Favourite Aircraft or Favourite Training Aircraft?

[SheepPilot]

For me it's PA28, PA38 and the PA34. As I first learned to fly on these planes, I still love to fly the PA38 Tomahawk to this day, as I think there a real pilot's plane. No GPS, just VFR flying.

For commercial aircraft it be A320 and Q400.

I just would like to start a thread on what people's favourite aircraft are.

[Piper.Classique]

How many people post here? That is probably how many different types will get posted!

The answer for me is it depends..... For touring, training, bimbling, whatrver?

For all round flying pleasure and superb handling I would choose a glider, the standard Mucha SZD 22. For most other flying the Super Cub. But if I'm teaching you to fly then it would be back to gliders, the ASK 13. If it's flying training with an engine then it would be the Jodel 112.

I won't choose any airliner, any more than I would specify what type of bus I would like to find at the bus stop. I don't like being a passenger.

[thing]

No GPS, just VFR flying.


I'm confused as to what the GPS has to do with it. You can fly any aircraft with or without a GPS. Best aircraft I've ever flown is an ASW 19 in terms of handling etc. Powered, I like them all really. Can't say I've ever noticed that much difference between them except for speed, load carrying capabilities etc. Having said that we have a 180hp 172 at the club with the Horton STOL kit fitted which gets in and out of small strips easily. That's a nice aircraft. Half fuel with a bit of wind down the strip and you are off suprisingly quickly. For a 172.

[tecman]

I'll admit to being a terrible interviewee for this one, as the favourite aircraft (incl. glider, etc.) tends to be the one that gets me in the air on any given day. Like PC, I think it's very mission dependent and I'd also add that, in a life of flying, it can be rather epoch dependent, too. Experiences that come as revelations at one time of life can be pretty hum-drum later on.

But I'm going to take the bait anyway and declare a few favourites. The humble DR400, flown off grass runways in France 25 years ago, was a revelation for an Aussie trained on Wichita spam cans. It seemed at the time to violate the opposing principles of agility and stability.

Later on, a much-loved PA24-260 was just about the bee's knees for touring Australia. Never a big fan of Pipers, but this one made me think much better of them. Then there was the slick little Decathlon that convinced me for a little while that I knew about tail-wheel aircraft, until the next flight in the Auster or DH82 at least. And hard to beat the trusty little C150 on a power-off approach into a bush strip on a frosty morning, the grey kangaroos looking puzzled at the intrusion. Or a slick C172 for a landing on a deserted beach in Southern Tasmania, or a a flight over the volcano in Hawaii. For gentleman's aerobatics the Airtourer 160, or an RV6 come to mind.

These days? Depends on the mood but am still smiling after the morning bimble in the P2002JF. An hour's fun at 100 kt on 3/4 jerry can of premium mogas. As an old pilot friend used to say "you wouldn't be dead for quids, boy!"

[Andy_P]

I cant contribute much here, but would be interesting to hear opinions in high wing v low wing aircraft. When I decided to start training, I had the option of several aircraft, PA28, Tecnam or C172. So the tecnam is out because I am a big lad, so its PA28 or C172. The reason I decided to start flying (besides my long term interest in aviation) was after a R44 scenic flight in New Zealand. So the reason I went with the C172 was simply because I like the fact its great for checking out the scenery. Can confirm this from my recent trip to Noumea over their barrier reef. Just as good as an R44 (better actually, because I was flying it!) Added bonus is high wing aircraft provide good shade from the Aussie and NZ sun.

Actually, to be honest, I want to learn in a heli first, till I did the maths on it. Too expensive.

[tecman]

Forgot to agree with SP that PA38's are under-appreciated. Sadly, the spar issues will probably see them die off quietly. Oh, and also forgot those fantastic Lancairs.....

Once you go bubble canopy, it's hard to go back to an enclosed cabin - claustrophobia sets in. And in many of the better bubble designs, the pilot sits pretty well forward of the wing, so the view below is good and, of course, the view around is superb. You can use deployable sunscreens if you want but even that starts to impinge on your view of the world after a while - so a pump pack of SPF50 lotion in the hangar is my preferred solution.

But flying verandahs are useful, too. Keeps the rain off while you're loading up. Allows the tent to be pitched under the wing. Used to be good for supporting Cessna barn-door flaps until the lawyers got involved and crippled the new models.

No one aeroplane is all things for all missions. But it's fun to keep looking!

[Andy_P]

Forgot to agree with SP that PA38's are under-appreciated. Sadly, the spar issues will probably see them die off quietly. Oh, and also forgot those fantastic Lancairs.....

