C172R for ab-initio training?
Hi all,
I'm doing my instructor's rating in a C172R and I find it a very nice aircraft to fly. I do notice some differences between the C172R and early model C172's (say the M and N models that were manufactured in the late 70's) in terms of it's handling and performance. Well, for starters, 172R models are about 15 to 20 knots faster in the cruise than the early 172's. I also find that not as much back pressure is required in the 172R's when doing medium level turns compared with the early model C172's.
Also, I find that when doing circuits on base leg, I need to reduce the power right back to about 1000 - 1100 RPM (compared with 1500 RPM with early model C172's) so that I can reach a target speed of 75 knots on mid-base.
Does anyone who's flown both types of C172's agree with me here?
And what's your thoughts on conducting ab-initio training on C172R's? Is it a bit too fast in the circuit area for ab-initio pilots learn the basics in ?