Originally Posted by
steelbranch
Not too far into the PPL myself, about 12 hours now, all on a 172. Local school in Ireland offers only the 172.
Is there any benefit to be had in training in a 172 over a 152?
None whatsoever, but equally there's nothing wrong with the C172 either.
On the other hand, have been living in Nairobi and could train for less money in a 152. Nairobi is at 5000 ft+ elevation, which affects performance of course, plus the need to convert to a JAA PPL back in Europe. Which is why I reckon I'll just do it in Ireland.
Thoughts?
The Kenyan PPL is presumably ICAO? In which case certainly in the UK you can use it, you can get validated in the USA, I'm guessing that some similar arrangements exist in Eire?
To start a CPL you need an ICAO PPL, for which the Kenyan PPL should do fine.
a C152 from 5000ft+ density altitude will be a bit sporting, but equally if the locals are doing it safely, then they're doing it safely.
Frankly if you're there, and it's affordable, I'd do your PPL in Nairobi on the C152. ICAO --> JAR conversions are fairly straightforward if you move permanently back to Ireland, or if you come back to do your CPL then the Kenyan PPL should be fine to start from.
G