Best trainer a/c?

[plane silly]

I am looking out for a PPL course and the two main aircraft options seem to be C152 or DA40.

So the question is... which is best and why?

Or do you have another suggestion?

Cheers!

[zondaracer]

Depends how you look at it, if I had the money I would choose the DA40 anyday over the C152.

Anyhow, why didn't you compare another 2-place aircraft like the DA20? I have flown both a DA20 and C172, where I'm from the altitude is so high that very few people do training in a 152. The DA20 is pretty sweet, electric trim, control sticks instead of a yoke, and its handling characteristics are really nice. Plus i love the pull over canopy-style door and hte great view it gives. The 152 is a time tested trainer and is completely adequate for flight training, but there's something really cool about flying in a diamond aircraft that I can't explain.

[Nashers]

if you find the 152 too small then think about the 172 or the piper worrior. the DA40 would prob be the best out of all but the dimonds are having loads of problems at the mo getting engine parts as the company that make their engines has gone bust.

i did my ppl in the worrior and it was a good choice for me as just finishing off my cpl in the arrows which are simmilar. did my hour building in the 152s and 172s though.

[jb2_86_uk]

Having had a few 'taster' lessons in a 152, I am quite happy that the FTO I am enrolled with are using DA40's.

Although I have not flown in the Diamond yet, from what Ive seen its like stepping from a Metro into a Mercedes! :ok: Cant wait!

JB

[plane silly]

Thanks for the replies, guess my mind is made up!

I know the DA40 is not a fair comparison to the C152 but there doesnt seem to be too many schools offering the DA20. Most places are for the DA40 so I'm just thinking about options when (if!) I pass.

Some even offer the Garmin 1000 glass cockpit which has to be the way to go from what I have read...

Thanks again, any more opinions would be appreciated.

[Luke SkyToddler]

I've got about 1,500 hours instructing in the C152, and 40 in the Katana.

I've had two oil-pressure-losses and emergency landings in the Diamond.

I've never had a single mechanical problem ever in any Cessna I've flown.

Guess which one I made Mrs SkyToddler choose, when she wanted to do her PPL, and which one I refused to let her even set foot in? :eek:

[doctordoom]

C152 all the way, they should have never stoped making them. Bullit proof :ok:

[5L727]

Definitly Cessna has the best training aircraft I've ever flown. I can't talk about the DA40 because I've never flown it, but I've flown PA-38 and C152, and trust me that the 152 is the best trainer you can get. Every airline/biz/recreational pilot says that.

Of course de DA40 is new and has glass cockpit and all that stuff, but It's better to start with the classic C152 and then jump to a brand new aircraft.

Just my opinion. Or you can wait and get your PPL in a C162. (Kidding)

P.S. The C162 is the new version of the C152, just in case.

[DrJones]

I personally like the Warrior for a training aircraft as it is so docile and forgiving.

[Alex 009]

Basically whatever you feel comfortable in. Personally the PA-28s were for me (both the Warrior and the Archer).

[zondaracer]

I did have a broken magneto once on a C172 while doing a runup, but honestly I think no matter what you fly you will enjoy it so long as you really are passionate about flying. If money is no object, it is always nicer to fly in something with the brand new airplane smell, but you will enjoy flying either aircraft.

[plane silly]

Thanks to you all!

I have to say the fuel economy of the Diamond looks appealing...so long as spare parts are available for the engine of course.

Yet to make up my mind but your thoughts are very welcome. Thanks again.

[MIKECR]

Why dont you go do your ppl in a taildragger like a Super cub? Much better fun than a cessna spamcan or a plastic da40. Your handling skills will be much better too and you'll certainly learn how to land properly.