This 1978 Rockwell Commander Is a Conversation-Starting ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

1978 Rockwell Commander 114 [Courtesy: Clark Hanger]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1978 Rockwell Commander 114.

The Commander 114 reflects manufacturer Rockwell’s approach to designing what was to be a game-changing GA airplane. Rockwell is better known for its military aircraft, such as the B-1 Lancer bomber, and the company incorporated a number of rugged and seemingly fortified elements into the Commander’s design. The aircraft’s trailing link main landing gear, for example, looks like it could handle carrier landings.

What really sets the Commander apart is its wide, spacious, and comfortable cabin, which typically receives high marks from passengers. Unlike some competing four-seaters, the Commander does not force occupants to rub shoulders. The aircraft is also known for good visibility and smooth, forgiving handling that make it a pleasure to fly. Commanders are relatively rare, as Rockwell and successor companies produced them only for short periods, and the airplanes never gained the popularity of more familiar Pipers, Cessnas, and Beechcrafts. They receive plenty of support from an active owner group, and spare parts are not hard to find.

This 1978 Commander 114 has 2,470 hours on the airframe, 25 hours since overhaul on its 260 hp Lycoming IO-540-T4B5D engine, and 25 hours on its Hartzell two-blade propeller since overhaul by H&H Propeller.

The panel features a King KMA-24H audio panel, Garmin GNS 530W GPS/Nav/Comm, King KCS 55A HSI, Garmin SL 30 digital Nav/Comm, Garmin GI 106A ILS/VOR/LOC Nav/CDI indicator, Appareo Stratus ES transponder with ACK-30 altitude encoder, King KFC 200 autopilot, and EDM 700 engine monitor.

Pilots searching the crowded high-performance, four-seat retractable category for their ideal traveling aircraft should consider this 1978 Rockwell Commander 114, which is available for $179,000 on AircraftForSale.

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