Before spending any time or money in this troubled economy, one would be prudent to weigh all the costs and benefits of refurbishing a proven airframe, or purchasing a new one. Especially with the new single engine 4 and 6 seat airframes approaching 1 Million dollars and up. One must weigh several factors including: RPM Commander offers STC enhancements for the"Speed Cowling" Aero Commanders to make them fly even faster, higher, on less fuel and longer range than they are already renouned for. As far as initial costs, the 9 and 11 seat Aero Commanders are still in a class of their own. Prices range for the speed cowling piston versions from $125,000.oo to $275,000.oo. The closest competitor may be the $450-$650,000.oo Navajo Chieftain, which is limited to 9 seats, 3500-4000 foot airstrips and 900nm range versus the Commanders 1000-3500 field length, and 1100-1500nm range. (Fuel consumptions are comparable, but because of the better wing loading, the Commander boasts a larger useful load at max range).
Aero Commanders were the FIRST Business class airplane introduced after WWII. It is still economical enough to be the family station wagon and classy enough to raise the eyebrow of the frugal businessmen.
The main drawback to the AeroCommanders were the geared and geared-supercharged motors. Their TBO was 1200 hours vs. the Navajo's 1800 hour TBO. They also tended to be $15-$25,000.oo more expensive at overhaul time.
With the upgrade kits offerd by RPMCommander, it is now possible to have the best performance AND an +2000* hour TBO.
Aquisition costs being half, and operating cost beng almost equal to the Chieftain, You can now enjoy better views and more stability from the high wing, much better field performance, longer range, more seats, with an easier to access cabin.
Our USED kits and aircraft make it so cost attractive, that you can add a MFD glass panel, new radios, new interior, new glass, and repaint your aircraft with the difference of what you would have spent on that Chieftain!
Contact us for pricing on NEW Kits OR Used aircraft with the RPM kits already installed.
*1800 hour TBO may be extnded to 2000 hours per operation to Lycoming Service Bulletin.