When Aero Commander wanted an entry-level “step-up” airplane in the mid-1960s to spur sales of its twin-engine offerings, it purchased Volaircraft (formerly Volaire Aircraft) and its single-engine, high-wing Model 1050 design—which looks a lot like a Cessna 172, except for its squared lines, exaggerated wheelpants, and backward-swept vertical tail (think Mooney). Powered by a 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320, it became the Aero Commander 100, then the Darter Commander.
In 1968 the airframe got a 180-horsepower Lycoming O-360 engine; a conventional tail; and a new name, the Aero Commander 100-180 or the Lark Commander. Only 212 were made before production ended in 1971; about 360 Darters were built.
Owners of the remaining Lark Commander are enthusiastic about the airframe, elevating it almost to a cult status. “No one else has one, wherever you go,” said JoAnn Raimond of San Diego. “I get folks constantly coming up to me on the ramp asking questions.”
“It wants to climb like a homesick angel, seeing upwards of 1,200 fpm solo with full tanks,” said Brandt Hall of Drexel, Missouri. “At gross, it will not disappoint with a modest 600 fpm.” His fuel burn runs between 9.5 and 10.5 gallons per hour. “It’s a hybrid bird, sharing parts with Piper, Cessna, and others—so that tends to help out in the parts search.”
The Lark fits nicely between the Cessna 177 Cardinal and Cessna 172 Skyhawk, said Bob Arnold of Lewistown, Pennsylvania. “(She’s) not quite as touchy as the Cardinal but not as forgiving as the Skyhawk.”
“The biggest pro is that it makes a great training airplane, with its very solid landing gear,” said Kevin Cook of Cleveland, Georgia. “The biggest negative is you never have to worry about busting any airspeed restrictions.”
“I did own a Lark Commander 180 up until I crashed Friday, totaling it,” one owner reported. A photo sent two days after the accident showed the robust fuselage, essentially unscathed, although the rest of the airplane was crumpled. “I’ve already found another. That tells you what I think of it,” he said.
For more information
No manufacturer support or type club, but there is an Aero Commander 100-180 Facebook group.
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