which aeroplane are you training in?
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 381
Likes: 0
From: UK, London
which aeroplane are you training in?
I was just wondering why a lot of people choose to train for the PPL in those Piper worrior aeroplanes and not in Cessna's. Im doing my training in the C152 and finding my self saving hundreds and hundreds of pounds so whats the point? especially when you can fly the PA after gaining your PPL with only an hours instruction in it.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
From: Paros, Greece
you'll find loads of other threads giving both specific answers and discusssing the general merits of the two types, but...
For me, I just prefer the Warrior. Flown both, didn't really like the Cessna (cramped, under powered). That's just a personal preference. Also, I would expect to be flying mainly the Warrior after I get the license and would rather have 50+ hours experience on the specific type I'll be flying, rather than just the conversion time.
While slightly more expensive, the money doesn't matter really, after all, I could always just get a cheaper hobby if I wanted to save hundreds of pounds. At an extra £11/hour where I fly, it adds just over 10% to the total cost, and for me personally, makes it much more enjoyable, which for me is what it's all about. For an atpl wannabe on a budget, things may well be different.
For me, I just prefer the Warrior. Flown both, didn't really like the Cessna (cramped, under powered). That's just a personal preference. Also, I would expect to be flying mainly the Warrior after I get the license and would rather have 50+ hours experience on the specific type I'll be flying, rather than just the conversion time.
While slightly more expensive, the money doesn't matter really, after all, I could always just get a cheaper hobby if I wanted to save hundreds of pounds. At an extra £11/hour where I fly, it adds just over 10% to the total cost, and for me personally, makes it much more enjoyable, which for me is what it's all about. For an atpl wannabe on a budget, things may well be different.
High Flying Bird
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 0
From: Old Sarum ish
Learnt in a C152 because that's what our flying group prefer to use for training. I would rather choose based on instructor rather than aircraft type. I'm now flying a Cherokee because it's cheaper, more available, and you don't rub thighs with the person in the RHS 
Still have a soft spot for the dear old C152 though, and go up for a quick play in it every now and then
Still have a soft spot for the dear old C152 though, and go up for a quick play in it every now and then
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 932
Likes: 0
From: Deepest Warwickshire
Teehee, I fall into a niche category because I learnt in a (blue) Robin 200, so nrrrrr! 
Excellent training a/c although one small gripe is that spins are prohibited.
The PA28 is a good a/c because, it's big, has power and floats/glides well. However, if you learn in a slightly crap a/c (read training), you can appreciate things post-PPL a lot better imho. Going from PA28 to Robin would frighten some...
Excellent training a/c although one small gripe is that spins are prohibited.
The PA28 is a good a/c because, it's big, has power and floats/glides well. However, if you learn in a slightly crap a/c (read training), you can appreciate things post-PPL a lot better imho. Going from PA28 to Robin would frighten some...
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Scotland
A/C for training!
Ah - I love the Robin HR200 I am training in out of EGPK.
Nice a/c - only 18mths old and 300 odd hours - full avionics stack and its all nice - smooth - and new!
Nice airplane too - responsive yet safe.
Asked my instructor what a 140 would be like after....
he says 'like flying a brick'!
Spins - well I am not that advanced .... yet!
regards
Simon
Nice a/c - only 18mths old and 300 odd hours - full avionics stack and its all nice - smooth - and new!
Nice airplane too - responsive yet safe.
Asked my instructor what a 140 would be like after....
he says 'like flying a brick'!
Spins - well I am not that advanced .... yet!
regards
Simon
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: North Weald, UK
I learnt in a C152, which I though was good. I now fly a Koliber, which is streets ahead. OK, so you don't have a view straight down as there is a wing in the way, but a bubble canopy gives unsuppassed visibilty, far better than a C150/PA28. And it lands nicely too. Also as it has a stick with rod control runs, rather than a yoke with stretchy cables, the control response is immediate.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Southampton uk
Did first 12 hours in a tomahawk then finished in C152. Progress to C172 as that is what the club had, then moved house found new club and switched to the Warrior. Now I have a Robin HR100/285 - one of the 2 on the British register.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Glasgow, Scotland
I think I am in the minority here - I am training on Grumman AA5's. I much prefer the space in the AA5's to the rather cramped 152 that the club has, although the thought of "rubbing thighs" with Aerobabe does have a certain appeal!! The sliding canopy is also rather good as it makes me feel like a Spitfire pilot Ha Ha