Best Use of a Rockwell Turbo Commander 690B

[bjorlando]

Can anyone tell me the best way to utilize a Rockwell Turbo Commander 690B? What do these planes do best compared to similar aircraft?

[JK2FLY]

check your pm

[nick90744]

Almost everything . Start with the numbers: 300 Knot cruise,8 person cap. ,1400 NM range,visability,high wing, 80 gph at 300 Kts, 5400 TBO Garrett engines, 2000 ft runway ,low capital cost .Plus it is a dream to fly .

[geeoh480]

When the comparison is made to all other twin turbine aircraft, the Commander 690B with the Dash 10's is about as good as you can get. They climb like the U-2, 300 KT cruise, 5400 hour TBO, and with Eagle Creek mods RVSM!! 31,000 feet and the nicest ride you are going to get in turbulence. Slow flight is a dream, excellent control harmony, outstanding BFL (balanced field length) single engine performance the best of any current twin turbine in it's class, low acquisition costs, and on top of that a very good looking airplane!!...Oh!! and don't forget it is breeze to enter and exit that passengers like!!

[DMT]

I'd add a few other plusses:

1) unparalleled visibility out for flight crew and passengers. If part of the joy of flight is seeing where you are going, then not having a wing and huge engines in the way is a big plus. Stepping up from a Baron, I cannot tell you how much better I can see landmarks and interesting ground features!

2) Better efficiency than other turboprops, and near jet speeds at half the fuel and maintenance costs. The direct drive Garretts are more responsive and more efficient. They are elegant and efficient engines.

3) Terrific short/rough field capability. This is one stout aircraft.

4) Great network of maintenance. The shops I have met uniformly have greaty people with real depth in the aircraft.

I drive a 980, so I have a bit more wing and range, but the common factors all apply.

David Tenenbaum
N218MS

[geeoh480]

Dave,

The 980 rocks!!!!

They climb like a "homesick angel"

Cheers
Stephen
http://www.flyhelio.com

[DMT]

They do indeed, but then, if you are a Helio driver, you would know all about that!

David

[geeoh480]

Helio Stallion serial # 001, now has the -34 PT6 (750 SHP)

Cruise 180 KTAS, climb 2800 FPM

[DMT]

As the kids say these days: "SWEET!"

David