The Aero Commander 680-FL Grand Commander, introduced in 1963, was an evolution of the Model 680F. Its fuselage was stretched by 1.12 meters (44 inches) and featured a larger tail, enabling four rows of seating or luxury executive arrangements, along with larger passenger windows. Aero Commander, the manufacturer, was founded in Culver City, California, in 1944 by Ted R. Smith and other former Douglas Aircraft engineers. Originally named Aero Design and Engineering Company, the firm sought to create a light twin-engine transport aircraft. Rockwell-Standard acquired the company in 1958, leading to a name change to Aero Commander Inc. by 1960. The company eventually ceased aircraft production in 1986 under Gulfstream Aerospace ownership.
A range of platforms and access solutions are utilized for this aircraft, including Reach Deck Platform, Modular Stepover Platforms, Super Trestle Scaffold, Ultraraise, Super Service Stand, Easyraise, Bridge Deck, Cantilever Platform, Aviation Chock and Cone Trolley, Super Maintenance Platform, Branach Fibreglass Platform, A Frame Aviation Platform, and Platform Ladder Warthog.
These platforms address various access and maintenance needs across the aircraft structure. For the Nose Section, they facilitate access to the radome, antenna, and cockpit. In the Forward Fuselage, they are vital for the main entry door, cargo/baggage areas, and forward wheel well. Landing Gear maintenance (NLG and MLG) is supported by these systems. Access solutions are indispensable for the Middle Fuselage, wing box, fuel tanks, and cabin interior work. For the Wing & Engine Pylon, the systems enable maintenance on the engine inlet/exhaust, fan, compressor, turbine, and fuel pumps. The AFT Fuselage, including the rear avionics and APU compartments, and the Tail Section’s stabilizers and rudder, all require these specialized platforms for thorough servicing and access.
