This 1960 Aero Commander 500 Is a Pioneering ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

1960 Aero Commander 500 [Courtesy: Gordon Duncan]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1960 Aero Commander 500.

Aero Commander was a pioneer in the light-twin category, developing its first models during the late 1940s—before the Piper Apache and Cessna 310.

Its design team, including Ted Smith, previously had been busy designing World War II combat planes for Douglas Aircraft, including the A-20 Havoc, a medium bomber to which the Aero Commanders bear a family resemblance.

Aviation legend and longtime airshow performer Bob Hoover made the Aero Commander famous with fantastic aerobatic routines that included performing loops, rolls, and other maneuvers with both engines shut down.

The rugged design also gained popularity among business flyers who appreciated its comfortable cabin, speed, and load-carrying capacity. Over time the model evolved into a series of ever-larger twins, culminating in turboprop and even jet models.

The earlier piston versions can represent a sweet spot for private pilot shopping for a practical personal aircraft for cross-country family trips. The aircraft’s pleasant handling and twin-engine redundancy make it especially well-suited for long-distance travel.

This 1960 Aero Commander 500 has 3,798 hours on the airframe, 987 hours since major overhaul on each of its Lycoming IO-540 engines, and 26 hours on its propellers. The aircraft is equipped with 90-amp alternators and Cleveland wheels and brakes.

The panel includes a new TKM MX 170C nav/comm, a King KX 170B nav/comm, KMA 24 audio panel with six-place intercom, Stormscope, KN 75 ILS with marker beacons, KN 64 DME, Apollo 618 Loran, KR 86 ADF, and AT-50A transponder.

Pilots looking for a roomy, comfortable light twin with a touch of midcentury cool and the spirit of Bob Hoover should consider this 1960 Aero Commander 500, which is available for $160,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.