Seems kind of slow around here so here's some plane talk. Recently did some circuits in a Piper Warrior to get back into flying. All my previous time was on a Katana.
Walkaround:
Piper is easier because you don't have to crank the prop to check the oil. Also there's no coolant to check and the engine bay is more spacious.
Taxiing:
Probably about the same. Steerable nosewheel is kind of neat but after 100+ hours of differential braking in the Katana, it doesn't seem like much of a difference. However there is a strong urge to use the yoke like a steering wheel.
Taking off:
The Katana almost takes off on its own and climbs eagerly. In the Warrior you have to be much more positive with the rotation and is a bit more of a slouch.
Landing:
Seems easier to land the Piper, maybe because it's heavier. Seems less prone to bouncing. Or I just magically improved my flare judgment.
Controls:
Katana has a nicer cockpit instrument / switch layout and I prefer the stick. However it's nice to have a bit of room in the cabin I suppose. Electric flap switch seems like a luxury compared to lifting the huge flap handle on the Piper. Feedback is way more immediate in the Katana.
Comfort:
Piper cabin runs cooler and is more spacious. Seems to deal with turbulence much better.
Flying impressions - Piper Warrior vs Diamond Katana
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Re: Flying impressions - Piper Warrior vs Diamond Katana
I hate the landings on the pipers. It seems like the nose comes crashing down no matter how much you pull on the control column after touchdown(at least on the Hershey Bar wing types).
Takeoffs on the Pipers require a hefty pull, perhaps due to the symmetrical airfoil and it gets worse as they get bigger with the Lance being the worst of any aircraft(at least with only front seaters). Almost full aft trim and a huge struggle to get off the ground.
The short wings on the Piper make taxiing in tight spot much easier.
Takeoffs on the Pipers require a hefty pull, perhaps due to the symmetrical airfoil and it gets worse as they get bigger with the Lance being the worst of any aircraft(at least with only front seaters). Almost full aft trim and a huge struggle to get off the ground.
The short wings on the Piper make taxiing in tight spot much easier.
Re: Flying impressions - Piper Warrior vs Diamond Katana
I was think about this thread last night. After cheating on my Cherokee for about 8 hrs of C172 time, I realize how hard I have to yank on her to convince her to fly! V1....Rotate....A little harder....Come on the damn Cessna would have lifted off itself by now. At least the Piper feels like a comfy old set of shoes to hop back into.
"Carelessness and overconfidence are more dangerous than deliberately accepted risk." -Wilbur Wright
Re: Flying impressions - Piper Warrior vs Diamond Katana
I got my PPL on a Piper Cherokee but I have a few hours on the Warrior, C172, and DA20. I do find the Warrior a bit heavier when comparing to Cherokee but it's slightly better than a C172. I didn't really enjoy my time with DA20 for the following reasons:
1. Poor seat position and there's no adjustment
2. Bubble cockpit is crazy hot, actually got a heat stroke in one or may be I just sit inside all the time
3. Diff braking turning is not as good as a good old steerable front wheel, I find it slow and unresponsive
4. Stick is a bit more sensitive than the yoke. I don't notice very small hand inputs so I'm always flying it weird
If I need to fly 3 people (including myself) all the time, a C172 would be my pick because of the interior size. However, the electrical flaps on the C172 is so slow.
1. Poor seat position and there's no adjustment
2. Bubble cockpit is crazy hot, actually got a heat stroke in one or may be I just sit inside all the time
3. Diff braking turning is not as good as a good old steerable front wheel, I find it slow and unresponsive
4. Stick is a bit more sensitive than the yoke. I don't notice very small hand inputs so I'm always flying it weird
If I need to fly 3 people (including myself) all the time, a C172 would be my pick because of the interior size. However, the electrical flaps on the C172 is so slow.
