Purchasing a Comanche

So you are considering a Comanche? I have some pointers based on my own personal experience regarding the pre-purchase process. They are: (1) Be patient - keep in mind some of these airplanes are more than 40-years of age. Finding the right airplane requires patience, and is similar to looking for a spouse. Hasty decisions may result in you waking up next to someone that is difficult, annoying and a hazard to your health. When you eventually get rid of them, it costs you way more than you ever imagined. So be patient. (2) Join the International Comanche Society ("ICS") BEFORE you purchase the airplane. The folks on the forum are knowledgeable, friendly and eager to help. Investment in a membership is small, but it pays big dividends. (3) Educate yourself about the Comanche brand. Look at prices on Controller, ASO, Trade-A-Plane and similar web sites. (4) VRef - while I don't consider this service (provided by AOPA) gospel, but it does provide you with a reference point on whether an owners asking price is reasonable. (5) Most importantly, find yourself a proficient Comanche mechanic. No, not someone that did an annual on a Comanche two years ago, rather someone that is well versed in these airplanes. If you don't know one, ICS can help you find one.

Be prepared to spend money on your due diligence. If you are like me, I looked at three planes BEFORE purchasing N931JS. It is better to spend $1,500 on a good pre-purchase inspection and walk away, then to pay $80K for an airplane only worth $50K. In the long run you are saving yourself money. Take this process seriously. Ask questions - did the previous owner(s) take care of the airplane? How is the compression, when was the last time the gear was inspected, are the logs complete, is there damage history? Bill Creech, the ICS Technical Advisor, sells a book on ICS' web site that identifies many of the things that are important to look for in the pre-purchase inspection. Buy it.

Please don't consider what I present here as exhaustive and formal advice. It is merely some thoughts concerning my own experience. Do your homework, become proficient with the Comanche brand, your knowledge will serve this process.

If you are lucky enough to find a mint Comanche, and there are plenty out there, PLEASE take care of it. Don't let it sit for long periods. If you cant take it out for a few hours, go down to the airport and fly it around the pattern. The engine(s) need exercise. If the plane needs mechanical attention - address it. This machine is responsible for keeping you safely suspended above the earth, it has your life in its hands - treat it with the care and respect it deserves.

One final point. There is a reason they call this a "complex airplane", and it is not simply due to the FAA's definition thereof. This airplane requires more of your flying attention than a Cessna 172. I am not talking high math here, but the truth is the Comanche (and other complex airplanes) do not fly like your trainer. Use your checklist - before, during and after your flight. Getting the plane configured for landing is not accomplished by simply chopping the power 5-miles out. The laminar flow wing requires advance planning. Go through the GUMPS checks a few times in the pattern. Know your airplane and know your own limitations! The Comanche is not dangerous, but as Ryan Furguson says, it demands respect. All too often I read on the ICS or Delphi forum about a newly minted Comanche owner killing themselves (and others) because their flying skills are not up to speed. Are you ready to fly IFR in a Comanche? Do you know your power settings? Could you still fly the plane in IFR conditions with an emergency? Honestly evaluate your flying abilities at that moment, and make your fly/no fly decision based on that, and not your ability to get to your destination.

I hope this helps.