I don't know what you mean Billiebob. Anything is a step up from a Warrior!
And my first thought for the 'wife and kids and a bit of baggage to the south of France' was Jodel D.140. Do the trip non-stop pretty much.
I'm fairly sure a newish Robin would do it too.
The Cessna Cardinal 177RG would be my third choice after the Jodel and Robin. But still way ahead of the other types mentioned.
The 177 was the first 'spamcan'(Cessna/Piper/Mooney/Beech) to 'impress' me.
But impress is a relative word. It uses 200hp, cs prop and retractable gear to go only a little faster than the Robin/Jodel so it still loses points on economy.
Still, it's a nicer ride than the Piper offerings.
Last edited by Miserlou; 8th February 2010 at 23:11.