably not be able to hold a heading while controlling the airplane until I got my speed up to 90 kts. Just my thoughts. Don > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Ben Baltrusaitis" > > > Hi Guys, > How short of an unobstructed grass strip are you willing to land on, > assuming reasonable temperature and a few hundred under gross? > Please tell me what you fly. > > I'm looking to buy a Twin Commander in the spring and have been set on a > 680E for a long time. Now I'm wondering if one of the others may be better > for me. I have been flying on some really short grass airports and would > like to continue that with my Aero Commander. I will be flying with no > more than 150 gals fuel, 4-6 people, limited baggage. > It looks to me like the 680 may be the best choice, but with fuel prices, > a 560 may be smarter. What are your opinions? > Thanks!! > I hope everyone in the South is safe! > Ben-PA > > > ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 08:35:56 PM PST US From: "Dennis Polito" <28bravo@comcast.net> Subject: Re: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators --> Commander-List message posted by: "Dennis Polito" <28bravo@comcast.net> Look in Trade A Plane for Zefftronics. The regulators you need are manufactured by them and they are GREAT replacements for the old open frame units originally installed. They are all solid state and have been trouble free since installation. Dennis Polito ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: Commander-List: Voltage Regulators > --> Commander-List message posted by: CloudCraft@aol.com > > A bazillion years ago (1997, to be exact) a company called Zeftronics > developed and mounted in an Aero Commander, solid state voltage regulators > to replace > the Frankenstine units. > > I believe Dennis Polito installed some a few years ago in his AC-500-B. > > If you can't Google it, let me know and I'll try to find archive issues of > the Flight Group News that featured these. > > Wing Commander Gordon > > PS: Is it pronounced "Frankenstine" or "Frankensteen?" > > Life is not simple anywhere. Probably less so elsewhere. > > > ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 08:48:37 PM PST US From: "tylor.hall" Subject: RE: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: "tylor.hall" I got a demonstration from Morris in a 500B at sea level. There were the two of us and about half fuel. He had me watch the 1000 foot mark and we were off before it. I have also gone out of a 7600 elevation and 70 degrees with full fuel and at gross and used 5000' to get off the ground. It did climb ok after I got the gear and flaps up. Density Altitude can make a big difference. If you have never flown out of high altitudes, allow lots of extra runway to start with and learn what it will do. At the TCFG meeting in Hillsboro, OR they showed a movie of landing up the side of a mountain like in the movie Air America. It showed what can be done. I would not try it. Happy flying. Tylor Hall Ben; I fly a 560E and when I had my annual a few years ago, I flew into a 2800 ft. grass strip. I could land and take off in just over half the length, 2 on board with about 150 gal. of fuel on board, warm spring day, 1000 ft. elevation. (Atlanta). In fact there used to be a video of me taking off from that strip. However I will say that when operating normally I rotate at 90 kts. but when on a short field I rotate and approach at 70 kts. 90 kts is my single engine speed, if I don't need to fly below it, why sit myself up for the extra work. I don't believe it would be a problem at the slower speeds, but would probably not be able to hold a heading while controlling the airplane until I got my speed up to 90 kts. Just my thoughts. Don > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Ben Baltrusaitis" > > > Hi Guys, > How short of an unobstructed grass strip are you willing to land on, > assuming reasonable temperature and a few hundred under gross? > Please tell me what you fly. > > I'm looking to buy a Twin Commander in the spring and have been set on a > 680E for a long time. Now I'm wondering if one of the others may be better > for me. I have been flying on some really short grass airports and would > like to continue that with my Aero Commander. I will be flying with no > more than 150 gals fuel, 4-6 people, limited baggage. > It looks to me like the 680 may be the best choice, but with fuel prices, > a 560 may be smarter. What are your opinions? > Thanks!! > I hope everyone in the South is safe! > Ben-PA > > ________________________________ Message 26 ____________________________________ Time: 11:46:00 PM PST US From: "nico css" Subject: Re: Commander-List: grass strip length --> Commander-List message posted by: "nico css" Admittedly, my straight 500 was a bit lazy when the density altitude rose above 7 or 8,000 feet, which a Commander with a couple of blowers could fix. I used to land on the side of a mountain close to a construction site and got quite a kick out of flying fellow pilots into that strip. It couldn't have been more than 1,000' long at about 3,000 agl, but it sloped up aggressively making the virtual runway length much longer. Gear and flaps down with only a mountain side filling the windscreen couldn't get much reaction from non-flying pax, but folks who had some stick time got two moments of reality: landing and when we took off again. We always had flying pax in awe at the Commander once we were airborne. Less than a 1,000' is not much when you line up to take off. I have video where I took off from Inhaca, an island off the east coast of Mozambique with nine people on board (mercy flight) with diving weight belts, O2 bottles and gear. It was no joke but the Commander performed like a star. I will post the video in the near future. A Baron 55 couldn't take its regular load out of the strip on the island and time/ daylight was running out in an African/communist country. Those folks had to get out with us or they could be lost forever. The 500 did the job so well that all of the excess pax got back into the Commander after we cleared customs and immigration at Maputo with a 10,000' runway. No Baron for them. HAHAHA. We were a jolly bunch, I must say, laughing at the Baron, singing the accolades of the Commander. Most of these guys were fighter jocks in the air force with plenty of French Mirage time. Ben, you cannot go wrong with any Commander. Go fly a couple of them and get the one that makes the most sense for you. Listen to the folks on this list who have flown more variations of the Commander than most and you cannot go wrong. There will come a time when another plane would respond, "you wanna do WHAT?" while a Commander would just say, "Sure, let's go." Having said that, Commanders do command respect, both on the ramp and in the left-seat. See here http://www.teletuition.org/documents/Aviation/Accidents/AeroCommanderStalled.jpg what I mean. Nico ----- Original Message ----- From: "tylor.hall" Subject: RE: Commander-List: grass strip length > --> Commander-List message posted by: "tylor.hall" > > > I got a demonstration from Morris in a 500B at sea level. There were the > two of us and about half fuel. He had me watch the 1000 foot mark and we > were off before it. > > I have also gone out of a 7600 elevation and 70 degrees with full fuel and > at gross and used 5000' to get off the ground. It did climb ok after I got > the gear and flaps up. > > Density Altitude can make a big difference. If you have never flown out of > high altitudes, allow lots of extra runway to start with and learn what it > will do. > > At the TCFG meeting in Hillsboro, OR they showed a movie of landing up the > side of a mountain like in the movie Air America. It showed what can be > done. I would not try it. > > Happy flying. > Tylor Hall > > > Ben; > > I fly a 560E and when I had my annual a few years ago, I flew into a 2800 > ft. grass strip. I could land and take off in just over half the length, 2 > on board with about 150 gal. of fuel on board, warm spring day, 1000 ft. > elevation. (Atlanta). In fact there used to be a video of me taking off > from that strip. However I will say that when operating normally I rotate > at 90 kts. but when on a short field I rotate and approach at 70 kts. 90 > kts is my single engine speed, if I don't need to fly below it, why sit > myself up for the extra work. I don't believe it would be a problem at the > slower speeds, but would probably not be able to hold a heading while > controlling the airplane until I got my speed up to 90 kts. Just my > thoughts. > > Don > > > > --> Commander-List message posted by: "Ben Baltrusaitis" > > > > > > Hi Guys, > > How short of an unobstructed grass strip are you willing to land on, > > assuming reasonable temperature and a few hundred under gross? > > Please tell me what you fly. > > > > I'm looking to buy a Twin Commander in the spring and have been set on a > > 680E for a long time. Now I'm wondering if one of the others may be better > > for me. I have been flying on some really short grass airports and would > > like to continue that with my Aero Commander. I will be flying with no > > more than 150 gals fuel, 4-6 people, limited baggage. > > It looks to me like the 680 may be the best choice, but with fuel prices, > > a 560 may be smarter. What are your opinions? > > Thanks!! > > I hope everyone in the South is safe! > > Ben-PA > > > > > >