Once you go bubble canopy, it's hard to go back to an enclosed cabin - claustrophobia sets in. And in many of the better bubble designs, the pilot sits pretty well forward of the wing, so the view below is good and, of course, the view around is superb. You can use deployable sunscreens if you want but even that starts to impinge on your view of the world after a while - so a pump pack of SPF50 lotion in the hangar is my preferred solution.

But flying verandahs are useful, too. Keeps the rain off while you're loading up. Allows the tent to be pitched under the wing. Used to be good for supporting Cessna barn-door flaps until the lawyers got involved and crippled the new models.

No one aeroplane is all things for all missions. But it's fun to keep looking!

Meh, its people like you that are going to cost me money!!! Since I decided on the 172, I hear so many good things about the PA28. I really would like to have a go on one, but the flight school was chosen and they dont have any. If I ever get through my training, I have promised myself I am going to go get type checked on a PA28...

[tecman]

Andy, my agreement with SP was in regard to the PA38 Trauma-hawk (spin one enough times and you'll at some point understand the nick-name).

The PA28 is a good war-horse and by all means do a check ride on it. Not a bubble canopy, although the newer ones do have more glass than the earlier ones. In an effort not to speak ill of any aeroplane, I'll just say that our group owned an Archer 2 for quite a while; it was reliable and didn't cost us much in maintenance money.

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

It's got to have good handling, good looks, character, each of those factors ruling out any spam can. So, in this order:

1) dH Chipmunk

2) Stampe

3) Beagle Pup / Bulldog

Strangely, although it can't be said to have 'good handling', the basic J3 / L4 Cub is terrific fun to fly if you aren't in a hurry.

[Andy_P]

Andy, my agreement with SP was in regard to the PA38 Trauma-hawk (spin one enough times and you'll at some point understand the nick-name).

The PA28 is a good war-horse and by all means do a check ride on it. Not a bubble canopy, although the newer ones do have more glass than the earlier ones. In an effort not to speak ill of any aeroplane, I'll just say that our group owned an Archer 2 for quite a while; it was reliable and didn't cost us much in maintenance money.

Getting mixed up in posts. After my deathly second intro to crosswind circuits today I thought I would reward myself with a nice bottle of red. Need it to calm my nerves!!!

[thing]

1) dH Chipmunk Shaggy, I'm sure the Chippie is a delight to fly but good looking?...:)

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

One of the most beautiful:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/GZK6NK/DSC03588res.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/GZK6NK/media/DSC03588res.jpg.html)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/GZK6NK/SLVL0410res.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/GZK6NK/media/SLVL0410res.jpg.html)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/GZK6NK/31513_513293670997_278600166_778178.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/GZK6NK/media/31513_513293670997_278600166_778178.jpg.html)


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b132/GZK6NK/OtherChippyinformationres.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/GZK6NK/media/OtherChippyinformationres.jpg.html)

Search for the thread 'Chipmunk is beautiful'.

[IFMU]

My favorite is the Pawnee. I treasure the hours I spent towing and miss it horribly. What a great workhorse - tug the glider up, split S off tow, run downhill fast, spiral if you are close to the airport, and a gentle taildragger to boot. I have even flown it straight and level on three occasions. Once to break in new cylinders, once on a long aero retrieve, once flying to a contest. On the good ridge days we would fly in fierce winds, until a grownup came along and told us to knock it off. I have done a couple retrieves out of small farm strips. Much fun.

[thing]

Doesn't do it for me Shaggy, although I'm sure it's great to fly. Similar with Cubs, bloody ugly looking things. Might be the tandem layout that I don't like. Shape of the fuselage looks all wrong to me with a tandem cockpit. Apart from exotica like two seat P51's etc.

Now this is a pretty aircraft IMO. I'm sure others would find it as ugly as sin.

http://www.matronics.com/lancair-list/lancair1.jpg

[taybird]

This is too hard a question to give a simple answer to. I don't like regular PA28s, although the PA28R is acceptable.

Best trainer - C152 takes abuse well, is honest and capable. If the student or instructor ate a couple of pies, then the C172 is fine.

Love the Decathlon, and for real tailwheel I love the Pitts family. The Chipmunk has one of the nicest harmonisation of flying controls.

For "real" flying you can't beat a proper Cub.

For general all purpose filling your boots, can't beat a tailwheel RV; pretty much tick all the major boxes.

For multi-engine I guess my favourite based on limited experience is the Duchess, but I only have a few twin types to choose from.

[Desert185]

A few favorites come to mind as I read the question. Can't narrow it down to one, as there are different tasks for different airplanes I have flown. There may be some cross-categorizing, but that's aviation...

