Originally Posted by
AirSioux
Hey, I'm looking for a bit of advice on flying the Piper Tomahawk. I've heard some good things about the airplane such as the increased view etc... as well as some bad things such as the plane having a tendency to spin easier then most trainers, and the inefficiency the of elevator at low airspeeds. I know every plane has their quirks and it largely depends on how you fly it, I'm just trying to get a heads up. I'm going to be using a friends Tomahawk for some local VFR flights just to tool around and have some fun. I have experience in Pipers, and am close to wrapping up my Commercial with SEL/MEL and instrument. Any CFI's with experience teaching it, I would appreciate some input, but anybody who has extensive knowledge of it would be just as welcomed..
FYI (I'm aware of the the structural issues considering it, and plan to talk with him, I'm just looking for first hand opinions of its flight characteristics, things to look out for etc...)
-- See ya in the blue--
Don't let any of the bad press about the "Traumahawk" influence you. It's a great little airplane. VERY light on the controls, but honest as the day is long. True, it can bite you if you let too many rotations get away from you when doing spins, but quick response to correct will more than take care of you. I can recall instructing in one when encountering wake turbulence from a Falcon 50 while entering the traffic pattern at TEB. The wake from the Falcon hit my starboard wing like a sledgehammer, deflecting me more than 100 deg down to the right. Quick response of full left aileron deflection brought us right side up. Don't think recovery would have been possible if we were in a Cherokee or "Chickenhawk". Have fun with it, be assertive, but gentle, and it will reward you with endless hours of flying fun!