Making the jump to the Twin Comanche

[Eric Kallio]

Greetings, I am in the process of selling my RV-10 (reluctantly I might add) and will be making the jump to the Twinkie when I find the right plane since it fits my flying missions a litle better and matches my personal preferences. I have seen a few on the TAP site and some other places but was wondering what the folks around here think are important areas to focus on when evaluating these planes. I am an A&P, built my RV-10, and an Army maitnenance officer/maintenance test pilot, so I am not foreign to the maintenance arena, but most of my knowledge lies in the realm of helicopters. Avionics are not the most important thing to me since I am more than likely going to redo the panel anyway. Solid airframe (e.g. no corrosion and current ADs are important), good engines not just time but compressions and oil consumption, adn a workable interior. I don't mind redoing that wither if the price is right. Tip tanks are a must. But with all of this I do have a couple of pointed questions to ask.

1) How often are fuels cells typically replaced?
2) what are the trouble areas to look out for on a pre-buy that a good mechanic should know, but I need to verify?

I am actually looking at an aircraft in Daytona beach and wonder if anyone in here has any information to share about some of the aircraft for sale in that area that are listed with Gardner aircraft. I am going to be there to sell my RV-10 on the 12th and was going to start there on my quest for a twinkie. I apologize if this is a little long, or scatterbrained, just not sure where to really start... which is why I joined.

Eric

[Charles Schefer]

Eric,

Welcome to the ICS Forums. I am a big fan of Vans Aircraft. I've never owned one but I admit I've pined for an RV-8. If you are looking for a good Twin Comanche you might check out George Ahlesten's -> http://www.trade-a-plane.com/listing?id=1721733

I am in the process of completing a refurbishment of my landing gear and George did this to his plane. It's quite a process and adds a lot of life to an important part of the aircraft. George has also done quite a few impressive upgrades.

WRT your questions:

1) Fuel Cells: If new should last 20 years (I think) perhaps less if overhauled but they will have a longer life if kept full of fuel and if the plane is kept hangar-ed (not baking in the sun all the time).

2) I'll offer the same advice others gave me when I was in your shoes... it is VERY important to have a Comanche knowledgeable mechanic answer this question. There are two different recurrent 1000hr gear ADs that are important and can be expensive. I'd recommend you enlist the help of someone like Cliff Wilewski from Heritage Aero (Rockford IL - RFD). In Texas there is Clifton Aero which is very knowledgeable - ask Pat Keefer. Also in the mid-West is Webco and finally if you are looking at planes in the Florida Area call Matt Kurke at Comanche Gear (Naples FL). There are tons of very knowledgeable Comanche experts on these forums - many have helped me (I am a newbie having had my PA-30 for 1 year now).

Hope these are helpful starting notes...

- Charles

[N3322G]

Hi Eric,

I've flown my Twin for 44 years now - first as a student to my Mom, the longest owner, and then as owner since 1996.

Our bladders were always topped after every flight and they lasted 40 years. I replaced rather than repair as I pay for labor.

Ditto what Charles said on using a Comanche knowledgeable person for a pre-buy. They will know more in 20 minutes than a talented but not Comanche knowledgeable mechanic will know in a full day of review ... the pre-buy obviously takes longer than 20 minutes - I'm just trying to illustrate the point of using someone very knowledgeable.

To me the focus should be on gear and engines/props. When you know where the plane is - or if you have more questions, post again and folks here will help you find a good pre-buy person.

They are a great flying stable aircraft. If you want to get a head start on learning systems, the parts and service manuals are under the Tech Tab on the Home Page.

Hope this helps.

[Kristin Winter]

Fuel cells last 25-40 years if new and hangared and not allowed to dry out. Overhauled or repaired cells are good for 10-15.

A great mechanic that is not intimately familar with Comanches will miss lots of things. If you are not going to get a Comanche expert, save the money and do the pre-buy yourself. You will need the savings for the first annual. I can coach you as to what to look for, which will work better than hiring a mechanic who does not know the aircraft well.

[Jim Menconi]

I bought my twin in Florida as well and had the pre buy done by the Piper service center in Daytona Beach. I have to say that they missed many items in their
inspection that later cost me thousands to repair. The turbo's were not working properly (one was not working at all), they put my spinners on wrong, my turbo's were not documented to the aircraft. There were many other items that were missed but suffice it to say that what the others are saying about having a
experienced Comanche expert look at the aircraft before you buy will be the best decision you make. One other item, check out the trunions on the main gear for cracks as this is a $4,000 repair if you overhaul both, as I did. It's a GREAT Plane but Buyer be ware. The people on this site are great in giving good advice as well.

Jim Menconi

[Eric Kallio]

This is one of the specific planes I have been eyeing. I am hoping for a check flight in it on the 12th and if it looks good and the price can be agreed upon I would like to arrange for a pre-buy around Daytona Beach. Sounds like the Piper folks are out. Anyone around here know this airplane (good or bad) or know a good mechanic in the area?

Eric

[MULEFLY]

Call Matt Kurke... comanchegear.com He probably won't do a prebuy... but he can tell you where Bill Turley (?) is... central FL if I recall correctly and Bill is a very knowledgeable Comanche guy.

Jim

[Kristin Winter]

Bill Turley is in Bartow, FL. You might want to confirm what it will cost to upgrade the 530 to WAAS, as apparently that was not done. I would also recommend finding an experienced Twin Comanche pilot to flight test it.

[Eric Kallio]

[N3322G]

Eric,

Glad to hear that progress is being made - who is doing the test flight?

[Eric Kallio]

[N3322G]

Ummmm - allow me to worry on your behalf. There was an instructor in recent memory that created an emergency situation in a single Comanche and he could not recover and the aircraft ended up on its belly. Wish I knew someone in that area to help beyond the names you already have. I hear too many stories I guess. Just want everything to go well for you.