The Commander 112 airplane model is one of the rare air plane units produced. There are fewer than 700 of them out there flying. The commander planes are known to have attractive and head turning looks. Its not surprising when it comes with large windows and cross shaped tail. They may not belong to the speedy variety but certainly so many buyers and pilots have been captured by its overall beauty in form and design.
It was designed in the late 60s North American Rockwell company that was later on known as the Rockwell International. It came in as a four seat single piston 200 horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engine. A newer version was then developed in the early 90s to the 2000s by the Commander Aircraft company. Still on the late 2008 another type of the same family was brought to life.
It was built to par with the Piper Cherokee line of airplanes. This model was among the favorites in its early years in the market. Its production only stopped in 1979 but a series of models like 112A, 112B, 112TC, and 112TCA were tweaked and improvised.
When compared to its competitor - the Arrow, the 112's cabin were 6 inches wider. The large windows provide maximum visibility of the surroundings. Even those seating on the backseats are able to marvel at the spectacular sights while flying in it. It has two cabin doors which gives it an edge over the Arrow. Even its overall aesthetics reflects a modern and sleek look as compared to the 60s design concept applied to the Arrow. A small but notable feature on the 112 is it also came with a courtesy light for the step on the wing, touch the button above and it surely is convenient when climbing over at night time.
However in spite of all the 112s effort to keep up with the competition, it never seemed to catch on. Probably because some commanders were highly priced compared to the other planes, mainly because they couldn't just pull it lower when it came in with hi tech avionics
system.
Another factor which caused the 112 failure to achieve its targeted sales figure was because compared to the other planes in its class, it didn't live up to the speed and payload like the others. It was slower than the Arrow.
The payload was not much different. The 112A produced in 1975 was supposed to carry a 48 gallons of fuel with a 659 pounds of payload. But the Arrow II with the same 48 gallon capacity was able to carry 839 pounds, that makes a difference of valuable 180 pounds, a weight of one person.
However these days, the Commander 112 prices offered are quite attractive. So if you are aware of its small issues but still prefer good looks over anything else. This plane might just be for you after all.
It was designed in the late 60s North American Rockwell company that was later on known as the Rockwell International. It came in as a four seat single piston 200 horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engine. A newer version was then developed in the early 90s to the 2000s by the Commander Aircraft company. Still on the late 2008 another type of the same family was brought to life.
It was built to par with the Piper Cherokee line of airplanes. This model was among the favorites in its early years in the market. Its production only stopped in 1979 but a series of models like 112A, 112B, 112TC, and 112TCA were tweaked and improvised.
When compared to its competitor - the Arrow, the 112's cabin were 6 inches wider. The large windows provide maximum visibility of the surroundings. Even those seating on the backseats are able to marvel at the spectacular sights while flying in it. It has two cabin doors which gives it an edge over the Arrow. Even its overall aesthetics reflects a modern and sleek look as compared to the 60s design concept applied to the Arrow. A small but notable feature on the 112 is it also came with a courtesy light for the step on the wing, touch the button above and it surely is convenient when climbing over at night time.
However in spite of all the 112s effort to keep up with the competition, it never seemed to catch on. Probably because some commanders were highly priced compared to the other planes, mainly because they couldn't just pull it lower when it came in with hi tech avionics
system.
Another factor which caused the 112 failure to achieve its targeted sales figure was because compared to the other planes in its class, it didn't live up to the speed and payload like the others. It was slower than the Arrow.
The payload was not much different. The 112A produced in 1975 was supposed to carry a 48 gallons of fuel with a 659 pounds of payload. But the Arrow II with the same 48 gallon capacity was able to carry 839 pounds, that makes a difference of valuable 180 pounds, a weight of one person.
However these days, the Commander 112 prices offered are quite attractive. So if you are aware of its small issues but still prefer good looks over anything else. This plane might just be for you after all.