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?

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.

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.

One has a door one each side.

No contest.

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.

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

Why do you need windows when you have air conditioning in the Piper.

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

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.

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.