xyzzy wrote:
Low wing planes are slightly easier to land because of lower center of
gravity,

Why?


...more ground effect softening it

There are so many other factors involved, even though this probably is
somewhat true, it's impossible demonstrate - can you really tell when the
induced drag lowers by a couple of % (the diff between a high-wing and
low-wing). Also, nitpicking, but since ground effect causes a nose down
pitching moment, you could argue it tends to 'harden' the landing.

FWIW: I did my Private in a 172 - loved it. Did my Instrument in an Archer.
Given that most mid-air accidents occur in or near a traffic pattern, I feel
somewhat uncomfortable flying high-wing planes in the pattern where you have
practically no visibility in the direction you're turning - a justification
for turning steeper in the pattern in high-wingers??? (less time in the
turn). I still fly 172s (I really like flying them), but I'm extra cautious
and sometimes move my shoulder harness off my shoulder and lean way forward
to try peer around the corner.

Hilton