For a student pilot, which is better to fly a piper tomahawk or a cessna 150?
October 12, 2008
I am a student pilot. I am confused whether to fly a piper tomahawk or cessna 150. I need your advice. My classmates used to say that cessna is even better to fly while other say that tomahawk is more challenging but a little bit tricky.
It's much harder for the low-time pilot to make smooth, consistent, "squeeky" landings in the Tomahawk because of its long, narrow, constant-chord wing, narrow CG envelope, and funky ceiling-mounted stabilator.
That's why I would recommend the Tomahawk for basic training. If you get to where you can make a smooth landing consistently in the Tomahawk, you can climb into the Cessna 150 and start making them every time.
Also, a low-wing airplane keeps you from forming some bad habits the 150 driver can get into, like judging height at the flare by looking down over the left wheel. A pilot develops better overall habits in a low wing trainer.
And, because most high-performance airplanes are low-wing airplanes, the Tomahawk experience will stand you in good stead when you want to transition to a faster, more complex airplane.
Having said all that, I would also say that if you can get time in a Piper Cherokee, go there instead. Much better all around airplane, and it will really teach you how to fly.
Good luck.
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9 Responses to “For a student pilot, which is better to fly a piper tomahawk or a cessna 150?”
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It really doesn't matter. Go with which ever one has the cheapest flight time. I have flown both and if you are trying to build time or skill the most exp. always helps the most.
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doesn't matter as long as u build up hrs
good luck 🙂
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The Cessna 150 has been one of the most popular trainers for years because it is simple, safe, and cheap to fly but it still gives a challenge for student pilots to truly master it (like smooth full flap landings). Some drawbacks of the 150 are the small cabin and almost too docile spin characteristics.
Enter the Tomahawk (Traumahawk). It was designed with the input of several top flight instructors who wanted more room and a more sudden (but still safe) spin characteristics. An easy (and cheap) cure for the flight training bug is to go up in one with an eager instructor and ask for a spin demonstration.
As far as basic flying goes these planes are pretty similar.
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I've never flown a 'Trauma-hawk,' but I've been told that it is not easy to recover from a stall or a spin, while the Cessna practically does it all on its own.
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Sort of, "your choice".
I personally prefer a high wing tail dragger, but that's what I was trained in when I first started to fly. When I transitioned into a tri-gear it took some of the fun out of flying for me. No real challenge in landing.
How many low wing "Bush" planes do you see?
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Retired ATP
no question, go with the C-150. Its a reliable aicraft with a proved track record. There's a reason the Piper is referred to as the "Trauma-hawk"
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depends on what you prefer.. pipers are low wing and Cessna's are high wing…in the piper you'll lean the effects of ground effect..poor lower visibility.. etc.. but they are both good trainers..the 150 is a very easy plane to learn on also..
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It's much harder for the low-time pilot to make smooth, consistent, "squeeky" landings in the Tomahawk because of its long, narrow, constant-chord wing, narrow CG envelope, and funky ceiling-mounted stabilator.
That's why I would recommend the Tomahawk for basic training. If you get to where you can make a smooth landing consistently in the Tomahawk, you can climb into the Cessna 150 and start making them every time.
Also, a low-wing airplane keeps you from forming some bad habits the 150 driver can get into, like judging height at the flare by looking down over the left wheel. A pilot develops better overall habits in a low wing trainer.
And, because most high-performance airplanes are low-wing airplanes, the Tomahawk experience will stand you in good stead when you want to transition to a faster, more complex airplane.
Having said all that, I would also say that if you can get time in a Piper Cherokee, go there instead. Much better all around airplane, and it will really teach you how to fly.
Good luck.
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retired airline captain
fly an Aeronca Chief because it's fun, and a Cherokee most of the time.
Neither.
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