Is the Cessna 172 BETTER than the Piper Cherokee? (The Shocking Truth)
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- Опубликовано: 11 май 2024
- The Cessna 172 Skyhawk VS the Piper Cherokee 140 (PA-28-140). Who makes the best training airplane? Find out in THIS video from Free Pilot Training! Both of these aircraft are legends in the training community. You’ll enjoy this fun video that compares the performance of the Cessna 172 and the Piper Cherokee. It also compares many of the design features of both airplanes! Enjoy!
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One of the flight schools I worked for had both. When a prospective student asked me which one they should use, I said "It depends on what you want to see. If you want to see the ground, fly a high wing. I you want to see the sky, stand on the ground, look up and save yourself a ton of money."
😂
....I practice the latter now all the time, yep SAVING MONEY.
In 44 years of piloting, I think I flew 1 hour in a C172 as a passenger in 1980 while in college. On the other hand, I learned in the Piper Cherokee, Arrow, and Aztec. After corp and airline flying for a decade I gave up the wings to run my businesses. The first plane I bought was a Piper Arrow, then came two Navajos, then a Cheyenne ll. Trainers were sold to get people hooked on the manufacturer in addition to training and it worked in my case.
That’s very true! Thankfully I’ve got a taste of a few different models!
I think a spicy part 2 would be to compare the newer Piper Archer vs a similar year 172S. Piper fixed a lot of the odd features and has a really nice competitor now that a lot of the big schools are now choosing over the 172.
Ooh! You’re the second person to tell me that! That would be fun!
@@FreePilotTraining I'm a short hop away from you over in Bentonville. You should stop by on a cross country! I'd love to chat and would even be interested in doing some flight test videos with you in one of our 172s.
@@matthewpaxton2832 PM me on Facebook if you have one. I might have a little time in a couple weeks
Yes. A 180hp 172 and an Archer are much more evenly matched.
Or perhaps Compare the Skyhawk to a Warrior instead of an Archer since it has a 160 hp engine (like the Skyhawk) instead of the 180 in the Archer.
I prefer a Warrior II over the 172. The throttle and mixture make more sense to me. I guess I'm more comfortable sitting on the wings instead of hanging from em, too. But, a door on each side would be handy. Probably gonna solo in a couple days!😁
I’ve never flown a warrior, but there’s a bunch of warrior fans on here
Getcha some!
The Warrior is almost like flying a completely different aircraft compared to the Hershey bar wing Cherokees. I was amazed at the difference.
@@donadams8345 I need to fly one!
I flew 172 first part of PPL training. Finished in Grumman Cheetah. I prefer the Cheetah. Fun plane and the retractable canopy helps in Alabama summers!
And officially he started the airplane civil war single handedly! 😂😂
😆 I hope not!
Great balanced treatment. Thanks!
I ended up owning a Cherokee180. For me the over head wing was an issue in patter flying. The wing blocks your view when making pattern turns. For me I prefer my ground reference AND the ability to scan for traffic in the pattern
That is 100% fact. It’s nice to be able to see the runway when you’re turning base
The high wing really doesn't block your view into the turn nearly as much as you think it does. The pilot sits right under the wing. It blocks your view directly to the side - you have to turn your head a full 90 degrees to be looking at the blind spot. But that's not where you're turning. The plane doesn't stop in mid-air, pivot 90 degrees, and then start moving in the new direction. It continues moving forward as you are initiating the turn. So, you can always see the point where your plane will be when it completes the turn. It won't be 90 degrees from where you started the turn - in the blind spot. It will be about 45 degrees to the left or right - definitely not in the blind spot. So, for left traffic, turn your head 45 degrees to the left and you can see the area where your plane will be at the completion of the turn - that location is not blocked by the wing at all.
Agreeing to what @ldmax said I will also add that you should clear your turn before you start it... so the wing isn't really blocking your view except for possible aircraft that are high and at your 4-5 oclock descending into your turn. That said I still prefer cherokee for the ground cushion.
I prefer neither of the 2 Choices.. A Beech Musketeer series beats both... Where it has low wing, the pilot can still look straight down as he is forward of the wing, Not over the wing! I am training in a Sierra for my private... I have no issues looking down or up for traffic.
At my last ripoff 141 school, I was flying C172 Ss, now at my wonderful part 61 school, I am mostly flying Piper PA-28-161 Warrior IIIs. I fell in love with them immediately, and I really prefer how they fly. I was really worried about their stability, but I seem to have a much easier time maintaining my heading and altitude in the Pipers. Also, I really prefer the mechanical flaps over the stupid electric flaps in the 172. Just my 2 cents.
😆 cracks me up. 141 schools definitely know how to rip people off. Great points. Thank you so much!
So would you say that people who fly Cessnas then would have trained on a much more difficult plane?
@@xrey83 Not necessarily. Most people consider Cessnas to be very stable. It could just be my personal preference and I am probably biased because I was rather unhappy with my previous instruction experiences where I flew Cessnas. The purpose of my comment was more to reassure people moving to low wing planes that they are comfortable and safe to fly.
