I owned one plane in my life. Comanche 6548P. After getting an instrument rating (Schaumburg Airport) I flew twelve hours more and sold it. I realized I just didn't have the time or money to stay safe. When I got to the point where time and money was available, I now wish I had gone back to flying. I had got to the point where I was doing more than training and using the plane for family events and trips. At the time, having money made it very easy to fly commercial, long before the mess we see at airports today. Then 20 years went buy like a snap of your fingers and I probably couldn't pass a flight physical. It was a wonderful plane. As far as landing, I felt it was much better than the Cherokee with the fat wing, but you had to stay current. Fly them regularly and they are a joy to fly. Love the videos, Dennis Miller Anthem, AZ
Morning Dennis, Don't feel bad, a lot of guys run into this situation of time and money. This Summer I have not flown a single hour. Took the plane up for an avionics/Autopilot upgrade and it has drug on all summer. So I am way out of any kind of currency. It happens. Mike
We just bought a PA 24 250. Great plane. Enjoy watching your clips. If you ever decide to fly to Canada be sure and stop in Abbotsford (just outside Vancouver)and say hello. Keep posting!!
I miss my 1960 PA24-180 6591P surprised about the 170 air speed, by the numbers I had 160 mph at 70% then added the tip tanks and gained 4 mph or a 200 pound gross weight increase for the 250 and a non documented 175 pound increase for the 180, loved my 180 but spent some time in a 250 and was very impressed with the smoooth engine and its git up and go from a stand still. Had a Cherokee 140 great plane but a brick compared to a Comanche, the birds just fly gereat . As far as landing the bird My flight instructor had a 180 Comanche and never made a good landing I bought mine and had it for years and never made a hard landing once, go figure, he could fly anything and greased them all in except his own Comanche! Thanks fer making me remember!!
This is why they say you have to love aviation to be a pilot, because look how much work Michael Ellis goes through just to make sure his baby is sleeping warm. :) Good video bro, I really enjoy them. I am a FSX pilot only lol and I bought the A2A Piper Comanche 250, and I been in love with this beauty of an aircraft.
Comanche’s are just a better deal than any Arrow. Better built, better performance, better durability. Flew one once, flew a couple of Arrows, hands down the Comanche is better. I loved it! Congratulations on that beauty you have there! Take care of her👍
It's mind-blowing to see pilots flying so freely in countries where people truly live without bounds! I can't even fathom the idea of getting on a real plane, let alone flying one myself, as long as I'm stuck in my country. It's just sad that some places are held hostage by their governments. Our version of freedom feels worlds apart from yours.
Where in the world are you? Your English is great, unless you use some kind of super translator, which means you are probably in the west. Civil Aviation is pretty much everywhere in the west. In Europe it is way, way more expensive but doable. Australia has a lot of government interference, at least that is the feeling I get, but still they get it done.
Great video. I've been looking to step up into a comanche from a Cherokee 235 for the speed, range, and mogas stc which makes international flying into South America a bit easier when it comes to refueling. Great video and owner perspective! Nice plane!
I often wonder if all the "Plastic" airframes being built today will still be as solid and safe to fly after 61 years, as is this fine, all metal Piper! I NEVER feel "safe" in those new, "Plastic" birds. But this beautiful machine? I'd be happy to fly in any time!
Make sure to make a video with the Garmin G5. I would like to have one installed too! Hopefully the HSI G5 will be certified as well. My 1960 250 is in annual now and I can't wait for better flying weather. Happy flying from N6789P SN-1921
Hi Gmonnig, I am also hoping that they get the HSI STCd for certified aircraft. If so then I could completely dump my vacuum system, since the autopilot operates off the turn coordinator. The weather has been pretty crappy around here as well and I have not been up since the end of December. Once I get it installed, I will make another video. Thanks
Book says 13.9 gph at 75%. Make sure you're leaning. Our club usage was 12 gph. We got close to 181 tas. That's at 2575 rpm and full throttle and density altitude above 7k.
