Tom a Hawk

I think you need to know both. Like knowing how to drive a truck and a car or a stick and a manual. If it were me, I would do piper for ppl because it requires you to use your feet more than the Cessna but the Cessna makes a better instrument platform. However your comfort and airplane availability are more important. You aren't setting yourself up to fail with either. It's also not a bad thing to pick the one you like for passion reasons. That's what keeps us flying!

Of course, if you can get your hands on a Tomahawk.......totally different conversation.

Skyhawk48Z

I thought about doing that as well but first I have to pay back the small loan I took out to go to Sun'N'Fun this year. Probably not too smart but it was totally worth it.

Airline ticket: $400
Hotel: $800
Rental Car: $200
Meeting Bob Hoover and Kermit Weeks: Priceless

jrsx99

Your joking right? I think you have that backwards, Cessnas require much more rudder usage than P28s.

Also, just curious what makes a Cessna a better instrument platform in your opinion?

Timbo

Should we tell him which one is better to learn to land in a big crosswind, or get into/out of a short, soft field?

;^)

Connorm1

If you're in a hot climate Cessna all the way. Pipers turn into greenhouses when it gets hot.

wizepilot

+1 to that.

CrimsonEclipse

ok, my $.02 worth.

I found pipers to be more stable, more forgiving on the stall and great visibility. No spins allowed (except the 140) and had stiff legs, good steering on the ground and better controls and better ergonomics. Fueling and preflight were super easy. It was always REALLY hot inside and really poor ventilation and the only right side door is just plane asinine. Never really cared for the stabilator (bushings were commonly a problem leading to a possible flutter). Slips really were not that interesting and almost pointless.

Now Cessnas were a tad less stable, (which I liked), most earlier could legally spin (although difficult to maintain) with ok visibility and springy legs to help first time landers. Slips to landing were well defined as were cross controlled stalls. Preflights required a top of wing check and snow removal was also a pain. Ventilation was moderate to poor in the old models and ok in the R and later, but you could always open the windows easily (and sometimes doors). It was also cooler due to the overhead wing acting as an awning. Steering on the ground was almost like having a free wheeling nose gear, especially if the owner let the springs get old, which was common.

By performance in a learning environment (actual flying skill) I would suggest a Cessna 172. The earlier model, the better.

The hotter the climate, the more I'd suggest the C-172.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Pa-28 series including the -140 -151 -161 -180 -181 -200R and also flew the Cherokee 6 at length commercially. I also know that a single door means death in an accident if the pax in the right seat is unconscious, old, fat, or too stupid to open the door (or a combination, and I've flown with ALL of them).

Sorry about the wall O text.

CE

FLYZERG

Taught in both, I would say Cessna for ppl and I cant tell you why other then personal bias. That said which ever one is cheaper is the better plane. Find a Cessna 150, that will make you a pilot.