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joel.carter131(at)GMAIL.C
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 Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 12:25 pm Post subject: Commander "straight 500" real world numbers |
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Hello, my name is Joel Carter. I am interested in learning the real world numbers regarding the straight 500. Typical useful loads, speed,% power, altitude and ff. I read in a Mar 1960 Flying pirep that proper rigging can influence TAS and stall characteristics.
Finally, I would like to know what impact the spar cap problems (AD history) have on present and future ownership. Are there any other issues to be concerned about?
Thank you for your time.
JMC
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stratobee
Joined: 28 Dec 2010
Posts: 159
Location: Los Angeles
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 1:50 am Post subject: Re: Commander |
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Since nobody else has answered you, I'll give it a go even though I only run a 520. Depending on what model of 500 you run, they have roughly a useful load of about 1500-2000lbs and will cruise on paper at 170-190kts at 10000ft. The old 520 I fly, with roughly the same specs, is published to run at 171kts at 10K. In reality, it will do less. I normally cruise at 140kts to save on gas, but she'll do 160-165 balls to the wall TAS. My useful load is about 1700lbs on paper, but closer to 1400lbs after new weigh in.
If you're looking specifically at the bathtub nacelled straight 500 it will have roughly the same figures as the 520. Don't expect to get 500B numbers. It won't go much faster than 165kts, is my prediction.
The spar AD comes in few different flavors. The biggest one is the spar cap where they had some galvanic corrosion between the stainless steel bit and the aluminium. I forget when it came in to place, but I think the models after 1968 are the more susceptible. It's no big deal. The Commander wing is strong and it's relatively easy to comply with. If you have a straight 500, this will not be a problem.
You can get the book figures for all the models from this website:
http://twincommander.org
I wish I'd bought a 500B when I bought mine as they're well supported and solid machines. But I couldn't afford one at the time, so got the 520 instead. She's a great little aircraft with smashing short field capabilities, but getting harder to support and service every year.
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Adam |
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joel.carter131(at)GMAIL.C
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 5:43 pm Post subject: Commander "straight 500" real world numbers |
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Thanks Adam; I appreciate your response. After I learn what I want to know about the "straight 500", I'll have some questions about your 520
--------
Joel
On May 6, 2013, at 5:50 AM, stratobee <adam(at)adamfrisch.com> wrote:
| Quote: |
Since nobody else has answered you, I'll give it a go even though I only run a 520. Depending on what model of 500 you run, they have roughly a useful load of about 1500-2000lbs and will cruise on paper at 170-190kts at 10000ft. The old 520 I fly, with roughly the same specs, is published to run at 171kts at 10K. In reality, it will do less. I normally cruise at 140kts to save on gas, but she'll do 160-165 balls to the wall TAS. My useful load is about 1700lbs on paper, but closer to 1400lbs after new weigh in.
The spar AD comes in few different flavors. The biggest one is the spar cap where they had some galvanic corrosion between the stainless steel bit and the aluminium. I forget when it came in to place, but I think the models after 1968 are the more susceptible. It's no big deal. The Commander wing is strong and it's relatively easy to comply with.
I wish I'd bought a 500B when I bought mine as they're well supported and solid machines. But I couldn't afford one at the time, so got the 520 instead. She's a great little aircraft with smashing short field capabilities, but getting harder to support and service every year.
--------
Adam
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=400032#400032
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nico(at)nicsysco.com
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| Posted: Mon May 06, 2013 7:50 pm Post subject: Commander "straight 500" real world numbers |
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Hi Joel,
I flew a straight 500 for about 1,000 hours but that was about 25 years ago,
so I don't remember much of the operational data any longer. I do remember,
however, that it would never do 190kts in level flight as Adam has stated
but it wasn't subject to spar inspections (1959 model) and it burned about
11 gal per side (imperial gallons). It is a great hauler if you operate near
sea level but not above, say, 5,000 ft runway alt. The maintenance on the
airframe and systems was not exorbitant and the 250hp direct drive Lycomings
were unbeatable for reliability.
Here I am flying her in 1984:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rcUM9MCPsA&list=PLAC685237DC2D98C7
Once I had to almost-evacuate 8 people off an island in the Indian Ocean. At
sea level the 500 took 9 people with scuba gear off of a small strip without
drama for the pilot. Some of the pax were fighter jocks and they had
concerns but came to love the Commander after we had to make another landing
before we could fly home.
I can find the video of the trip and send it to you if you are interested.
Many thanks
Nico
--
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joel.carter131(at)GMAIL.C
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| Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 2:23 pm Post subject: Commander "straight 500" real world numbers |
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Thanks Nico,
I think Adam was referring to later model 500s such as the B, U or S models when he mentioned 190 kts cruise.
That sounds like quite an adventure you had with your 500 from that island in the Indian Ocean. Sure, I'd love to see the video.
Let me know.
Thanks,
Joel
On May 6, 2013, at 11:50 PM, Nico Nicsysco <nico(at)nicsysco.com> wrote:
[quote]
Hi Joel,
I flew a straight 500 for about 1,000 hours but that was about 25 years ago,
so I don't remember much of the operational data any longer. I do remember,
however, that it would never do 190kts in level flight as Adam has stated
but it wasn't subject to spar inspections (1959 model) and it burned about
11 gal per side (imperial gallons). It is a great hauler if you operate near
sea level but not above, say, 5,000 ft runway alt. The maintenance on the
airframe and systems was not exorbitant and the 250hp direct drive Lycomings
were unbeatable for reliability.
Here I am flying her in 1984:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rcUM9MCPsA&list=PLAC685237DC2D98C7
Once I had to almost-evacuate 8 people off an island in the Indian Ocean. At
sea level the 500 took 9 people with scuba gear off of a small strip without
drama for the pilot. Some of the pax were fighter jocks and they had
concerns but came to love the Commander after we had to make another landing
before we could fly home.
I can find the video of the trip and send it to you if you are interested.
Many thanks
Nico
--
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John Vormbaum
Joined: 21 Aug 2006
Posts: 273
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
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| Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 3:12 pm Post subject: Commander "straight 500" real world numbers |
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If I ever meet a 500B that flies at 190kts cruise, I'd buy it. I can go 190
up high, with full boost in my 500B if it's exceptionally cold out, the
airplane is washed, and there are no loose rivets, but I have to be willing
to use 34 gallons per hour to do it.
You can block a 500B at 170kts. It will fly ~175kts in cruise between
10-13000, but I prefer to pull the props back a little for noise reduction
and plan on 170 kts. At that, I can yank on the red levers and only burn 28
gal/hr. total, and cruise in comfort.
/J
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lloydsss11(at)MSN.COM
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| Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 6:00 pm Post subject: Commander "straight 500" real world numbers |
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<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--> JOHN, I CAN EVEN GET 200 KNOTS OUT OF MY 500B (DOWNHILL). YOUR SPEEDS ARE RIGHT ON, DON'T BELIEVE THEIR ADS.
[quote] ---
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