Register

New Power to the Commander

Super Commander
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Super Commander" conversion is an FAA-approved Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) designed to significantly upgrade older Commander 114/115 aircraft.
  • This STC replaces the original Lycoming IO-540 engine with a more powerful 320 hp Lycoming IO-580, along with a new propeller and cowl.
  • The upgrade dramatically improves performance, boosting cruise speeds to over 170 knots and initial climb rates to over 1,500 fpm, transforming the Commander into a competitive high-performance single.
See a mistake? Contact us.

We were headed back toward Austin’s Class Charlie airspace from our demo flight out to the west in a Commander 115, though it wasn’t just any Commander 115. At the time it was the only one like it in the world. The frequency was pretty quiet. We were at 5,500 feet, about 25 miles out when one of the Austin Approach controllers gave us a call, “N115CE, say type of aircraft.” “N115CE is a Commander 115.”

“Uh, roger, is that a single-engine or a twin-engine aircraft?”

FLYING Staff

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE