Aviation Consumer Article

by **Scott Ducey** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 6:01 pm

FWIW, I went back and re-read the Aviation Consumer article on our Comanche. I think it is an excellent and balanced write up. The first 3 paragraphs say great things about the plane, "roomy all metal design...still turns heads today...sharp edged styling...lends itself to upgrading". I don't know if the history is right or wrong, I don't know enough about it to comment intelligently here.

There is also mention of the "excellent build quality with total corrosion proofing". Some very positive things about the ICS. I also think some of the criticism was fair, 'reduced visibility upwards', cabin a bit drafty and noisy'. The article goes on to say, "the Comanche is one of the best built metal singles available, and it can be well maintained at lower cost than aircraft of lesser performance due to the widespread use of generic parts". They do mention that system age can not be ignored, however they go on to say that many of the issues have more to do with poor maintenance then airplane design. They point out that it is important to find a mechanic that knows the brand, and the ICS (Delphi also) can help with that . I think we would all agree with that.

I really didn't get their remark that one of the top sore spots was 'airframe corrosion, and engine/prop issues'. I was always under the impression that the Comanche is one of the best corrosion proof airplanes out there. I also thought the engines were bulletproof, but maybe i am missing something.

But the last point aside, I guess I walked away thinking that, wow this is a ~40 year old airplane, and they have wonderful things to say about it today. I don't know that other brands can claim that kind of success, and can attest to the strong passion most of us have for these airplanes. I wonder if Cirrus will receive these kinds of accolades 40 years from now. Maybe they will. It is amazing that a 40 year airplane can receive these kinds of accolades now. I think it speaks volumes of the engineering and workmanship that went into building the Comanche. It just re-affirms my own (perhaps biased) belief that we all own great airplanes. I wish Piper would bring them back!

Just my two cents.

by **David Pyle** » Mon Mar 30, 2009 11:09 pm

Scott,

Sounds good coming from a Twin owner. Good article. $35 gets you a six month subscription.