-----Original Message-----
From: PPSEL-student ]
Posted At: Tuesday, December 05, 2006 6:02 AM
Posted To: rec.aviation.owning
Conversation: First plane
Subject: First plane

I see no body suggested the C182. Now like Jay's pathfinder the 182 is
a
true 4 adults plus baggage airplane. Fly's very similar to a 172
although
a
little heavier feel to the controls than a 172 and there is LOT"S of
them
out there for sale right now. I used to love flying my fathers 182,
was a
dream to fly and I could take my freinds up for a weekend trip to
anywhere
(almost)



The 182T that I fly on a weekly basis will no more haul 4 adults plus
baggage plus meaningful (4+ hours) fuel than the 172S we just traded out
with another squadron.

We only have about 60 extra pounds of radio and equipment so that can't
be the differentiator. Seriously, a 240 pilot and a 180 front passenger
plus a couple of 165 passengers in the back (pretty light for American
adults), 80 pounds of baggage and full fuel has you 173 pounds over max
takeoff weight.

You'd have to back the fuel down to about 350 pounds to stay within max
takeoff weight and then burn it down to 200 pounds to be at max landing
weight.

A 182 is a wonderful bird especially when properly equipped, and it is
one of the better four-seat load haulers. On the other hand however, if
you are planning on hauling four of us well-over-160-pound adults you're
going to limit your range to a little over 2 hours with no reserve.

I've come to believe that the best 4 place cross country aircraft all
start out with 6 seats installed. Take those last two seats out and
you've got a real nice bird.