Revised 06/02/2019
Page 1
Piper Comanche N5799P Best Practices & Tips
Introduction
This is a quick run-down of helpful things about this aircraft. This includes things the previous owner shared
with me, my own observations, and things I’ve read (mostly from the POH and the International Comanche
Society). This is not intended as a substitute for reading the POH and obtaining training and checkout specific to
this aircraft from a qualified CFI.
This is a fast, fun plane to fly! I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do. It is an older aircraft, so some things are
different or even quirky. I try to cover those things here. I have made an effort to cover the more important
things first, and the less important things later.
Please email or text me if you have questions or think of things I should document.
, 858-353-4181.
Landing Gear
Gear - Manual Extension
DO NOT PERFORM MANUAL GEAR EXTENSION UNLESS YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A REAL EMERGENCY.
I’m breaking my own rule about not typing in all capitals because I want extra emphasis!
Piper
Comanche’s require an A&P/IA to swing the gear, test and align it, and certify it for return to service
after a manual gear extension. This will cost time and money and cause frustration. Don’t do it unless
you have no other choice.
Here’s how you manually extend the landing gear. First, establish slow flight, full flaps, under 87 kts.
Next, ensure the gear switch is in the center position. Open the access panel on the floor between the
pilot and co-pilot seats. Fully extend the lever to disengage the gear motor. Next, extend the
telescoping gear extension lever so you will have mechanical advantage. Finally, push the lever all the
way back toward the dash as far as it will go (back to the position it was in when you took off). These
instructions are also placarded on the bottom of the access panel door.
Important note, those last steps may require a great deal of muscle. If you are having a hard time
getting the gear down you may find slowing down more helps. (The airflow over the nose gear is
working against you, plus you must overcome the resistance of several bungee cords that are part of the
gear system).
Another important note: once on the ground you must keep pressure on the manual gear lever to
prevent the gear from retracting. If you have someone in the co-pilot seat, have them push against the
lever with their foot. Taxi more slowly than normal to be safe.
Gear - After Takeoff
The gear selector switch has a center/neutral position. This can be confusing when putting the gear
down, as you may think you have lowered the gear when really you only moved the switch one notch. I
