November /December newsletter

Legacy Aviation Services Filled with Commanders

November has been a busy month for Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Center Legacy Aviation Services. The Oklahoma City-based facility has worked on 11 different Twin Commanders over the past two weeks, with no signs of slowing down. Legacy’s RJ Gomez said the customers had come in from all over North America, including three from Mexico, and others from the West Coast, New York, Florida, and Arizona. Gomez attributes the recent success to Legacy’s central location, their reputation and expertise in maintaining the airplane, and their on-site hydraulic component repair and overhaul facility. The company also stocks an extensive array of Twin Commander parts, which makes 150-hour inspections faster and more efficient. “We’re serving our customers well from our in-house parts inventory,” he said. “And we’re doing our best to promote Commanders all over the world.”

Byerly Aviation Maintains Focus on Twin Commanders

Owners and operators often lament that there is a lack of specialization in aviation, especially amongst shops. Technicians are generalists who don’t fully understand the airplane and how to troubleshoot problems, the thinking goes. That’s why the Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Center Network is such a compelling resource, and why Byerly Aviation is a great example of how institutional knowledge and a focus on serving a specific community can raise the bar. The privately owned full-service FBO has been involved with Twin Commanders for nearly 70 years, and the commitment continues today. CEO Scott Welch is an accomplished pilot and is passionate about the future of the company, and serving Twin Commanders owners and operators. “There’s never been an aircraft made to replace the Commander,” he said. The airplane still makes up 80 percent of Byerly’s maintenance business, and he doesn’t see that changing. “We’re Commander people.” You can read the full interview and much more, in the latest Flight Levels Online.

Ike’s Bird Helps Celebrate Air Force History

Every Commander has history, but only one can say it flew a president. Dubbed Ike’s Bird, a Twin Commander L-26B now owned and operated by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), was used by President Dwight Eisenhower to reach his farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The airplane, which was restored a few years ago, was asked to help celebrate the recent seventy-fifth anniversary of the Air Force at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Andrews is of course home to the 89th Special Missions Air Wing, the unit that operates a fleet of executive aircraft, including the Boeing 747s that currently serve as Air Force One. The wing operated Ike’s Bird as an executive transport from 1955 to 1960, and was one of a handful the Air Force ordered for the job. Since Eisenhower was a pilot, he was known to personally fly the airplane to and from the farm. The CAF owns and operates the only flying example of an L-26B used by the unit, but others exist in museums.

Name That Model

Turbine engines, a large picture window, and a shorter wing. All these are clues that can help narrow down the choices for this issue’s Name That Model, but the most important detail can’t be seen in the photo. Yes, we know it’s cheating, but even so,

Can you name that model?

October/November 2022

Byerly Aviation is Built on Twin Commanders

As one of the only privately owned full-service FBOs at a large airport, Byerly Aviation maintains a unique position in the market. And they got there in part by focusing on Twin Commanders. As one of the most experienced Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Centers, Byerly brings together its long history of selling, servicing, and overhauling every model of Twin Commander to benefit operators and bring value to the fleet. In the latest issue of Flight Levels we sit down with Scott Welch, the pilot turned turn-around specialist who helped inject new life into the business during the economic downturn of the early 2000s. Welch is all-in on Twin Commanders and sees serving the community as integral to the future of the business. The conversation with Welch is just the beginning. In the latest issue you can find stories on new faces in the community, how to pick one speed to increase proficiency, reminders about engine service requirements, a trip to Europe, and much more. Check out the latest issue online.

Stay Up-to-date with Technical Documents

Maintenance management is a fun and challenging part of the owner/operator experience. Keeping proper records is only one side of the equation. Pilots and technicians must also be sure they are complying with the latest guidance from the manufacturer. This can come in the form of flight manual supplements, service manual updates, service letters, and more. Twin Commander Aircraft maintains a list of current service bulletins, service letters, airworthiness directives, and all other required maintenance and service information. Head to TwinCommander.com and click on Technical Resources under the Ownership menu, or scroll all the way down to “Resources” in the footer of the website to see all the technical documents available. To subscribe or order single documents, reach out to your preferred Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Center. The parts department will be happy to guide you through the process.

‘Spend and Receive’ on Dorsal Fin Custom Kit

Spend a little and get a big discount. While supplies last, get 20 percent off the list price on Custom Kit CK200, a modern dorsal fin replacement. The kit is quick and easy to install and includes a composite laminate dorsal shell with an integrated moisture dispersion system. In 2011, Twin Commander Aircraft issued a Maintenance Alert on the factory dorsal fin of the 690A, 690B, 690C, and 695A models for excessive corrosion. Moisture can become trapped under the original dorsal fin, causing potential problems in that area. Custom Kit CK200 alleviates the issue, and depending on the condition of your current dorsal fin, there’s aesthetic benefits as well. Contact your preferred Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Center for pricing and to schedule your installation.

