For fans of military might and the marvels of aviation, there’s a special kind of appreciation reserved for aircraft with a history, those that blend the rugged determination of military design with the elegance of general aviation.

Enter the 1978 Rockwell Commander 114, a machine that not only boasts a military lineage but also offers an air of distinction in the general aviation market—a true conversation-starter amongst collectors and flight aficionados.

On May 23, 2024, Aircraft For Sale heralded the Commander 114 as its top pick, drawing attention to its rarity and desirable shape that stand out on airport ramps.

This particular model, a gem from the disco-era skies of 1978, embodies the design philosophy of Rockwell—known for heavy-duty combatants like the B-1 Lancer bomber.

Integrating elements typically seen in more formidable aircraft, the Commander’s trailing link main landing gear could metaphorically handle the demanding landings of an aircraft carrier.

What sets the Commander 114 apart is its generous cabin, rated highly for its comfort and spaciousness, a luxury not found in many four-seater competitors.

The pilots benefit too, with good visibility and smooth handling characteristics that make every flight a pleasure. Despite its charm, the Commander never quite reached the popularity peaks of its rivals like Piper or Cessna, rendering it a relative rarity. Still, it boasts robust support from an active owner community, and parts availability is reassuringly good.

The panel of the 1978 Commander 114 is a testament to its time, yet updated with modern touches. It includes a range of instruments and systems such as a King KMA-24H audio panel and a Garmin GNS 530W GPS/Nav/Comm among others.

With a Lycoming IO-540 engine and Hartzell propeller, it’s clear this aircraft is ready for many more years in the skies, all for a price tag of $179,000.

But the Commander’s story doesn’t end with the 114. The legacy includes its sleek twin, the Commander 700, detailed on September 12, 2023, as the top pick for Aircraft For Sale.

The 1970s were marked by booming general aviation sales and the Commander 700, a brainchild of the collaboration between Rockwell and Fuji Heavy Industries, epitomized the era’s trend for capable and complex aircraft.

The 700 series boasted a pressurized cabin, maximizing passenger comfort—a prime feature for high-altitude travel without the need for supplemental oxygen.

Like its single-engine cousin, the Commander 700 enjoyed the limelight with an updated panel featuring state-of-the-art avionics, making it a modern contender in the light twin category.

This aircraft has 7,982 hours on the airframe, with 392 hours on one of its 340 hp Lycoming TIO-540 engines and 880 on the other. Both propellers have logged 165.8 hours since overhaul.

This particular aircraft, available for $220,000, represents a blend of history, performance, and comfort that continues to captivate the hearts of aviation enthusiasts.

Relevant articles:
– This 1978 Rockwell Commander Is a Conversation-Starting ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick, FLYING Magazine
– COMMANDER 114B Specifications, Cabin Dimensions, Performance, globalair.com
– Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1978 Rockwell Commander 700, FLYING Magazine