Imagined as a business plane based on the much-larger Douglas A-20 Havoc attack aircraft of World War II, the Aero Commander first flew in 1948.  By the standards of the time the Aero Commander provided a large cabin able to accommodate four passengers in comfort while providing the high speed and long range found desirable among business executives.  Several variants were produced through 1986, with a total of over 2,900 delivered.

Small numbers of Aero Commanders were delivered to and operated by US Government agencies, including the United States Air Force.  One particular USAF aircraft was used to transport President Dwight Eisenhower from Washington, DC to his farm in Pennsylvania, becoming the smallest airport to be used to transport a sitting US President.

During the 1970s and 1980s, air show pilot Bob Hoover flew a late model Commander on the air show circuit in a routine designed in part to demonstrate the exceptional handling characteristics of the aircraft.  Many performances ended with an in-flight shutdown of both engines, followed by a gliding landing and unpowered rollout to show center.

While no longer in production, the Aero Commander remains in use as a popular general aviation aircraft.

Specifications (Aero Commander 500S)

MTOW:  6,750 lbs

Powerplant:  2 x Lycoming IO-540, 290 hp each

Maximum Speed:  187 knots

Cruise Speed:  176 knots

Range:  935 nautical miles

Maximum Payload:  2,100 lbs