Attempting to fly a rare Aero Commander 680 FLP plane that was abandoned in Texas for 20 years

  • An Aero Commander 680 FLP was discovered in a Texas hangar
  • It had been there for 20 years but thankfully was in good condition
  • The 1964 aircraft boasted 800 horsepower twin-turbo engines

Published on Feb 12, 2025 at 4:14 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Last updated on Feb 13, 2025 at 9:38 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

We regularly misplace our keys and smartphones, but forgetting about a rare Aero Commander 680 FLP plane you put in a Texas hangar 20 years ago is something else entirely.

The 1964 aircraft boasted 800 horsepower twin-turbo engines and 80-inch propellers.

It’s been sitting stationary for two decades.

Despite that, these guys are attempting to get it flying again.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie

Rare Aero Commander 680 FLP abandoned

Jason Morrison and the Rebuild Rescue team headed to Cleburne, Texas for the incredibly rare find.

“This might be the rarest airplane I’ve ever bought,” Morrison said.

The 1964 Aero Commander 680 FLP was in desperate need of some TLC after sitting in place ‘frozen in time’ for 20 years.

Thankfully, the hangar the aircraft sat in was climate-controlled meaning there was no visible corrosion or serious structural issues.

What’s more, previously used for medical flights and designed for long-range travel, there were only 120 hours on both engines and props.

In summary, the aircraft appeared in excellent condition complete with a pressurized cabin, winglets, and luxurious interior features, requiring only minor cosmetic fixes.

The interior was in a similar state.

“The interior is like stepping into a time machine back to the ’60s – pure luxury,” they said.

Attempts to fly the plane

After some minor fix-ups, it was time to test the plane’s electrical and hydraulic systems.

Powering up the electrical systems, it turned out that most of the instruments were functional.

While they discovered some hydraulic fluid leaks, they appeared to be repairable – unlike some wrecks we’ve previously seen.

The fuel tanks needed draining and cleaning due to suspected jet fuel contamination, but the engine cylinders appeared to be in good condition.

The team said they were confident the aircraft could be restored to flying condition, and said they would try to do it within a week.

“It’s rare, it’s powerful, and it might just fly again soon,” Morrison said.

user

London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.