Originally Posted by
adamgrant470
I am looking to start my PPL training and i can see that there are 2 aircrafts to choose from which are the Cessna and Piper.
Is there a benefit of choosing one over the other?
If i complete my PPL training on a Cessna, will i be able to fly the Piper too.
Thanks
Cessna and Piper are both makes, like say Ford or Renault - both make a lot of models.
Most common in training schools are:
2-seats: Piper PA38, Cessna C150, Cessna C152
4 seats: Piper PA28, Cessna C172
For a variety of reasons including simplicity, cockpit layout and handling, most instructors would consider the 2-seaters to be better training aeroplanes than the 4-seaters. However, flying schools tend to favour the 4-seaters, as they're more robust, can carry passengers in the back, and are more suitable to the overweight adults who are increasingly normal in society - so they're better for the flying school business model.
Ultimately any of them are suitable to learn to fly, they all fly pretty similarly to each other, and once you've got your licence in one, it's generally only an hour or two's training to be able to fly any of the others.
Also however, the aeroplane is a lot less important than the school and the instructor. Get those right first, and the aeroplane - so long as you can fit in it okay and pay the bills, is much less important. When you meet your instructor ask yourself if you're happy to spend 50+ hours sat in a small metal box learning from that person: it's a really important question.
And by the way, DON'T pay up front for any flying, always pay as you go.
G