"Seth Masia" wrote:
Train in an older 172. Density altitude at Phoenix means that a 152 has
marginal climb peformance and it will waste a lot of your time just getting
up to pattern altitude.

I did the majority of mine in a C152 from late April through the end of
July in Phoenix with no problems, including a x-c to Prescott from
Chandler. Of course, you need to fly early in the morning, before it
reaches 110°. If you and/or your CFI weigh a lot, the 172 is a better
choice. I don't see that ANY time was ''wasted'' getting to pattern
altitude ... we were always there in plenty of time, even on the hot
days.

Train at an uncontrolled field, so you don't waste a lot of time taxiing and
waiting, with the engine turning, on the ground.

I flew at Falcon and Chandler, both controlled and fairly busy and
didn't spend any more time in taxi and run-up than at any uncontrolled
field. Busy as those airports both are, we rarely had to wait for
takeoff clearance at either airport. We did, however, spend 20 minutes
waiting for takeoff clearance at Deer Valley one morning and never went
back there; they're always really busy due to the schools, not unusual
for several planes to be lined up for takeoff on more than one taxiway
at the same time.

JMO, but if you're worried about the time spent taxiing at a controlled
vs. uncontrolled airport, you probably can't afford the training. You
need to know how to get in and out of uncontrolled *AND* controlled
airports ... don't limit your training to just one or the other. The
regs state that part of your solo requirement is "three takeoffs and
three landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a flight in
the traffic pattern) **at an airport with an operating control tower**."

As you can see by all these responses, everyone has their own ideas
about the best way to train. Do your own research, talk to people whose
opinions you respect, and then make up your own mind about how, where
and with whom you want to train. Good luck and enjoy!