Jim Matheson served as Twin Commander Aircraft’s first president. More than two decades ago, just after Twin Commander Aircraft became an independent, privately held company, its first president, Jim Matheson, was searching for a way to demonstrate to owners and operators that they could now count on something that had been lacking for several years – robust technical, parts, and service support for their aircraft. It was the beginning of a new era for what had been a proud but orphaned line of highly capable, excellent-flying aircraft. Jim wanted to get that word out and energize the community.
Why not an owner-operator meeting? Jim saw it as a crucial step in supplying the missing piece of the three-legged stool that would ensure a solid foundation for the future of the new company, and the fleet. The first two legs of the stool – the aircraft itself and service center support for the fleet – were solidly in place. The third leg – customer support and involvement – was the question. Without customers’ belief in and support of the new Twin Commander Aircraft, the other two legs could not stand. Thus was born the concept of the Twin Commander University, a weekend gathering of owners, operators, pilots, and their guests as well as representatives from the factory and the companies and individuals dedicated to supporting the worldwide fleet.
The first University took place in Oklahoma City, and it was clear from the start that this was something different than your average owner-operator meeting. The name says it all. Most of us had a higher education experience that was a memorable mix of serious schooling, a lot of fun, and meeting new friends for life. So it was at that inaugural University in Oklahoma City, and so it will be at the 12th biennial Twin Commander University in Savannah.
The 24-year University tradition adds to a rich history that has made Twin Commander one of the most respected brands in aviation. Designer Ted Smith penned the world’s first purpose-built business aviation twin. The performance and safety of his design was convincingly demonstrated in a remarkable publicity stunt – taking off from Oklahoma City in the prototype with one propeller stowed in the cabin, and then flying nonstop to Washington, D.C.
A Commander served as the first piston twin to fly as Air Force One. Bob Hoover attained his legendary status among general aviation pilots and air show enthusiasts by flying dead-stick aerobatic routines in a stock Shrike Commander. The piston Commander models morphed into the turboprop models, and the Commander lineage is easily recognizable in the Jet Commander and Westwind. A rich tradition, indeed.
I’m proud to be a part of today’s Twin Commander Aircraft, helping to sustain and enhance that remarkable history and proud tradition. I hope you feel the same way. I invite you to come to Savannah this April and participate in the Twin Commander University. Who knows – we may make some history.
