HELP FOR SINGLE COMMANDER OWNERS

I have owned a 1976 Rockwell Commander 112A for about 11 years.  Until
recently, I had been looking for some way of having the aircraft modified
for better climb, service ceiling and cruise performance.  There was always
something out there for the other makes and models but no one ever seemed to
address the single Commander line for performance modifications.  Until now.

I received information from Robin Miley of RCM Normalizing in 1991 on his
Hot Shot conversion for the plane.  While on my way to Oklahoma City for the
wingsapr modification at Commander Aircraft, I stopped and flew with Miley
in his modified Plane.  I was extremely impressed.

One always has some skepticism when contemplating a modification of this
nature, and I was no exception.  I was extremely pleased when I saw the
multiple articles on the Commanders in the November, 1991, PRIVATE PILOT,
especially Nicholas Silitch's one on the Hot Shot conversion.  It motivated
me to begin the planning process of having the mod installed.

In July, I flew to Big Piney, Wyoming, and assisted Miley with the turbo
installation.  I was very impressed with the quality of the components and
the design engineering that was put into the project.  Everything came
together very well and the first ground runup was uneventful.  On the
initial postinstallation flight, it was quite obvious that I now had a
totally different airplane.  (Miley was worried that my plane might now be
faster than his.)

Acceleration and climbout were brisk even at the 7000-foot altitude of Big
Piney.  Once configured for cruise operation, I was looking at true airspeed
numbers in excess of 20 knots gained over the stock (normally aspirated)
numbers.  I have found the system easy to use and it adds minimally to
pilot-workload.

The intercooler and air-intake designs make for a very cool-running engine.
I had a KSA Avionics EGT/CHT multiprobe engine monitor installed, as well as
a digital turbine intlet temperature gauge.  The numbers confirm my
expectations that the engine is running cool even while developing sea-level
horsepower at altitude.

I would like to offer my airplane to you as proof of concept (other than
Miley's plane, which you flew) that the system is a definite plus.  It is
hard to get the word out that a good product is available and it is even
harder to convince others to go for a modification of this nature if even
the slightest doubt or skepticism exists.

I want you to know up front that I have no ties with RCM Normalizing and
have no financial gain to be made by promoting the kit.  I am offering this
only so that other single Commander owners will realize that added  safety,
utility and performance is available for a reasonable price with the Hot
Shot conversion.

Dave Ratcliff
Ellensburg, Washington