Commander Spotlight

"I started flying in the very early 80’s. ..obtained my Private License and was flying out of Lost Nation Airport in Ohio. There were almost 50 Commanders on the field and, of course, I had to have one. Bought a 112, N1247J, Dave and Kathy Kalbach's bird now. ..flew this for a few years, until I moved to Phoenix, AZ with my job. Needed more HP in the desert heat and mountains so I traded with Bill McNeely at Lost Nation for a 114, N114MT in Sept. of 1983. Still have her and have always been in love with her!"

"In the mid 80’s obtained my Inst., Comm,. and CFI tickets. In ’85 bought a C152, worked part time and CFI and a local FBO and had the 152 on lease back. Lots of flying and working with students. Sold the 152 and left the FBO in early 90’s. Keep my tickets current but no primary students anymore.

I was an active participant in the wing spar crisis in the 80’s, had money invested in the lawsuit. I am a strong believer in the Commander airplane and support the survival of CPAC. Over the years on owning two commanders, they have never been grounded for lack of parts. I want to be able to continue to say this. I strongly support our Commander Owners Group as the best way to keep our birds flying and to develop great flying friendships.

Meet my wife, Ruth, in 1994. She is my best friend and supporter of my flying. She is a real trooper when it comes to my Aluminum mistress. I get to go to my hangar and play airplane everyday, life is good. I feel very blessed. Ruth and I have our health, each other and a great life. Flying has brought the greatest group of friends into my life that pilot could want, also the most diverse group.

As an aside, my dad was a C 46/47 pilot in WW II, the CBI Theater. He was shot down on a flight over the Hump heading for China. I was born in Dec 43 and dad was shot down, MIA, March 44. Flying is very special to me as I feel in touch with him each flight."

Pete Sattig

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