-----Original Message-----
From: Tim ]
Posted At: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 8:36 AM
Posted To: rec.aviation.owning
Conversation: First plane
Subject: First plane

....

I call BS on that. I bought a grumman cheetah while learning to fly.
It was a great learning experience. Where do you get the data for
"most
cannot handle the added distraction?"


I would not recommend that a student of mine be trying to learn to fly
our trainers while at the same time looking for a different aircraft of
their own. First, they should be concentrating on the make and model
they will be flying for their tests. They should know the systems cold
and become intimately familiar with that aircraft. Then by the time they
get their license (usually only a couple of months) they understand what
they should expect to learn as they move to other makes or models.
Trying to do that all at once leaves gaps. I sure wouldn't want a
student to be learning in a PA-28 or a C-152 and be looking at or trying
to buy a Grumman. I've taught in all of them and they are different
birds. Let's learn one thing at a time, and learn it very well.

....

The only way to get that experience and knowledge is to go through the
process of looking and buying. Renting for years does not make anyone
more qualified to purchase an airplane compared to a newbie looking to
buy.


I disagree again; renting can expose a pilot to various makes and models
if he or she is willing to be a little adventurous. I'm really glad that
I had a chance to rent a Cardinal-RG before I put a lot of effort or
expense into researching them for purchase. I'm also happy that I had
the chance to fly a 172RG into Gunnison IFR before I started lusting
after them. Renting is a great way to discover which make or model you
absolutely do not want.

The only disadvantage to renting is that you get to fly lots of models
you will never own and that is disappointing.

BTW, I didn't think much of the Grumman line back when we were flying
the AA1As and AA5s, but over the years I've come to believe a Cheetah or
Tiger might just be the solution to my needs now.