The Weiss Family wrote:

I'm a new pilot (passed my checkride last Saturday). I have a wife and
three small children (all 6yrs and under).

Congratulations! Welcome to the club!

If not, is there any other fixed-gear single in a similar price range that
could accomodate 5?

YES! The Socata TB-series (in your case, the -9, -10, and the new -200)
are all five-seat aircraft. The cabins are significantly wider than
Cessnas and Pipers (50" v. 41" and 42", if memory serves), and they're
certificated with five seatbelts--not even an STC. Great-flying
airplanes, too; I've flown Cherokees with both the straight and tapered
wings, and 172's, and I'd take my Tampico (TB-9, 160HP) any day.

I would second the thought voiced by others, though: they're not going
to be six forever. However, if you are thinking about trading up as you
build time, this would work great for you. I have a bunch of pictures
up at http://www.flight-instruction.com/images/n30391, and a short blurb
at http://www.flight-instruction.com/tb9.php.

If you want to talk more, feel free to send me e-mail. The address in
the headers is invalid (infernal spammers!), but the one in my .sig is good.

--Dave

--
Dave Buckles

http://www.flight-instruction.com