That's a really tidy Comanche, the panel as well. My dad had a Comanche 180, we went all over the place in it (New Zealand) He would flight plan for 135 kts, a bit slower than yours;)
She's a beauty! What power setting are you using when seeing 170MPH? I get the same around 22"/2200. 3-blade and tips as well. Will need to confirm with a GS check, though.
Hi Clay, Thanks. 170 MPH is the True Airspeed that I am seeing at 75% 100 degrees ROP at roughly 7,000 ft. I use the power settings in the Comanche Manual that the International Comanche Society publishes depending on Altitude. Book says I should be seeing about 180 MPH TAS but I am not seeing that. Not a big deal really, 10 MPH is not a lot of time on a typical flight anyway.
Any way to engage you directly via email or phone to hear/talk about you and your Comanche? Don't see an email link or anything. I'd value your insights as I try to decide which airplane is best for me. Thanks.
I like your video, I am looking into buying a 1960 250 Comanche but it's at 2008 SMOH, you mentioned that you did a MOH on yours, what was your cost for your engine? Thank you for your help
antonio r Hi Antonio, there are multiple answers to your question. What type of overhaul you do (Field, Shop, or Lycoming) what else you overhaul at the same time (Prop, Gear Motor, Mags, Alternator, etc.), where you are in the country, and how much work you do yourself. Rough estimate you will spend from $20K to $50k for a complete job. Sorry but that is the best I can do. You might want to call around for a shop. Cliff Wilinski at Heritage Aero is a great source of information. Best of luck.
Vero Flyboys Hi Vero, nope not something I have. I would think this would be something you might be able to get, if you go to the Airworthy Comanche Forum or the Facebook Group and ask. Best of luck.
Wow, I was not aware of that. It was a tad before my time. My aircraft rolled down the assembly line 72 planes in front of the one she passed away in. Weird. :-)
That's interesting. A VFR only pilot flying into s massive storm is likely the cause of her accident. I believe the FAA said he probably lost awareness but I wonder if a downdraft might have pushed the plane nose first into the ground.
There are also Comanche 260s and a smaller number of Comanche 400s. The 180 Comanche was probably underpowered for most, and the 400 is probably not practical for most. The 250 or 260 are just about right. IMHO
I fly a 180. They're not underpowered. Only about 10 to 20 knots slower than a 250. I can happily sit at 140 kts. Makes alot of sense here in the UK as fuel costs so much.
Hey man I'm new into the aviations an I'm looking into prices and I was wondering whether a Cessna 172 is more efficient than a comanche or visa Vera's but I was wondering what's better for the buy between the two planes for being a beginner pilot
Hi Delirious, A 172 is a great plane, my 1st plane was a 172. Can't really say anything bad about them. It all depends on what your mission is. Great place for information is the Pilots of America board. Here is a link: www.pilotsofamerica.com/community/ best of luck.
Mike, does your Comanche have a handbrake? I'm considering a Comanche but am having trouble overcoming the issue of never operating an aircraft with handbrakes (big motorskill adjustment). Everything else about the older 250s I really like and have come across some beautiful airplanes. Thoughts?
David Arteta Hi Dave, In my opinion it is really a non issue. Since the rudder peddles are directly connected to the nose wheel you do not need differential braking. It probably took me all of 5 mins to get used to it. There are Comanches out there with brake pedals, I think the B model and newer have them, and you can retrofit the older ones, but I have never really seen a need.
Agreed regarding it being a quick adjustment. You get used to it rather quickly. I find it more annoying now to use foot brakes than my hand breaks on a Cherokee 235.
This can also very from model to model within the product line. I have a Comanche 250, and it has toe brakes. Now, a prior owner may have modified it (never went thru the paperwork to see), but if the lack of toe brakes is such an issue, you can either find a model that has toe brakes, or do an MOD to add them. Now, the brakes are only on the left seat peddles in my case.
