RW Question-Train in 152 or 172?

[stevekirks]

I've got a chance to take lessons in a nice 152 ($75/hr wet) or a 172 ($109/hr wet). Which would you choose?

152: http://www.soar-m17.org/index.php/our-s ... cessna-150

172: http://flyauroramo.com/aircraft_rental_cessna_172m.php

I've seen both aircraft in real life, very solid, good instructors at either location.

My current vote is the 152.

[rtataryn]

My recommendation is definitely the 152. 36% off for the same flight time, or get 50% more hours for the same money. The 152 is the quintessential trainer aircraft. Nice slow speeds and very forgiving. Get solid in it and the 172 will be an easy transition later on . . . after your PPL when you''re ready to take a few passengers or gear. Absolutely no need for 4 seats now.

My .02

Rod
PPL SEL Instrument

[Pieces]

Agreed. Cheaper is better.

[Keith Smith]

If you can fit comfortably, then the 152 is great since a big chunk of the PPL is pattern work and ground reference maneuvers where speed is irrelevant. Once you get to XC, the price difference between the 172/152 will be less relevant because the speed will start to matter a little bit, but you'll still come out ahead in terms of price with the 152 as long as the headwinds aren't a total trainwreck on a given day.

[rtataryn]

Once you get to XC, the price difference between the 172/152 will be less relevant because the speed will start to matter a little bit, but you'll still come out ahead in terms of price with the 152 as long as the headwinds aren't a total trainwreck on a given day.

Very true, but building hours, particularly XC hours, is more important than covering distance at this stage. So I'd consider price per hour now vs. price per mile IMO. That's definitely going to be an important equation later though for sure.

[tngarner]

Just do a quick weight and balance with an instructor. I had to do a 172 since both my instructor and I where 200+ lbs. so having enough meaningful fuel became an issue. I also do not think we would have both fit in the 152. We certainly got to know each other in the 172 just fine. Another reason to like your instructor LOL

[gavink42]

Definitely the 152 for primary flight training. After you get your private ticket, you'll probably want to carry friends and family. Transitioning to the 172 won't take long at all!

You'll save a boatload (planeload?) of money by training in the 152!

- Gavin

[Talan2000]

Steve

Like everyone is saying the 152 (technically that's a 150 but no biggie) is the way to go as long as weight and balance work out for you. When I trained in a 152 I weighed I weighed 152. Nowadays I'm looking for a c195 .

Remember useful load is you + gas.

Good rates. I am paying 100/hr wet for a 150 here (though it is nice that it is per TaCH hr) and 120/hr for a 172n

Todd

[RyanK]

Yep, 152 gets my vote for all of the above reasons.

[stevekirks]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I like the instructor out of Bolivar (M17) where the 150 is based. Jack Reynolds is the flight instructor (former tower manager at KSGF, charter pilot) and we get along great. I think the weight/balance would be fine - I'm 6'-0" and 205lbs and Jack is shorter and thinner. Jack and I did a flight in the school's Cherokee 140 (with the up-rated engine STC) and it was a blast.

I was leaning toward the 150 due to price, but didn't want to miss out on the 172 since it's one of the few in the area used as a trainer. Good points about building time and practice--the 150 sounds like a smarter choice.

Thanks everyone!