Specifications  

Commander 115 TC Performance and Operating Limitations 

Engine Management

The turbo-supercharged engine in this particular installation means simplified engine management is possible at all flight levels. Maximum continuous cruise power (78%) is available at all flight levels from sea level to 25,000 ft which is the Commander 115TC's certified ceiling.

Ceiling

Operations above the certified ceiling of 25,000 ft are prohibited.

There are a number of reasons that dictate the certified ceiling in aircraft certification, some of which are aerodynamic limits but one factor that becomes critical at high altitudes is the engine's cooling system ability to dissipate heat in the extremely thin air encountered at high altitudes, notwithstanding the atmosphere's very low ambient temperatures found at these altitudes. 

Power Settings

The maximum permitted continuous cruise power setting for this engine is 29 In. Hg (manifold pressure boost) at 2400 RPM, which translates to 78% power.  This power setting is available at all flight levels up to the certified ceiling of 25,000 ft.

Full rated power (37 In. Hg. @ 2575 RPM) may be used until 6000 ft in a maximum performance climb.  However, the long-term use of power settings above the maximum continuous power rating results in high engine wear, increased maintenance costs, decreased engine life expectancy and it results in excessive fuel consumption.

CRUISE PERFORMANCE in Standard Atmospheric conditions

78% Power: 29 In. Hg @ 2400 RPM

 

4000 feet

155 Kts

8000 feet

162 Kts

12000 feet

168 Kts

16000 feet

175 Kts

20000 feet

182 Kts

24000 feet

190 Kts

71% Power: 27 In. Hg @ 2300 RPM

 

4000 feet

150 Kts

8000 feet

155 Kts

12000 feet

161 Kts

16000 feet

168 Kts

20000 feet

175 Kts

24000 feet

182 Kts

63% Power: 25 In. Hg @ 2300 RPM

 

4000 feet

144 Kts

8000 feet

150 Kts

12000 feet

156 Kts

16000 feet

163 Kts

20000 feet

170 Kts

24000 feet

177 Kts

 

 

TAKEOFF Performance in Standard Atmospheric conditions

Airport Elevation (In Feet)

Ground Roll (Feet)

Takeoff over a 50 ft Obstacle (In Feet)

Sea Level

1250

2150

2,000

1450

2300

4,000

1700

2800

6,000

1970

3850

8,000

2300

6900

Airframe Operating Limitations

VA  - Maneuvering / Turbulent Air Penetration Speed

Speed (KIAS)

Aircraft Weight (lbs.)

117

3,305

113

3,000

103

2,491

 

VFE - Maximum Flaps Extended Speed

Speed (KIAS)

Flap Setting (degrees)

149

0 - 20

121

20 - 25

112

35 / full

 

VLE - Maximum Speed - Landing Gear Extended

186 KIAS

 

VLO - Maximum Gear Operating Speed

130 KIAS (extend & retract)

 

VNO - Maximum Structural Cruising Speed

162 KIAS to 12,500 ft

153 KIAS at 15,000 ft

145 KIAS at 17,500 ft

138 KIAS at 20,000 ft

130 KIAS at 22,500 ft

122 KIAS at 25,000 ft

 

VNE - Never Exceed Speed

186 KIAS to 12,500 ft

176 KIAS at 15,000 ft

167 KIAS at 17,500 ft

158 KIAS at 20,000 ft

150 KIAS at 22,500 ft

141 KIAS at 25,000 ft

 

VS  - Stall Speed (at maximum weight)

65 KIAS

 

VS  - Stall Speed (Landing Configuration)

60 KIAS

 

VX  -  Obstacle Clearance Climb Speed

85 KIAS

 

VY  -  Best Initial Rate-of-Climb Speed

75 KIAS

 

Best Glide Speed

 Weight (lbs.) Speed (KIAS)
3,305 85 
3,000 81

2,491

74

 

Airspeeds for Emergency/Abnormal Operations

Engine Failure After Takeoff

Wing Flaps Up

Wing Flaps 20o

85 KIAS

80 KIAS

 

Maneuvering Speeds

Weight (lbs.)

Speed (KIAS)

3,305

117

3,000

113

2,494

103

 

Maximum Glide Performance

Weight (lbs.)

Speed (KIAS)

3,305

85

3,000

81

2,494

74

 

Precautionary Landing With Engine Power 

With Engine Power:

75 KIAS

 

Landing without Engine Power

Wing Flaps Up

Wing Flaps Down

85 KIAS

75 KIAS

 

Emergency Descent

Smooth Air

Rough Air

Altitude (ft.) ASL

Speed (KIAS)

Weight (lbs.)

Speed (KIAS)

25,000

139

3,305

117

22,500

149

3,000

113

20,000

157

2,491

103

17,500

167

 

 

15,000

176

 

 

12,500

187 (VNE)

 

 

 

Engine 
Manufacturer Textron Lycoming 
Model
TIO-540-AG1A
Number of Cylinders 6 
Displacement 541.5 cu. in. (8.87 l) 
Maximum Power 270 HP @ 2,700 RPM 
Recommended TBO 2,000 hours 

Propeller 
Manufacturer McCauley 
Model B3D32C419/82 NHA-5 
Type Constant-Speed, Hydraulic 
Number of Blades 3 
Diameter 77" (1.96 m) 

Weights 
Maximum Ramp 3,260 lbs. (1,478.71 kg) 
Maximum Take-off 3,250 lbs. (1,474.17 kg) 
Standard Empty 2,102 lbs. (953.45 kg) 
Max Baggage Compartment 200 lbs. (90.72 kg) 
Standard Useful Load 1,158 lbs. (525.26 kg) 

Fuel & Oil Capacity 
Fuel 90 US gal./88 usable
(340.65 liters/333.08 usable) 
Oil 8 quarts (7.57 l) 

Wing Area/Loadings 
Wing Area 152 sq. ft. (14.12 sq. m) 
Wing Loading 21.4 lbs./sq. ft.(104.48 kg/sq. m) 
Power Loading 12.5 lbs./hp. (5.67 kg/hp) 


Performance Speeds 
Maximum 164 kts. (304 kph) 
Performance Cruise (75% Power) 160 kts. (297 kph) 
Economy Cruise (65% Power) 155 kts. (287 kph) 
Long Range Cruise (55% Power) 149 kts. (276 kph) 
Stall (Cruise Configuration) 60 kts. (111 kph) 
Stall (Landing Configuration) 54 kts. (100 kph) 

Takeoff Performance 
Ground Roll 1,145 ft. (348.99 m) 
Distance over 50 ft. Obstacle 1,985 ft. (605.02 m) 

Climb Performance 
Initial S.L. Rate of Climb 1,070 ft./min.(326.14 m/min.) 
Service Ceiling 16,800 ft.(5,120.64 m) 

Range 
Range @ Performance Cruise 855 NM @ 14.3 gph.(54.13 lph) 
Range @ Economy Cruise 940 NM @ 12.6 gph.(47.69 lph) 
Range @ Long Range Cruise 1005 NM @ 11.2 gph.(42.39 lph) 

Landing Performance 
Ground Roll 720 ft. (219.46 m) 
Distance over 50 ft. Obstacle 1,200 ft. (365.77 m)