Naples Jet Center Weathers Hurricane Ian

“We’re up and in business,” said Bruce Byerly, owner of Naples Jet Center.Despite the massive damage Hurricane Ian inflicted throughout Southwest Florida, and despite several feet of water covering the Naples airport, the Jet Center was able to reopen soon after the storm passed and the water receded. Byerly said only one of 10 of their hangars stayed dry, and lots of ground equipment was damaged. But great foresight on the team’s part meant that all the airplanes were either flown out or moved, and none sustained damage. The team took one day to clean up the facilities, and were promptly back in business serving customers.

Name That Model

Identifying this classic isn’t easy. It’s one of two visually identical piston models. The three intakes on the engine nacelle should help narrow it down.
Can you name that model?

August 2022

FAA Proposes AD for V-band on Turbocharged Engines

The FAA late last month issued a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) affecting turbocharged Lycoming and Continental engines with certain v-band couplings installed. According to the proposed AD, the action was prompted by reports of multiple failures of spot welds at the connection between the tailpipe and turbocharger exhaust housing flange. If adopted, the AD would require a life limit of 500 hours, and an annual condition inspection. The part in question is found on Twin Commander models 500, 500A, 500B, 500S, 500U, 560A, 560E, and 685. According to Twin Commander Technical Service Manager David Allison, this part is a known area of concern, and Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Centers know to check the v-band clamp as part of any regular inspection. The proposed AD is open for comment until November 4.

Grabbe Receives FAA’s Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award

Mike Grabbe, the veteran Twin Commander technician and training expert, was recently awarded the FAA’s Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award in recognition of more than 50 years of excellence in aircraft maintenance.

Grabbe is Eagle Creek Aviation’s maintenance quality and safety manager, and is a renowned expert in Twin Commander systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance. He teaches the Twin Commander factory authorized training course for technicians in Eagle Creek Aviation’s facility near Indianapolis, and has been doing so for more than 20 years.

Grabbe’s career began in 1970 at a small shop in Maine after he earned a degree in aviation maintenance. “Mike Grabbe has been an invaluable asset for our aircraft maintenance operations over the past two decades,” said Scott Dillon, president of Eagle Creek Aviation. “His extensive experience, technical knowledge, and leadership in quality assurance and training have contributed to our success as an award-winning MRO. We are proud of his accomplishment of more than 50 years in the aircraft maintenance profession and are fortunate to have him on our team.”

Air Journey Offering Excess Liability Insurance for Europe

Flying to Europe has long presented a vexing insurance problem. Europe, including Greenland and Iceland, requires liability insurance amounts from $11 million, upwards of $25 million, depending on the aircraft type. One would think this excess liability request would be a simple call to your insurance broker, but most owners are met with hurdles or enormous cost.

This increased insurance requirement, directed by the European Union, dates back to the early 2000s. The EU imposes the amount depending on the weight of the aircraft. Airplanes weighing up to 13,230 pounds must be insured to the tune of $7 million SDR, the equivalent to roughly $11 million today.

Knowing what a challenge it is to obtain the additional insurance, tour company Air Journey is now offering the Air Journey Club. Interested parties need to become a member of the Air Journey Club (annual dues of $1,750 per member, of which $1,000 can be used as a credit towards a group-guided Air Journey or split into two installments of $500 towards Air Journey’s Concierge Services; among other benefits). As a member of the Air Journey Club, members will gain access to third party coverage providing excess liability insurance worldwide, with the exception of the USA, Canada, and countries subject to the Kiln Geographic Areas Exclusion Clause. The Kiln Geographic Areas Exclusion Clause refers to, in short, a list of countries that if operated in would be a breach of United Nations sanctions or countries with a history of political unrest.

For simple reference, pricing for the Air Journey Club plan is a set amount based on the type of aircraft by weight class and the length of time needed for coverage:

Aircraft with liability insurance requirements of $11M USD:

•    $2,500 premium: 1 to 15 days of coverage

•    $3,500 premium: 16 to 30 days of coverage

•    $6,000 premium: up to 75 days of coverage

Become an Air Journey Club member online or for additional information and details, please call the Air Journey Club at (561) 841-1551, ext. 15 or write them at [email protected].

Name That Model

Shorter propellers. Eyebrow windows. A slightly shorter wing. These are just a few of the clues that can help identify the type of Twin Commander in this great black and white photo. Is it an early 690, or maybe a 680?

Tell us in this month’s model quiz.

 


July 2022

Summer Flight Levels Online Available Now

How many times do you hear from a Twin Commander owner that they’ve wanted one since they were a kid? How sweet it is when the new owner fulfills that dream. It’s even better when the Commander is used as a way to soften the often difficult transition to retirement. Rick Ferrin had a lengthy career as an airline pilot, and used a Cessna 310 to commute from his home to work. But the dream of a Commander kept calling, and with his family’s support and guidance from the Commander community, he was able to put together an epic trip in his new 500B soon after parking the big jet for the last time. You can read his story in the latest issue of Flight Levels Online, available now. The issue is packed with tips from other owners, the latest on the challenging maintenance technician market, getting the most from your insurance, and more.

