I'd like to thank everyone for your replies.
I was planning on getting into something smaller now, and then eventually
trading up to a cherokee six.
It sounds like the TB-9 might be worth taking a look at.

I think I'll probably fly for a year or so before I buy.
That should give me an idea of both how much of a plane I'll need.

thanks again,

Adam

"Dave Buckles" wrote in message
news:8X4pc.36613$pJ1.36307@lakeread02...
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