When I learned to fly(at Goodwood) the AA5a was the aircraft I preferred over the usual stuff. Coming from the Glider fraternity into power I thought (like others have said) that this aircraft offered the best all round visibility and performance that suited me (along with a really good instructor).
The float was the most difficult thing to get used to. In fact my first solo was in light winds and it floated on and on, so much so that I chickened out and went around as my nerves gave up.
Paat Said: "Then late last year a new syndicate member floated on landing and overshot the runway. Thankfully he was ok but the aircraft was a write off so I am currently awaiting an insurance claim!"
I do hope that wasn't the aircraft (G - OSTC) that was based at Goodwood that I used. I gather that it went into a syndicate at White Waltham
Astral