In Grand Prairie (Dallas, Tx), I'm paying $225 a month. No water, minimal power, but no electric bill. Plug in a florescent and a mini dorm room fridge and the light dims to practically OFF when ever the fridge kicks in. It is enough to run the battery tender but that is about it.
Hi Keam, yes N7000P which was the plane Patsy Kline died in was built just after mine. One correction to your statement, the plane did not kill her, the Pilot, who was not instrument rated, made the decision to launch into weather he might not have been capable of handling. The Pilot in Command bares responsibly for the safety of flight, no other.
Iowarail: Well of course I know that! Randy Hughes, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins were all on the plane with Pasty when it went down but pasty was the most famous at the time so that's why she's recognized a little more...
Michael Ellis: Those planes hold up well until they go down! But then again what plane does withstand a crash with such a dangerous Impact straight nose-down into the ground
Beautiful bird inside and out! Well taken care of!
I owned one plane in my life. Comanche 6548P. After getting an instrument rating (Schaumburg Airport) I flew twelve hours more and sold it. I realized I just didn't have the time or money to stay safe. When I got to the point where time and money was available, I now wish I had gone back to flying. I had got to the point where I was doing more than training and using the plane for family events and trips. At the time, having money made it very easy to fly commercial, long before the mess we see at airports today.
Then 20 years went buy like a snap of your fingers and I probably couldn't pass a flight physical.
It was a wonderful plane. As far as landing, I felt it was much better than the Cherokee with the fat wing, but you had to stay current. Fly them regularly and they are a joy to fly.
Love the videos,
Dennis Miller
Anthem, AZ
Morning Dennis, Don't feel bad, a lot of guys run into this situation of time and money. This Summer I have not flown a single hour. Took the plane up for an avionics/Autopilot upgrade and it has drug on all summer. So I am way out of any kind of currency. It happens. Mike
We just bought a PA 24 250. Great plane. Enjoy watching your clips. If you ever decide to fly to Canada be sure and stop in Abbotsford (just outside Vancouver)and say hello. Keep posting!!
I miss my 1960 PA24-180 6591P surprised about the 170 air speed, by the numbers I had 160 mph at 70%
then added the tip tanks and gained 4 mph or a 200 pound gross weight increase for the 250 and a non documented 175 pound increase for the 180, loved my 180 but spent some time in a 250 and was very impressed with the smoooth engine and its git up and go from a stand still. Had a Cherokee 140 great plane but a brick compared to a Comanche, the birds just fly gereat . As far as landing the bird My flight instructor had a 180 Comanche and never made a good landing I bought mine and had it for years and never made a hard landing once, go figure, he could fly anything and greased them all in except his own Comanche!
Thanks fer making me remember!!
This is why they say you have to love aviation to be a pilot, because look how much work Michael Ellis goes through just to make sure his baby is sleeping warm. :) Good video bro, I really enjoy them. I am a FSX pilot only lol and I bought the A2A Piper Comanche 250, and I been in love with this beauty of an aircraft.
Comanche’s are just a better deal than any Arrow. Better built, better performance, better durability. Flew one once, flew a couple of Arrows, hands down the Comanche is better. I loved it! Congratulations on that beauty you have there! Take care of her👍
It's mind-blowing to see pilots flying so freely in countries where people truly live without bounds! I can't even fathom the idea of getting on a real plane, let alone flying one myself, as long as I'm stuck in my country. It's just sad that some places are held hostage by their governments. Our version of freedom feels worlds apart from yours.
Where in the world are you? Your English is great, unless you use some kind of super translator, which means you are probably in the west. Civil Aviation is pretty much everywhere in the west. In Europe it is way, way more expensive but doable. Australia has a lot of government interference, at least that is the feeling I get, but still they get it done.
I enjoyed this video quite a bit. Very informative!
Great video. I've been looking to step up into a comanche from a Cherokee 235 for the speed, range, and mogas stc which makes international flying into South America a bit easier when it comes to refueling. Great video and owner perspective! Nice plane!