Airliner: DC-8-72

Turboprop: L-382G

Twin: Twin Otter (learned in a Twin Comanche, so that has good memories)

SE XC: C-210 (Comanche's are good, but I like flying in the shade)

Utility: C-185, Beaver, C-206, Super Cub

Trainer: I learned in 150/152's, and the basics were conveyed properly.

ME trainer: Piper Aztec (a solid platform)

Steam gauge rules. Glass, besides my iPad, leaves me cold.

[foxmoth]

Favourite has to be a Spitfire, but on a more realistic level Extra 300, then properly affordable - RV8, non of these are suitable basic trainers though, so looking at Chippie and Bulldog for that.:ok:

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

Fox - I haven't flown any of those first three so can't comment directly. I do know a few folk who've flown the Spit and the Chippy; they report (pretty unanimously) that they both enjoy superbly harmonised handling (the Chippy maybe having the edge in the limited speed envelope of that aeroplane) but the Spit stiffens up its ailerons at the sort of speeds no Chippy will ever see.

I'd love to find out for myself, and of course the Spit is.... a Spit, with that fabulous engine and enormous power. I'm afraid the nearest I've come is the Yak52 which I part owned for few years. Far more power than the Chippy, and more usable power with CS prop, and much more powerful controls (consideraby faster roll response etc). Felt like a warbird. Sounded superb. But not as nicely harmonised handling as the dHC 1.

[EDMJ]

Bölkow BO 209 Monsun :ok:

Well built, plenty of power, crisp handling.

[foxmoth]

Fox - I haven't flown any of those first three so can't comment directly.

I have been fortunate to fly all three - only once in the Spit, but just sitting there looking at that amazing wing is incredible - handling is totally different to the Extra, which is way the most responsive aircraft I have flown, but for just pure joy in the way it handles the Spit has to be the best!

[Genghis the Engineer]

Best touring SEP: AA5b

Best value SEP: Rollason Condor or AA5a. First for local bimbling, second for trips.

Best jet: Hawk

Best flexwing: Raven wing, biggest engine I can get

Ideal flexwing: above with a modern trike on it!

Best 3-axis microlight: CTSW

Best value microlight: Thruster TST or X'Air - probably erring towards the second.

Best SEP to teach on: C152, but given a close run by the PA38 or AA5a

Best for aerobatics: Bulldog (which probably tells you, accurately, that I'm not exactly an aerobatic nut).

Best yet for bragging rights and learning opportunities: Mk.26

Best for delivering science: BAe-146-301, although colleagues claim a G-V will give it a good run for its money.

Best unrealised fantasy: SR71.


One I enjoy most overall: whatever I'm flying when you ask me the question. All flying is good, all aeroplanes are fun.

What I mean by "best" in each instance is a subject for bar conversation if you ever care to track me down in one.

G

[SheepPilot]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f9/PiperPA-28-236DakotaC-GGFSPhoto4.JPG

http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/images/1091886M.jpg


both have pro's and con's PA28 I find is more stable to fly and better for staling.
But the pa38 is just a great plane to fly. I can't choose a favourite!

[Maoraigh1]

Nobody's mentioned the Jodel DR1050. Cheap to buy, cheap to operate, decent cockpit view. Good control feel. Cruise at 110+kts. 4 hour+ endurance (if fitted with autopilot and rest-room in aft cabin). Only thing I don't like is the poor cabin heat/draughts.

[philchirl]

Ive recently become aviation mad and about to start my PPL. Have never flown any of the planes mentioned but im always fanatically checking out planes.

If i was lucky enough to by a plane i think i would go with a 206 stationair. its got the seats, load, range that i think i would want. I also think it looks cool in a utilatarian kinda way.

Cheers

[sharpend]

My favourite is the Folland Gnat. Sadly I was far too young (19) to really appreciate it. But today I love my Bulldog; pity it is expensive to run :)

[Genghis the Engineer]

both have pro's and con's PA28 I find is more stable to fly and better for stalling.
But the pa38 is just a great plane to fly. I can't choose a favourite!

Both reasons making the PA38 by far the better training aeroplane, as almost certainly "better" in your parlance means "less frightening".

The PA28 is a good tourer, but I wouldn't go back after discovering the joys of the AA5 (100+ hours in each, so have had a chance to make a reasonable comparison).

G

[ChickenHouse]

I have to admit, it is a question of daytime, moon, sentiment, maybe a bit of voodoo ... Ordinary weekdays, surprisingly I tend to the old C172 with 6-cyl RR. Little 145 horse swings you load VFR from A to B with relaxing 95 knots and very easy handling, it is cheap to fly and maintain, love the view down anyways ;) ... But, on rush days I love to fly the TTx - jesus, what a scorcher :), a couple of weeks ago a friend picked me up in northern Germany and in less than 3 hours we were overhead Morbihan :)