1973 Commander 500 S
Multi Engine Piston
Aircraft Details
Seller reportedAvionics & Equipment
BTHDescription
1973 AERO COMMANDER 500S SHRIKE COMMANDER - N500HM (S/N 3155). ASKING $330,000. 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.
Engine
- 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
Description and equipment details provided by the seller. AeroGurus does not verify seller-provided information.
Price Comparison
| Source | Price | Location | Listed | Days on Market | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Michael Intschert
trade-a-plane.com
|
$330,000
|
Tucson, AZ | Jul 06, 2026 | 11 days | Active |
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AeroGurus Data & Analysis
Independent data from FAA, NTSB, and market analysis
About This Commander 500 S
This 1973 Commander 500 S (N500HM) is a multi engine piston with 6,223 hours on the airframe. There are currently 2 500 S aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $330,000 to $450,000. This aircraft is priced below the market average at $330,000.
NTSB records show 0 incidents for this airframe — a clean safety record. There are 5 airworthiness directives applicable to this aircraft type — review AD compliance carefully before purchase.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Ownership & Registration
FAA registration data pending for N500HM.
Location & Ownership
Title Status
No FAA title records
Available for US-registered aircraft only
Source: FAA Aircraft Registry, FAA Civil Aviation Registry (DocIndex). Title data may be delayed. Always verify with an aviation attorney before purchase.
Safety Record
NTSB safety data coming soon.
We'll check N500HM against the NTSB accident database.
Airworthiness Directives — Commander 500
ADs are mandatory safety instructions issued by the FAA. 5 recent ADs found for this aircraft type.
Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation 500, 680, 690, and 695 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation 500, 680, 690, and 695 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation 500, 520, 560, 680, 681, 685, 690, 695, and 720 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation 500, 680, 690, and 695 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation 500, 600, and 700 Series Airplanes
View full AD →Source: FAA Airworthiness Directives database. Showing most recent ADs for this aircraft type.