1973 Aero Commander 500 S

Detailed Description

1973 Commander Merlyn 350 500S Shrike - this is the one!

Turbocharged, high-altitude Shrike with the sought-after Merlyn (MPi) 350 HP conversion (STC SA5969NM): twin Lycoming TIO-540-J2B(D) 350 HP engines, four-blade props, max gross takeoff increased to 8,800 lb, and 244 gallons total fuel. Flown as a professional aerial survey platform for roughly 25 years and equally capable as a fast, roomy personal or business twin.

Airframe & engines

• Airframe total time: 6,223.4 hrs
• Engines (TIO-540-J2B(D), 350 HP ea.): 1,369.3 SMOH left / 1,383.5 SMOH right
• Props match respective engines; right prop IRAN'd at current annual
• Right engine: newly overhauled fuel servo and mechanical fuel pump
• Right turbocharger replaced approx. 150 engine hours ago
• Merlyn 350 conversion (published STC figures): up to 350 HP to 30,000 ft, 2,000-hr TBO, 46" max MAP, max operating altitude to 35,000 ft, 13,200 ft single-engine ceiling, max cruise up to 242 KTAS

Avionics

• Garmin GNS 430W (WAAS GPS/NAV/COM)
• Garmin GMA 340 audio panel
• Garmin GTR-205 COM radio
• Garmin GTX 345 transponder - ADS-B Out & In
• Insight G4 twin-engine graphic monitor
• Shadin digital fuel flow/totalizer; digital RPM gauges

Recent / notable

• New main battery
• New attitude indicators (left and right)
• Overhauled altimeter
• New oxygen bottle installed

Mission flexibility

- Survey camera bay: ~25 x 22 in. D-shaped opening, right side of fuselage aft of the copilot; closable by design

- Sensor power available: 3x 30-amp and 2x 80-amp plugs

- Convertible back to standard passenger configuration - seller has the parts, including the rear bench seat

- Aerial Survey Camera Hatch / Camera Hole STC for special mission and mapping

Airworthiness & status

- Currently in annual inspection; completion expected July 2026

- Completed at sign-off: annual, ELT functional test (24-mo), right propeller IRAN, AD 2004-25-16 (heater pressure regulator)

- Spar/structural ADs in compliance (94-04-13, 94-04-14, 98-08-19) - key diligence items on any Twin Commander, in good standing here

- All other recurring inspections current (transponder, pitot/static, ELT battery, oil change)

DISCLOSED SQUAWKS (offered openly; sold as-is)

- Century III autopilot installed but inoperative

- Air conditioning installed but has a refrigerant leak - currently used as a strong cabin fan, not for cooling

- Oxygen system: new bottle installed, but a leak must be located before O2 use

- Wing/empennage de-ice boots installed but inoperative

Logs, full photo set, and a showing available on request. All times, equipment, and statuses per aircraft records as of June 2026 and subject to buyer verification.

Remarks

- Survey camera bay: ~25 x 22 in. D-shaped opening, right side of fuselage aft of the copilot; closable by design

- Sensor power available: 3x 30-amp and 2x 80-amp plugs

- Convertible back to standard passenger configuration - seller has the parts, including the rear bench seat

- Aerial Survey Camera Hatch / Camera Hole STC for special mission and mapping