I’m about to start working on my PPL and I’ve decided on a local FBO. The instructor I talked to said that I could either choose to learn in the Tomahawk or the 150 (same price). There are 3 Tomahawks and one 150 so the Tomahawks would allow for more flexibility. I looked through some of the posts though and it seems like some people could care less for the Tomahawk. Any suggestions? thanks
Tomahawk or 150?
- Thread starter jag
- Start date
PhotoPilot
New Member
I'm with Doug. I'm still training, but have been in 172s and Tommies. I'd take the Tomahawk anyday! They demand a bit more attention from the pilot, have great visibility, and make for an easy transition to twins. I love 'em! Almost perfect as training aircraft go.
USAFplt
Well-Known Member
I did my PPL training in the Tomahawk. It is a great little airplane. The visibility is great and I prefer the low wing to the Cessna's. Only negative was flying it during FL summers... the cockpit is one big greenhouse. The plane was very reliable though and the price couldnt be beat.
JaceTheAce
Well-Known Member
Here is a good website which tells you reasons for choosing the Tomahawk over the 152:
http://www.geocities.com/murphyslaw2001/Flypage/Piper_Tomahawk.htm
http://www.geocities.com/murphyslaw2001/Flypage/Piper_Tomahawk.htm
montanapilot
Well-Known Member
what about the stall characteristics of them? I heard that they are pretty abrupt and unpredictable in that area.
PhotoPilot
New Member
Unpredictable? I don't think so . . .
You learn to be aware of what the plane is doing and to stay coordinated, but I wouldn't say they're unpredictable. I think the folks who find the Tomahawks to be squirelly learned in Cessnas and just aren't used to the differences.
There were a few incidents with spin accidents in them in the early 80's but those issues have been resolved with the addition of dual flow strips and a few other things. My school has 12 or so Tommies and they spin just fine!
You learn to be aware of what the plane is doing and to stay coordinated, but I wouldn't say they're unpredictable. I think the folks who find the Tomahawks to be squirelly learned in Cessnas and just aren't used to the differences.
There were a few incidents with spin accidents in them in the early 80's but those issues have been resolved with the addition of dual flow strips and a few other things. My school has 12 or so Tommies and they spin just fine!
The PA38 is a bit faster, maybe. I think it does better in a crosswind, as well, so you can really go out with an instructor when it is blowing hard, and learn good technique. Larger, which is nice you don't have to overlap arms just to sit in there with an instructor. Better visibility both because of the layout of the glass, and because a low wing design. You can see better in a low wing, unless you really care what is right below the wing (and since you usually will not be flying sideways, I'd say you don't need to know what is there at that second, just look ahead). The transition to another plane will be quite easy as well. I believe the way a PA38 stalls is great for training. Slow flight can be fun as well. Fly one on heading, and altitude, and you'll have no problem with a quick transition to instrument flight, since you will be force to be on top of your flying.
If you like a high wing, with less space, go for the 150/152. If not, go for anything else
Also, ask the instructor what plane they prefer to teach in. And why.
If you like a high wing, with less space, go for the 150/152. If not, go for anything else
Also, ask the instructor what plane they prefer to teach in. And why.
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Why not fly both?
[/ QUOTE ]
There's the best anwer yet.
I had time in a 152, 172 and PA28 before getting my PPL. If you don't mind an extra hour or few getting your license, the experience of flying different planes is a pretty good one. I'd recommend sticking with only one until after you solo and get into the x-c work, then get checked out and solo again in the other.
The difference between planes will get you in the habit of really using the checklists, rather than the just skimming or ignoring it because it is so familiar.
Also, check the schedule on all the planes for the last month or so and see which one(s) have more availibility. You'd think the Tommy would because there are three of them, but if no one is flying the 152 it might actually be easier to schedule. Looking at the past records will tell you pretty quickly.
Have fun!
Why not fly both?
[/ QUOTE ]
There's the best anwer yet.
I had time in a 152, 172 and PA28 before getting my PPL. If you don't mind an extra hour or few getting your license, the experience of flying different planes is a pretty good one. I'd recommend sticking with only one until after you solo and get into the x-c work, then get checked out and solo again in the other.
The difference between planes will get you in the habit of really using the checklists, rather than the just skimming or ignoring it because it is so familiar.
Also, check the schedule on all the planes for the last month or so and see which one(s) have more availibility. You'd think the Tommy would because there are three of them, but if no one is flying the 152 it might actually be easier to schedule. Looking at the past records will tell you pretty quickly.
Have fun!
jdflight
Well-Known Member
I much prefer teaching in the Tomahawk over the Cessna, and the stall characteristics aren't a problem at all. The only unpredictable thing I could think of would be if you let it sit in a deep stall for too long. Then you're going to drop the left wing, almost guaranteed. And Photo, how exactly do you know how the Tomahawk spins? You're not supposed to have done that yet!
PhotoPilot
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
And Photo, how exactly do you know how the Tomahawk spins? You're not supposed to have done that yet!
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Uhh . . . Mazzei normally teaches spins as part of the CFI courses, and we graduate a lot of CFIs. Nobody's augered in during spin training, so they must spin rather predictably, right?
(Is that a politically correct answer, JD?
)
And Photo, how exactly do you know how the Tomahawk spins? You're not supposed to have done that yet!
[/ QUOTE ]
Uhh . . . Mazzei normally teaches spins as part of the CFI courses, and we graduate a lot of CFIs. Nobody's augered in during spin training, so they must spin rather predictably, right?
(Is that a politically correct answer, JD?
mastermags
Well-Known Member *giggity*
VEGA!
Mavmb
Well-Known Member
I think the 150 would be easier to learn in. That is a more stable airplane than the traumahawk. Traumahawk, it got that nickname for a reason! It has a lot of spiral instability with two big guys in the plane! Well who would ever thought I would ever go against the grain
but I gotta vote for the C-150 in this thread.