Wright Retires from Twin Commander Aircraft

Alan Wright, the soft-spoken and unassuming engineer for Twin Commander Aircraft, retired from the company at the end of June. Originally hired on the staff when the company was based in Washington, Wright made the move to Creedmoor, North Carolina, and spent a total of 16 years with the manufacturer. As an engineer for Twin Commander, he had responsibility for working on a diverse range of parts and aircraft improvements, interfacing with the FAA, writing service publications, and more. In an interview last year for Flight Levels he said, “I’m always inspired when I think about how Twin started, Ted Smith’s journey and perseverance in getting this dream of his off the ground, and especially how enduring the Twin legacy is. Sometimes when I’m going through reports and drawings, I see documents that are 40 years old with names on them of people that are still, or have recently, worked on Twin Commanders, like Geoffrey Pence and Fred Gatz. And I regularly hear about pilots and mechanics who cut their teeth on Twins and still love them and fly them. It makes me want to do my part in keeping Twin Commander parts and maintenance costs affordable so that they can keep flying for another 30 years!”

Space Still Available for Final Maintenance Training Session of the Year

As of this writing space was still available for the final factory authorized maintenance training session of the year. Held at the Eagle Creek Aviation facility near Indianapolis, the second and final in-person session of the year will be held October 17-26. All sessions feature eight days of in-depth instruction on virtually all aircraft systems. Students are issued full presentation and reference materials, and the class concludes with a 100-question exam. Successful completion leads to an official certificate of training and a record of training document. The cost is $5,000 per student. To register or for more information contact Mike Grabbe at 317-293-6935 extension 404 or email [email protected].

Lane Takes Over Larry York Aviation

Longtime Twin Commander instructor and mentor pilot Barry Lane is now the principal at Larry York Aviation after Larry York’s recent retirement. Larry York Aviation has an extensive client list, primarily of turbine-powered Twin Commander owners and operators. Lane, who long worked as an instructor for York, said customers can expect the same great service and instruction they’ve come to known and expect from the company. Larry York Aviation specializes in in-aircraft initial and recurrent training, and can work with any model of turbine-powered Twin Commander. Although based in Texas, Lane regularly travels to the customer’s home airport as a matter of convenience, and to ensure a deeper knowledge of the pilot’s home area.

Identify the Model

A busy production line. An open nosecone, and an open pilot and passenger doors. A number, written in marker on the nosecone, should give clues, but it’s hard to see in enough detail to know. When Twin Commander posted this photo on Facebook a few months ago, it was identified as a Model 685. But commentors objected, saying it was a Shrike. What do you think?

Tell us in this month’s model quiz.

 


May 2022

Eagle Creek Earns FAA’s Diamond Award

Eagle Creek Aviation and the company’s associated First Wing Jet Centers have been honored by the FAA with the AMT Diamond Award of Excellence. The Diamond Award of Excellence is given for employers who have more than three maintenance technicians, 100 percent of whom undergo continuing education and training throughout the year. Eagle Creek is a Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Center, and the company’s technicians underwent more than 1,500 hours of training last year, including the Twin Commander factory authorized maintenance technician training course. “As a company, we are committed to excellence in everything we do, including ensuring that we continue to invest in our technicians through training and education. We believe our customers are best served by professionals who are continually learning and utilizing industry best practices,” said Scott Dillon, President, Eagle Creek Aviation. “We are honored to be recognized by the FAA for that commitment.”

Last Chance to Save on Step Retract Link

Now through the end of May, take advantage of the factory’s discount program and Spend and Receive on a step retract link. Although the entry door to Twin Commanders sits relatively low to the ground, the entry step is a welcome touch that makes the process easier and more comfortable, especially for passengers. Now you can save 25 percent and keep yours in top shape and operating properly. The step retract link is PN 560000-41 (1001-1). The part is in stock and ready to ship now, and is available for models 680FLP, 680T, 680W, 681, 685, 685A, 690, 690A/B/C/D, 695, and 695A/B. Contact your preferred Factory Authorized Twin Commander Service Center for pricing and to schedule.

Cruise to the Latest Issue of Flight Levels Online

Every issue of Flight Levels Online is packed with stories of our community’s history, interesting people, market movements, and tips to get the most from your Twin Commander. The latest issue is free and available online now. In it you’ll find the story of Camanchaca, a fishing company in Chile that uses a Twin Commander to spot for fish off the Pacific Coast. For those interested in making your airplane even more powerful, learn how the Dash 10 upgrade can virtually pay for itself through longer inspection intervals. There are also tips on getting the most out of your insurance program through creative recurrent training, methods of programming visual approaches in your Garmin, a journey to the Galapagos Islands, and an early history of Fred Smith’s work developing the Aero Commander.