Great video, thanks for the Mooney comparison, helped a lot!
Nice video. I like the comparison to other aircraft, shows you spend some time deciding on the best plane for your mission.
Thanks Kiltedpiper
What can I say, it is the perfect airplane - it does everything so well
What a beautiful plane! lucky guy indeed.
It amazes me that these planes can be so old yet still fly like a gem compared to a 50 year old car (generally)
Forreal. I couldnt even tell how old they are. Theyre so ageless and reliable.
Even the newer craft don't look a lot different they pretty much look the same, that an your average aircraft is much better cared for then most cars.
I often wonder if all the "Plastic" airframes being built today will still be as solid and safe to fly after 61 years, as is this fine, all metal Piper!
I NEVER feel "safe" in those new, "Plastic" birds. But this beautiful machine? I'd be happy to fly in any time!
Make sure to make a video with the Garmin G5. I would like to have one installed too! Hopefully the HSI G5 will be certified as well. My 1960 250 is in annual now and I can't wait for better flying weather. Happy flying from N6789P SN-1921
Hi Gmonnig, I am also hoping that they get the HSI STCd for certified aircraft. If so then I could completely dump my vacuum system, since the autopilot operates off the turn coordinator. The weather has been pretty crappy around here as well and I have not been up since the end of December. Once I get it installed, I will make another video. Thanks
I did my commercial training and check ride in a Camanche. Never had a bad landing. IMO one of the easiest planes to land.
Book says 13.9 gph at 75%. Make sure you're leaning. Our club usage was 12 gph. We got close to 181 tas. That's at 2575 rpm and full throttle and density altitude above 7k.
That's a really tidy Comanche, the panel as well. My dad had a Comanche 180, we went all over the place in it (New Zealand) He would flight plan for 135 kts, a bit slower than yours;)
What was the reg?
@@mytubehkjt Charlie Yankee Tango
Thx that really helped
She's a beauty! What power setting are you using when seeing 170MPH? I get the same around 22"/2200. 3-blade and tips as well. Will need to confirm with a GS check, though.
Great video. Let me know if you ever think of selling! I live in Northern Illinois.
Hi Clay, Thanks. 170 MPH is the True Airspeed that I am seeing at 75% 100 degrees ROP at roughly 7,000 ft. I use the power settings in the Comanche Manual that the International Comanche Society publishes depending on Altitude. Book says I should be seeing about 180 MPH TAS but I am not seeing that. Not a big deal really, 10 MPH is not a lot of time on a typical flight anyway.
Any way to engage you directly via email or phone to hear/talk about you and your Comanche? Don't see an email link or anything. I'd value your insights as I try to decide which airplane is best for me. Thanks.
The flod was 1972 Last Comanche.
My stepfather "blopped" his on landing and drove one of the mains into the wing, got the last spare wing from Piper.
It happens, get a little slow and they settle. Sometimes pretty hard.
I like your video, I am looking into buying a 1960 250 Comanche but it's at 2008 SMOH, you mentioned that you did a MOH on yours, what was your cost for your engine? Thank you for your help
antonio r Hi Antonio, there are multiple answers to your question. What type of overhaul you do (Field, Shop, or Lycoming) what else you overhaul at the same time (Prop, Gear Motor, Mags, Alternator, etc.), where you are in the country, and how much work you do yourself. Rough estimate you will spend from $20K to $50k for a complete job. Sorry but that is the best I can do. You might want to call around for a shop. Cliff Wilinski at Heritage Aero is a great source of information. Best of luck.
Michael, do you know where I could find a good pre buy checklist for the Comanche 250? Do you happen to have one you could share? Thank you!
Vero Flyboys Hi Vero, nope not something I have. I would think this would be something you might be able to get, if you go to the Airworthy Comanche Forum or the Facebook Group and ask. Best of luck.
