Search

Notices
Flight Schools and Training Ratings, building hours, airmanship, CFI topics

Cessna vs. Piper trainer?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-23-2013 | 02:34 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Default Cessna vs. Piper trainer?

At my school they have offered me the choice to learn in either a 172 or a warrior. sat in both and felt the warrior was more comfortable.

Would there be any reason to go for one or the other? Or should I go with what felt most comfortable?
Reply
Old 08-23-2013 | 02:51 PM
  #2  
CRM114's Avatar
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 639
Likes: 0
Default

Which one was cheaper? That would be my first choice, also consider that you'll have better visibility for ground ref. maneuvers in a high wing plane.
Reply
Old 08-23-2013 | 03:20 PM
  #3  
rickair7777's Avatar
Prime Minister/Moderator
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 44,618
Likes: 557
From: Engines Turn or People Swim
Default

Not a huge deal either way but based on experience with both piper and cessna products I would say go cessna. People seem to like the cool factor of low-wing planes, which is fine for private pilots looking to impress their girlfriends.

But there are a lot more instructor jobs in cessnas than in pipers, and they would prefer to hire instructors with time-in-type given a choice.

If you'll be flying south of the 50th parallel, Cessna windows open to help stay cool on the ground (or even in the air).

I personally think cessnas are a bit easier for ground reference maneuvers.
Reply
Old 08-23-2013 | 05:29 PM
  #4  
JamesNoBrakes's Avatar
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,138
Likes: 30
From: Volleyball Player
Default

One has a door one each side.

No contest.
Reply
Old 08-23-2013 | 09:18 PM
  #5  
On Reserve
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Default

Having flown both I would say the Cessna, but if the Warrior is significantly cheaper go with that. As others have said the high wing on the Cessna makes ground reference maneuvers easy and it's also better for taking your Mom sightseeing. I thought the Cessna was more comfortable but I'm also 6'2". I had a hard time getting in and out of the Warrior. Also those windows in the Cessna are nice to have in the summer time.
Reply
Old 08-24-2013 | 06:32 AM
  #6  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
Default

Feel free to reference my thread in which I asked close to the same question! Hope it helps!

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/fl...a28-181-a.html
Reply
Old 08-24-2013 | 07:21 AM
  #7  
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
From: PNF
Default

Originally Posted by Skyhawk48Z
Having flown both I would say the Cessna, but if the Warrior is significantly cheaper go with that. As others have said the high wing on the Cessna makes ground reference maneuvers easy and it's also better for taking your Mom sightseeing. I thought the Cessna was more comfortable but I'm also 6'2". I had a hard time getting in and out of the Warrior. Also those windows in the Cessna are nice to have in the summer time.
Why do you need windows when you have air conditioning in the Piper.
Reply
Old 08-24-2013 | 12:07 PM
  #8  
Thread Starter
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 445
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Skyhawk48Z
Having flown both I would say the Cessna, but if the Warrior is significantly cheaper go with that. As others have said the high wing on the Cessna makes ground reference maneuvers easy and it's also better for taking your Mom sightseeing. I thought the Cessna was more comfortable but I'm also 6'2". I had a hard time getting in and out of the Warrior. Also those windows in the Cessna are nice to have in the summer time.
Interesting that you found it easier to get in and out the Cessna when I found it harder (I'm 6ft3 so not any real difference). I found it hard to fold my legs enough for the Cessna, even with the seat all the way back.

As for price, they are identical. they have 2 172's and 3 warriors, so slightly better availability. they also have a couple of 152s
Reply
Old 08-24-2013 | 06:22 PM
  #9  
chrisreedrules's Avatar
Gets Weekends Off
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,601
Likes: 0
From: CRJ FO
Default

I have several hundred hours in each.... And I'd say 172. Much more versatile in my opinion and easier to fly. But I know of a couple instructors who prefer Pipers. Both have their merits and I'd say go with whichever is cheaper.
Reply
Old 08-25-2013 | 12:51 PM
  #10  
On Reserve
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by deftone
Interesting that you found it easier to get in and out the Cessna when I found it harder (I'm 6ft3 so not any real difference). I found it hard to fold my legs enough for the Cessna, even with the seat all the way back.

As for price, they are identical. they have 2 172's and 3 warriors, so slightly better availability. they also have a couple of 152s
Probably because I just wasn't used to it. But the yoke was up against my knee the whole time and I found the trim wheel to be in a stupid location. The trim wheel in the Cessna is right where it should be.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
KennyG1700
Flight Schools and Training
40
08-01-2019 12:53 AM
mspano85
Flight Schools and Training
30
03-24-2013 05:02 PM
Moose
Hangar Talk
8
08-30-2009 09:00 PM
joel payne
Hangar Talk
10
12-07-2007 05:36 PM
SongMan
Flight Schools and Training
6
10-19-2007 07:25 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Your Privacy Choices