Simviation Forums

Alright, My birthday is coming up, and I'm interested in Flight School. Now, I was thinking of trying an introductory flight first, which is what I've heard is the best route to see if I even like it. The local flight school has 3 types of planes availible for introductory flights, a Cessna 152 ($50 for 30 min, $95 for an hour), A Cessna 172 (160 HP) or a Piper Warrior (both are $57 for 30 min, $109 for an hour), or a Cessna 172 with 180HP for $63 for 30 min, or $121 for an hour.

*edit* The actual costs for the flight training should I go all the way is $5,945 for the Cessna 152, $6,365 for the 172 (160HP) and Piper Warrior, and the site doesn't say anything about the 180HP 172 *end edit*

Now, my question: Which of these would be the best for a first non-commercial flight experience? I figured between one of the three types of Cessna because of the better views from the higher set wing, but I'll try any of them. Now, I'm about 6'2'' and 240+ pounds, so that's also needed to take in... Will I even fit in the 152?  ??? Any info would be VERY apprecciated. I really want to get into flying, and having some extra flight time would be handy for getting into the Air Force  ;)

I'm 6'6" and big, the 172 is really easy to get into compared to the warrior, and I think the 172 has a little more room under the controls. I've never been in a 152. The 172 is a lot of fun to fly, it's a little squirly in the wind but its faster than a warrior. Also the 172 has great ventelation and AUTOPILOT! *Does the autopilot dance*

Take the 172-you won't regret it.

And there isn't any need to worry about A/P, there's more or less no reason to ever use it in one of these planes, ESPECIALLY when you're training. (I'm aware someone else *cough* Brett *cough* has a different viewpoint.  just putting that out there)

Things could get a bit cramped and forward-CG-ish for you in the 152, depending on the size and weight of your instructor... which is too bad, because it's such a perfect mount for a first lesson. Ask the instructor.  If you get the thumbs-up as far as weight and balance goes, squeeze into the 152, just once. You won't forget it or regret it, even if you decide it's too small and slow for your personal needs. The "limit" shown in a typical 152 weight-and-balance sheet is 175 lbs. per seat, but I don't think that's really the limit... I've never flown one at that weight (I'm about 180 lbs. soaking wet), so again, ask your instructor.

Try the 172 (not necessarily better than the Piper, it's just my preference), then promise you'll solo in a 152 someday.

A 180-hp C172 "Superhawk" is a fine, fine airplane, but if you train in Cessnas, save that one for your long X-C flights. Going from one airplane to another in your training can be a good thing; it was for me, because it taught me to pay attention to the machine I was flying, not some numbers from a book.

Whatever you choose, forget the autopilot.  In a light single, that is rarely used, except in IMC. And how the heck are you gonna learn to fly with the autopilot on?

I'm in the 172, fits nice, I wouldn't fit in the 152.  If you can fit in the 152 go for it, especially if money is a factor, or if you plan on becoming a commercial airline pilot since you could help yourself by saving money on the 152 than the 172. Just my opinion.

Well, it is only $400 more for the 172. I would go for the 172 because it has the most room out of the three.

Of course I'll comment on the

Oh.. and regarding a 152..  If you're 240.. and your instructor is a mere 190.. that leaves room for about 5 gallons of fuel  

You'd be into your VFR reserve before taking off...

Thanks for the great response time guys... I guess if I do go up for an intro flight, I'll pick the 172  ;)

But now, after I posted this, I remembered a little goody I've been wanting for a while... The Thrustmaster Cougar HOTAS for only $250  ;D I've been wanting one of those little toys for a while now... So I'm at a huge fork in the road right now  :(

rottydaddy Whatever you choose, [i wrote:forget the autopilot[/i].  In a light single, that is rarely used, except in IMC. And how the heck are you gonna learn to fly with the autopilot on?

I dunno... Sometimes on those X-Cs when your suddenly doing 10 things at once it just feels nice to dial in a radial, hit AP/NAV and let it steer itself for a minute while you figure out exactly where you are and who you should be talking to.

i personally fly a 172, im 6 foot, 155 pounds, and my instructor wants me up in the 152 soon because the 172 is like a truck, its a bit more sluggish on controls, and you get a better feel in the 152 because it responds so fast, but i would go with the 172, its a great plane to fly, and i never have trouble with room, if the instructor later wants you to be up in the 152, give it a shot, see how it works for you, if you are not comfortable however, dont do it, make sure to talk to the instructor about it

*edit* The actual costs for the flight training should I go all the way is $5,945 for the Cessna 152, $6,365 for the 172 (160HP) and Piper Warrior, and the site doesn't say

Does the plane come too?

I dunno... Sometimes on those X-Cs when your suddenly doing 10 things at once it just feels nice to dial in a radial, hit AP/NAV and let it steer itself for a minute while you figure out exactly where you are and who you should be talking to.

Don't get me wrong; APs are a great thing. Brett makes some excellent points, and for an experienced pilot like him, it is just another tool in the toolbox.

But it should be the last thing on a new student's mind, IMHO. Just like the GPS. The foundation built during primary training has to be able to withstand the stress of losing the AP, or the GPS, or the vacuum pump, or...
I feel fortunate that I never got to use GPS or even a wing-leveler during my training; I think that helped me build a strong foundation.

my instructor doesnt let anything really used, complete basic 172 controls and stuff, no GPS, auto pilot never touched for learning.  Heck, we dont even use parking brake

Don't get me wrong; APs are a great thing. Brett makes some excellent points, and for an experienced pilot like him, it is just another tool in the toolbox.

But it should be the last thing on a new student's mind, IMHO. Just like the GPS. The foundation built during primary training has to be able to withstand the stress of losing the AP, or the GPS, or the vacuum pump, or...
I feel fortunate that I never got to use GPS or even a wing-leveler during my training; I think that helped me build a strong foundation.

Actually today I was up in the 172 and my instructor did something he never did before. He told me to go to the VNA VORTAC without useing anything but the map and DG. It wasnt a problem since thats all I was useing till that point but it was a little weird looking for a radio navaid visually.

Oh another grat point about cessnas, great ground visability.