Nice plane. This is the model plane that the singer patsy cline died in. It was a 1960 piper C PA-24 tail number N7000P
Wow, I was not aware of that. It was a tad before my time. My aircraft rolled down the assembly line 72 planes in front of the one she passed away in. Weird. :-)
That's interesting. A VFR only pilot flying into s massive storm is likely the cause of her accident. I believe the FAA said he probably lost awareness but I wonder if a downdraft might have pushed the plane nose first into the ground.
That unfortunately happens much too often in this game.
Michael Ellis yeah.
There are also Comanche 260s and a smaller number of Comanche 400s. The 180 Comanche was probably underpowered for most, and the 400 is probably not practical for most. The 250 or 260 are just about right. IMHO
I fly a 180. They're not underpowered. Only about 10 to 20 knots slower than a 250. I can happily sit at 140 kts. Makes alot of sense here in the UK as fuel costs so much.
Hey man I'm new into the aviations an I'm looking into prices and I was wondering whether a Cessna 172 is more efficient than a comanche or visa Vera's but I was wondering what's better for the buy between the two planes for being a beginner pilot
Hi Delirious, A 172 is a great plane, my 1st plane was a 172. Can't really say anything bad about them. It all depends on what your mission is. Great place for information is the Pilots of America board. Here is a link: www.pilotsofamerica.com/community/ best of luck.
Mike, does your Comanche have a handbrake? I'm considering a Comanche but am having trouble overcoming the issue of never operating an aircraft with handbrakes (big motorskill adjustment). Everything else about the older 250s I really like and have come across some beautiful airplanes. Thoughts?
David Arteta Hi Dave, In my opinion it is really a non issue. Since the rudder peddles are directly connected to the nose wheel you do not need differential braking. It probably took me all of 5 mins to get used to it. There are Comanches out there with brake pedals, I think the B model and newer have them, and you can retrofit the older ones, but I have never really seen a need.
Agreed regarding it being a quick adjustment. You get used to it rather quickly. I find it more annoying now to use foot brakes than my hand breaks on a Cherokee 235.
This can also very from model to model within the product line. I have a Comanche 250, and it has toe brakes. Now, a prior owner may have modified it (never went thru the paperwork to see), but if the lack of toe brakes is such an issue, you can either find a model that has toe brakes, or do an MOD to add them.
Now, the brakes are only on the left seat peddles in my case.
Pipers are easy to land as long as you are on the numbers.
Hangars where I live are 1,000.
Cooper Stukel WOW.....there are some benefits to living in the countryside.
In Grand Prairie (Dallas, Tx), I'm paying $225 a month. No water, minimal power, but no electric bill. Plug in a florescent and a mini dorm room fridge and the light dims to practically OFF when ever the fridge kicks in. It is enough to run the battery tender but that is about it.
Check out a bonanza
Do you need any special endorsements. i.e. high performance
Hi Shawn, Yes on the Comanche 250 you need both a Complex and High Performance endorsement. On the Comanche 180, you only need the Complex. Mike
Michael Ellis thank you so much.
beauty old lady normal cost today old lady maximum 30-34000$ no newer more.its old.
This is the type of plane that killed Pasty...
Hi Keam, yes N7000P which was the plane Patsy Kline died in was built just after mine. One correction to your statement, the plane did not kill her, the Pilot, who was not instrument rated, made the decision to launch into weather he might not have been capable of handling. The Pilot in Command bares responsibly for the safety of flight, no other.
Michael Ellis
Amen, and not the first pilot to kill a musician or two. "Hawkshaw" Hawkins was killed on that flight also.
Iowarail: Well of course I know that! Randy Hughes, Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins were all on the plane with Pasty when it went down but pasty was the most famous at the time so that's why she's recognized a little more...
Michael Ellis: I meant the Impact of the crash killed her
Michael Ellis: Those planes hold up well until they go down! But then again what plane does withstand a crash with such a dangerous Impact straight nose-down into the ground