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02/03/2009, 4:21 PM Sussex Flyer Joined on 20/02/2009 Sussex Posts 8 Inexperienced pilot needs views and opinions If you had to choose between a PA28-161 or a Cessna 172 Reims Rocket of similar age, which way would you choose and why?      Report

05/03/2009, 8:47 AM Silver Fox Joined on 13/12/2004 In a world of magnets and miracles. Posts 68 Re: Inexperienced pilot needs views and opinions The high/low wing question will rage on forever I guess. The truth is they are both capable aircraft which are ideal for training/touring, as testified to by the shear amount of them still in use. It seems you either like one format of the other., although many pilots fly both. The C172 will give you more visibilty towards the ground during flight which passengers often like, (except in steep turns that is), but the in circuit vis whilst turning is obscured by that huge wing. With the PA28 view toward the ground is not good for either the pilot or for pax, the single door often puts people off but I doesn't bother me. C172 may be slightly more roomy especially in the back but if conditions get cramped in either your'e probably overweight anyway. I guess the if you're looking to buy or get into a group using either then the only advise I could really give is go and fly them both, then decide which you like most. There's never a need to rush such decisions so enjoy yourself a bit in both first, you'll soon find which one you find most comfortable. Good Luck!    Report

05/03/2009, 10:38 AM Sussex Flyer Joined on 20/02/2009 Sussex Posts 8 Re: Inexperienced pilot needs views and opinions Thanks for the information Silver Fox. I appreciate that in some cases the heart will rule the head when it comes to making a decision, for example I started in gliders and then learned in the Diamond DA40, i.e. low wing and with good visibility, I have not flown a C172 yet but I have sat in one on the ground and my initial thoughts are that it's a bit claustrophobic, as you say "that huge wing". I have booked flights in both PA28 and C172 for a couple of weeks time, so I will get a better idea. But what about the aircraft? Taking "the heart" of the decision making process for a minute, what do people have to say about the aircraft types themselves. For example, I have been told that the 172 is better for short field landings but that the PA28 is more forgiving and can flatter a less than perfect landing. So, if you are a 172 pilot, or a PA28 aviator, how would you convince me that one is better than the other?    Report

06/03/2009, 1:37 PM Lindsay Pennell Joined on 15/11/2005 Bucks, UK Posts 16 Re: Inexperienced pilot needs views and opinions I've flown both. I find the ergonomics of the C172 cockpit slightly better than the Warrior, and prefer the second door for convenience. I like being able to open the window a bit in high-wing Cessnas. Flying-wise, the C172 is easier to plant on the ground in the desired spot, whereas all PA28's tend to float a bit, but that's all down to practice and speed management in particular. It's easier to check the tanks and refuel in the PA28, but the underside of the wings doesn't get mud-splattered in the Cessna. My wife and I were convinced for ages that we wanted a C172, but in the event we actually prefer the PA28-140 that we have a share in (yes, a little different to the Warrior but in many respects the same). I think it really is a question of letting your heart rule though, there's very little between the two aircraft for all practical purposes.    Report

06/03/2009, 1:49 PM Silver Fox Joined on 13/12/2004 In a world of magnets and miracles. Posts 68 Re: Inexperienced pilot needs views and opinions  Sussex Flyer wrote: But what about the aircraft? Taking "the heart" of the decision making process for a minute, what do people have to say about the aircraft types themselves. For example, I have been told that the 172 is better for short field landings but that the PA28 is more forgiving and can flatter a less than perfect landing. Yup, general opinion seems to be the C172 is a better short field performer but you still need to nail the approach pretty well and plant it down firmly. For me I find it just wants to float whereas my Cherokee sinks like a brick. The tapered wing Warrior will float a bit better though. I have no real trouble getting in and out of 550mts of grass although again the approach speed needs to be right and I wouldn't recommend it to a newly qualified PPL holder.   Edit, Just seen the post above which just goes to show that opinions will vary considerably, not everyone fly's the same. You just have to try them and go with whichever you feel suits you best.    Report

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