I am 6'2 and 240lbs. I did all my flight training in the 172 and shortly after gaining my PPL converted to the Pa28. Pretty much everything Ebbie 2003 says is true, but the best advice given here is to pick one and stick with it as you can always convert later.
If I had to go back and do it all again which one would
I choose? The 172 because:
- It has less things to manage when you are learning (fuel pump, tank switching) leaving you to fly the plane.
- It has several qualities (its wing drop stall characteristics and Frise ailerons - i.e. adverse yaw) which require your attention to fly it well, yet its overall handling is very benign.
Having said that I do enjoy flying the Pa28 and for certain long distance trips I prefer it.