The 172 is a fine aeroplane.
However, although is has four seats, many times you can't fill 'em all with heavy folks (read, most Americans
) and still carry much fuel.
I have lost count of the number of times I've seen 172's taxi by, with 4 large adults, tail nearly dragging on the taxiway, and then takeoff with wild abandon...whereupon it climbs like a lead brick.
For this kind of flying, one
needs a 182....now there is one fine aeroplane.
