Flying impressions - Piper Warrior vs Diamond Katana
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 9:10 pm
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.
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.