I think that if this thread appeared on some other forums as well there would be aircraft from other categories that would appear. Within the scope of what has been said already I would agree with the Chipmunk for a light aircraft, the B747 for a large aircraft especially the -100, and the Hunter is my all time favourite aeroplane although whilst in some flight regimes it is outstanding in others it is challenging. For hand flying I have to say that the most unpleasant aeroplane for me was the Cirrus SR22 although as a fast, economical IFR aircraft with the autopilot engaged it was very good.