High-wing to Low-wing transition...

Pooch

Pooch

Well-Known Member
I'm a new CFI and I have a student who wants to fly a lot and frequently. This is great; however, we will be flying a Piper Cherokee (low-wing) and with all my training, all I have ever flown are Cessnas (which are, of course, high-wing).
Aside from studying the POH and checklists, does anyone have any advice for making a smooth transition?
 
I am in the opposite position. All of my time is in pipers. I flew a c172g the other day and the only real difference seemed to be a little less float in ground effect.
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Remember that the fuel must be pumped, gravity feed isn't available. You can't just fill the tanks, select both and be good to go.
 
It's a very easy transition. Speeds are almost identical, the Cherokee is slightly more stable, and very easy to land with a little less flare. As mentioned above, you'll need to add the fuel pump to your flow check, and don't forget to switch tanks periodically. Pipers are a little less prone to carb ice too.
 
You'll start seeing where you are going, rather than where you have been. You can see how much fuel is in the tank. You'll be the first one out the door. You'll feel like you are sitting in a more car-like seating position, rather than the high-chair cessna style.
 
I did the majority of my training in high-wing stuff but lately all I've been flying is low-wing. Once you figure out the fuel pump and how to switch tanks you won't have a problem. I've found myself liking the low-wings better than the high-wings.
 
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I did the majority of my training in high-wing stuff but lately all I've been flying is low-wing. Once you figure out the fuel pump and how to switch tanks you won't have a problem. I've found myself liking the low-wings better than the high-wings.

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Same applies to me.
 
I just transitioned from cessna's to pipers, here's what i have noticed so far:

1. the fuel of course
2. Alot less rudder needed
3. Alot smoother landings
4. Manual flaps
5. Stabalator
6. Anti-servo trim tabs
7. Cowling opens right up (great for preflighting), but make sure you latch it correctly
8. Could just be the Warrior, but seems like we always have a forward C.G (with two heavy guys up front, its likely you might have to add some weight in the baggage)
9. Blind spots (low wing vs. high wing)

hope that helps...im sure there's alot more i missed or forgot
 
How's the low-wing training going Pooch? The one I got checked out in was down for awhile because someone landed on the nose gear hard which collapsed requiring gear replacement, prop, etc.

I took it back up for the first time in about five months, and remembered I come in a little flat when landing w/ the Cherokee ... have you encountered this at all w/ your students. Like you, 95% of my time is in the high-wing.
 
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How's the low-wing training going Pooch? The one I got checked out in was down for awhile because someone landed on the nose gear hard which collapsed requiring gear replacement, prop, etc.

I took it back up for the first time in about five months, and remembered I come in a little flat when landing w/ the Cherokee ... have you encountered this at all w/ your students. Like you, 95% of my time is in the high-wing.

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Thanks for asking. Believe it or not, it never worked out and I STILL haven't flown that Piper yet (although I am looking forward to the eventual transition). The guy I was going to be instructing (the Piper was his brother's airplane) had some problems with insurance on it. We discussed doing a leaseback at our flight school with him, but it never panned out...Oh, well...
 
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