Rockwell Commander 112

Single Piston· 298 globally registered

The Rockwell Commander 112 is a four-seat, single-engine piston aircraft that emerged in 1972 as Rockwell's entry into the general aviation market, competing directly with Cessna's 172 and Piper's Cherokee line. Built in Albany, Georgia, the 112 featured a distinctive low-wing design with a sliding canopy and tubular steel fuselage construction, offering better visibility and a more modern aesthetic than its high-wing competitors. The type was produced in several variants including the naturally aspirated 112 and 112A, the turbocharged 112TC and 112TCA, and the upgraded 114 series with more powerful engines and refined systems. Rockwell manufactured approximately 1,000 Commander 112 and 114 aircraft before production ended in 1979, when the company exited general aviation manufacturing. The type earned a reputation for solid construction and good cross-country performance, though it never achieved the market dominance of Cessna or Piper products. The 112 typically cruises around 140 knots with a 200-horsepower Lycoming IO-360 engine, while the turbocharged variants offered improved high-altitude performance. Today the Commander 112 remains popular among owner-pilots who appreciate its roomy cabin, good handling characteristics, and relatively affordable operating costs compared to more complex singles. SkyMeter has tracked 303 flights across 119 airframes and 102 operators, with OPDYKE TOD J the largest observed operator.