Monday, December 24, 2018

Rockwell Commander


FIRST CLASS COMFORT

Commander offers the finest cabin environment in its class. Its spacious interior rivals cabin class aircraft, offering ample space for the largest adults. This is because we approached the design of the Commander's cabin differently than our competitors.

We designed the interior space of the cabin and cockpit first, using ergonomics to create an environment that conforms to human requirements. To accomplish this, we employed Dryfuss Charts, which utilize anthropometric data to match human characteristics to industrial design.

The result is a cabin designed to provide unmatched comfort and ease of operation. Two large doors provide easy entry and exit. All controls are intelligently placed so they can be easily reached. Sight lines for the pilot and passengers are unobstructed in all quadrants. Head room, shoulder room, and leg room are optimized for larger adults.
Commander seats rival those found in the largest corporate jets. They are wide, strong, and luxurious. Layers of variable density foam are ergonomically-designed to support your head, neck, back, and legs, reducing fatigue on even the longest flights. Steel seat frames are securely attached to the cabin structure, and track fore and aft for optimal positioning.

All seats recline, and optional adjustable lumbar supports in the front seats provide additional comfort. Front seats provide automatic vertical and horizontal adjustment with seat position. Seat backs recline up to 30 degrees for optimum comfort.

Each seat position is equipped with a stereo intercom system, overhead reading light, overhead fresh air vent and control, and a floor (heat) vent and control to suit individual tastes. The 22 cubic foot baggage compartment and large baggage door at waist height accommodates large luggage easily.

Matching the level of comfort and space is the remarkable level of noise suppression. Commander utilizes five layers of insulation and acoustical materials to reduce noise levels substantially, including acoustic foam, microlite, thermoplastic and rich pleated leather to suppress noise.

ABS side and headliner panels retain their shape regardless of environmental conditions. Glove-soft leather, English wool, and deep-pile carpeting wrap you in unrivaled comfort. Cast aluminum control wheels and door handles offer solid feel and strength. In short, we use only the highest quality materials, and it shows.

When you sit in other aircraft in this class, the difference in design philosophy is apparent. Their cabins are either much narrower or shorter, or a combination of both. There are blind spots where vision is greatly restricted. Controls are harder to reach and many times out of view. Seats are lower to the floor and contain less padding, increasing fatigue on even shorter flights. Baggage space is smaller and more difficult to reach. Noise levels are higher.

Commander's attention to the many details of the human form translates into a cabin environment second to none. The aircraft cross-sections depict what a difference this makes when real people are actually seated in the aircraft.

When you add it all up, the end result is an airplane that respects your physical and mental needs. In the real world, on flights of any length, you will see, hear, and feel the difference. Less fatigue allows you to be a better pilot, and gives your passengers the travel experience they deserve.

EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN

For years, aircraft designers left one important element out of the equation when they developed new aircraft: the customer. In their quest for more "performance", they created aircraft with major compromises in areas that matter in the real world. Areas like comfort, handling, visibility, operational simplicity, ergonomics, and serviceability.

Commander set out with these attributes in mind. The end result is an aircraft designed for today's pilots, certified to higher standards with features that make your total flying experience a cut above. The Commander has the largest cabin in its class, able to carry four large adults in comfort and style. Its unique aerodynamic balance produces unmatched flying qualities. The "squared oval" cross-section, 47 inches wide by 49 inches high, provides maximum head and shoulder room for both front and rear seat passengers. Instrument panel layouts are professionally designed for individual aircraft. There is ample space to install avionics, including complete co-pilot instruments. The engine gauge cluster is front-mounted for easy access behind the panel. All switches and circuit breakers are grouped by function. Night lighting is provided by a variable intensity flood system. A powerful 28 volt, 80 amp electrical system provides Commander aircraft with capacity for the optional equipment of your choice. Commander aircraft have integral landing lights and wide angle taxi lights. They are equipped with triple strobe lights and dual vacuum pumps. Redundant systems such as dual controls, dual brakes, alternate static source, separate magnetos, dual trim actuators, and two cabin doors provide convenient access and an extra margin of safety. All are standard equipment on Commander aircraft.

Commander's design philosophy is to create modern, straightforward, and reliable systems, reducing pilot workload while increasing peace of mind. This approach pays off every time you climb aboard. When you add it all up, the logic is compelling. Inside and out, the Commander is the better aircraft, by design.
 
Thanks to Judi Anderson at Suncoast Aviation for her knowledge of the type and warm welcome to the world of Commanders. I have a feeling we'll be doing business in the new year.

2 comments:

Sammy L said...

Commanders are really nice airplanes. There is one at my local field and the owner of this particular commander ensures his commander stays in perfect shape.

Gary said...

Sammy, the commander seems to be the focus of my search. I like the 114’s for speed and payload. Thanks for reading the blog and leaving a comment.