Learning in a C152 (sorry Stik) as it's either that or the more expensive PA28.

I also think that they've been around as training aircraft for so long, there has to be a reason for their success.

tKF

I trained on a C172, PA28-140 & PA28-180 and personaly I think that the cherokee is best to learn on because you can spin it, and also the ground rush is not as bad as with a Cessna. Its also easier to check the fuel, flap is not electric (only 3 positions to choose from), and better visability for training (looking out for other aircraft). When you have your PPL a Cessna might be a good idea for looking down at the scenery!

I don't think its a question of which type, I think you should be experienced in both types, because most flying schools in the world mostly operate either PA28's of C172's.

I think if you have a good knowledge of, or flying experience on both types you will feel confident in renting either.

One thing I don't like about a Cessna is that you can't open the engine cowl to see the condition of the engine, electric flaps and that you can poke yourslef in the eye with the pitot tube! Apart from all that I like both types. Go fly both and see which one you feel most comfortable with...



:cool:

I learnt in a Katana and I'd recommend it to anyone - great visibility, light control, quiet, modern, comfortable, and it even accommodates a 6'4 person with space to spare.

Since I got my license I've flown C152s and C172s (both pretty horrible), Pitts S2B (nice for an aerobatic plane, but lousy visibility), PA28 (somewhere between the Katana and Cessna) and the Diamondstar (even better than the Katana).

Whatever you fly, enjoy it, and fly safe.

MD.

Go 152 !!!
 

I started learning in a 172, and just wasn't up to landing the thing. It was too heavy in the flare and kinda stodgy feeling.

I switched to gliders, then to a Citabria and did ok. I also did some time in a 152 and just loved the thing to bits.

Passed ppl in Citabria, then mainly flew the 152.

By 90 hours, I was ok to be let lose in a 172, though I still far prefer the 152.

If anyone is considering it, I definitely reccomend the 152 or pa38 for learning in, then switch to the bigger stuff later. You will save money and have less risk of a **lot** of bad landing experiences like wot I had :( .

Grumman AA5A for me. The original trial lesson was in a 172, but after that I started in the AA5A and I much preferred it from day one.
The whole stepping up onto the wing and sliding back the canopy thing appeals to me too. Much better than some boring door!!!

Started off in the mighty Bulldog (woohoo!!!).

Started again properly some years and considerable bulk later in the Warrior (bit lardy, underpowered and handles like a pig - the aircraft too), then the Arrow (bit less underpowered but with proper undercarriage) and onto the mighty Seneca - loads of fun and enough room for a big tub of lard like me at last!

Most recently been wandering about aimlessly in the AA5. Nice sharp responses, but all the build quality of an Airfix kit.