Detailing a Classic Commander 112 at Lancaster Airport

Last week Jet and the crew made the trip to Lancaster Airport (KLNS) for a special job: a full detail on an early serial number Rockwell Commander 112. The owner keeps her in a private hangar on the field, and we spent a solid day bringing this classic back to showroom condition.

The Rockwell Commander 112: A Classic Worth Preserving

The Commander 112 holds a special place in aviation history. Rockwell International produced these aircraft starting in 1972, and the early serial numbers have distinctive features that later models changed. This particular aircraft rolled off the line in 1973, making it over 50 years old.

You'd never know it from the condition. The owner flies regularly and maintains the aircraft meticulously. Our job was to complement that mechanical care with cosmetic attention.

What Made This Detail Unique

Early Commanders have some quirks that affect detailing:

Original Paint Scheme

This aircraft wears its original factory paint. Fifty-year-old paint requires gentle treatment. We skipped aggressive cutting compounds and focused on cleaning, polishing, and protecting what's there. The goal: preserve character, not manufacture shine.

Metal Surfaces

Early 112s have more exposed metal than later models. The polished spinner, wing root fairings, and various trim pieces needed hand polishing. Jet spent two hours on the spinner alone, working out oxidation without damaging the underlying metal.

Vintage Interior

The original interior fabric and vinyl have held up remarkably well. We used period-appropriate cleaning methods and conditioners. Modern products can damage vintage materials, so we kept it simple and gentle.

The Private Hangar Advantage

Working in a private hangar makes our job easier and protects the aircraft better:

Climate control keeps products at optimal working temperature
Clean environment means no blowing debris during detail
No sun exposure prevents product flashing and water spots
Privacy lets us work without interruption
Security for tools and equipment during multi-hour jobs

If you have hangar space at your airport, scheduling a detail there beats any alternative. We bring everything we need. You don't have to move your aircraft.

The Results

Six hours of work transformed this Commander:

Bug residue and exhaust staining gone from belly and tail
All glass crystal clear inside and out
Metal surfaces polished to mirror finish
Leather seats cleaned and conditioned
Carpets extracted and freshened
Engine compartment detailed
Wheel wells cleaned and protected

The owner's reaction made the day worthwhile. "She hasn't looked this good since I bought her," he said. That's what we're here for.

Lunch at Fiorentino's: The Perfect Detail Day Ending

Here's a tip for aircraft owners scheduling details at KLNS: plan for lunch at Fiorentino's Aviation, the restaurant right on the field. After wrapping up the Commander detail, we grabbed a table overlooking the ramp.

The food is solid. Italian-American classics, big portions, reasonable prices. But the real draw is watching aircraft come and go while you eat. We spotted a Citation landing, several trainers in the pattern, and a gorgeous Staggerwing taxiing past.

Pennsylvania Airports and Their Restaurants

Lancaster isn't the only Pennsylvania airport with great food. If you're based at or visiting Reading Regional (KRDG), check out the restaurant there. Similar vibe: ramp views, good food, pilot-friendly atmosphere.

Jet's ranking of PA airport restaurants we've tried:

Fiorentino's at KLNS - Best Italian options
Reading Regional (KRDG) - Great breakfast and burgers
94th Aero Squadron at KPNE - Upscale dining, amazing views

Making a detail day into a full airport experience just makes sense. Fly in, get your aircraft detailed, grab lunch, fly home with a clean plane and a full stomach.

Book Your Hangar Detail

We travel to hangars across Pennsylvania, including Lancaster, Reading, and everywhere in between. Private hangar? Shared T-hangar? FBO space? We work wherever your aircraft lives.

Get a quote for your hangar detail or contact us to schedule.

Jet says: A clean Commander is a happy Commander. And a full stomach makes the flight home even better.