Aircraft overview

The Commander 114 is a four-seat, low-wing, retractable-gear piston single built by Rockwell International in the late 1970s. It followed the Commander 112, but is a distinct model with a larger 260 hp engine and higher performance. Production of the original Commander 114 ran from 1976 to 1979, before later Commander Aircraft models such as the 114B revived the type in updated form. For buyers, the Commander 114 matters because it combines a roomy cabin, robust construction and stable handling in a certified touring aircraft that sits outside the more common Beechcraft, Cessna and Piper choices.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise performance for the Commander 114 is in the mid 150 knot range, depending on altitude, propeller, rigging and engine condition. Usable range is commonly planned at around 600 to 700 nautical miles with appropriate reserves, again dependent on fuel load and operating profile. The aircraft is powered by a Lycoming IO-540 series six-cylinder fuel-injected engine rated at 260 hp. Published service ceiling is about 14,500 feet. Useful load varies by individual aircraft, equipment and modifications, so weight and balance records are especially important when comparing examples.

Cabin & avionics

The Commander 114 has seating for four and is known for a wide, comfortable cabin with good shoulder room for a piston single of its era. Dual cabin doors improve access, and the aircraft’s relatively generous interior is one reason many buyers consider it for personal travel rather than short local flying only. Original avionics were conventional analog panels, often with BendixKing radios and autopilots. Many aircraft on the market now have partial or full upgrades, commonly including Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 or Aspen electronic flight instruments, engine monitors and modern audio panels. Factory Garmin Perspective or G1000 avionics were not part of the original Commander 114 offering.

Buying & value

Condition and documentation drive value more than model year alone. Buyers should review landing gear maintenance, corrosion inspections, fuel system condition, engine time, propeller history, avionics upgrades and compliance with applicable service bulletins and airworthiness directives. Interior condition can vary widely, as many aircraft have seen private touring use over several decades. Common value enhancers include modern GPS navigation, upgraded autopilot capability, engine monitoring, refreshed paint and interior, and a clean damage history. On PlaneFox, current Commander 114 asking prices average about EUR 175,000, with observed listings ranging from roughly EUR 82,000 to EUR 269,000, placing it as a distinctive used-market alternative to mainstream retractable singles.