@@xrey83 I’d say it’s easier to fly a 172
@@FreePilotTraining I’ve heard a fellow student say it was easier to land and perform maneuvers (staying on altitude and heading) with a Cherokee. Plus the comment above led me to believe that it was easier to control and therefore operate the Cherokee.
I'm a student learning in a Warrior and while it might seem like something minor after having just a couple flights in a 172 I have to say I really prefer the throttle and mixture controls in the Warrior. Might just be because thats what I've learned on but it feels more intuitive for me. Also the carb heat gets way less action in the Warrior compared to the 172.
Warrior is so much better than Cherokee. The extra wing span makes the diff
I’ve heard that! I love the Arrow a LOT!
I’m hearing amazing things about the Warrior! I’ve flown 180s, but never a warrior. I know the airframe was a completely new design for Piper
@@matthewlilly7668 Flown both and plus and minus to each. Throttle and yolk nicer on the warrior plus a bit more cruise speed which is nice. You just can't beat the climb rate though on some of the older Cherokees. Mine did an honest 900fpm with just me in it and fuel to tabs. No warrior ever comes close to that. Sure made it nice taking off and getting to cruise altitude quickly on short flights. I miss my ole cherokee. Was a great little plane.
I've been looking forward to this video since you announced it. And you did not disappoint! Great job!
Thanks John! I appreciate that! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for putting the time into this video! It was super helpful for me as a total beginner.
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!
Low wings are typically more docile in upsets and stalls, especially due to the larger dihedral angles. Having flown many Cessna and piper variants I definitely prefer low wings 👍.
Great point! Thanks!
Well, After flying and owning both high wing Cessna's, low wing Bonanzas along with a ton of rental time in low wing Cherokee's plus logged time in DC-3 and C-47's along with a Citation and MU-2, my all time favorite is the ONE I am flying at that particular time. They all have their pluses and minuses, but loved flying all of them!
Thanks for the comment! Yes they do!
That's a great point about losing wind over the tail in a slip... thanks for these videos!
Thanks! I thought it was worth including in the video!
Excellent video, you really researched your material well. Love both aircraft, slight edge to the 172 for me, but owned an RV7, that was the bomb!
Thanks! I appreciate that! I’ve never flown an RV, but I’d like to build the 15 once they release it!
I’m glad that you showed 123JC, that is my current training plane also 48J. Hope see you at KORK some day, learning a lot from your videos !!!! Thanks !!!
Super cool! Those are great planes! You never know!
Thank you for that balanced and well presented comparison. I haven't seen many such pieces done so fairly, with attention to variables and and an effort to make the data relatable and objective. Subscribed.
Thanks Rick! Welcome to the channel!
Thank you for the time you invest in all your videos. They are very clear, informative and valuable to pilots of all levels!
You’re welcome! Thank you so much for watching!
I love the ground effect of the Cherokee - made for some very nice landings. All the Cherokees that I flew (140, 160, 180) all had a trim-wheel on the floor next to the flaps. I do like the Cessna's 2 doors and the ability to open the window in flight, especially during summer.
Yeah, I guess the newer models have the trim wheel on the floor
Nice video - flew PA-28s and C-172s for years, and enjoyed both. The Pipers have great visibility in a turn, but if you have to get in or out of an aircraft in the rain, the Cessna wing makes a great umbrella.
Yes they do! I like being able to see above me on the base turn!
Those umbrellas are a lot less great when you are 6'8". 😅
@@misfittoytower I could see that
I did my PPL and IR in the PA-28-161 Warrior III, and it's a complete joy to fly! I also have a few hours in a 172 from years ago, but I don't remember how that plane handled. There's just something about having the wings in the "correct" spot (below you) that make low-wings feel like "proper" airplanes.
Everyone has been telling me how great the Warrior is, but I need to get in one and check it out for myself
I’ve only flown 172s and 152s but there’s something about the small 152 that you can just throw around with such ease that makes it tons of fun, the 172s with the heavy o-360 is definitely more stable in the air but nowhere near as fun to fly.
I’ve never flown a 152, but I’ve heard they’re fun
Especially, the Aerobat! Most fun you will have with your clothes on!
You did an excellent job with the comparison of the two popular airplanes. At 200' on pipelines I have had to use full flaps in 172s and rudder to the floor forward slip to make a suitable landing zone in the very near hemisphere after engine failure. Yes, the nose pitches up and down a bit but the airspeed does not change. Flaps make the 172 able to land in the distance required to take off. The short wing Cherokee requires a much slower airspeed than what the POH calls for to get the same sink rate that allows the throttle to become the safe active and dynamic glide angle and rate of descent control all the way down of the 172. They are both good solid trainers. You mentioned price. That was why I owned Tri-Pacers and Colts. Good evaluation.
Thanks Jimmy! I appreciate the comment! Great input!
Love your videos Josh, you were a huge help in getting my PPL. Keep the content up!
Thanks Robert! Will do!
Great summary of some of the main differences. Other things to consider:
- Carburetor heat
- Ventilation and windows
- One door vs. two doors
- Fuel pump vs. gravity fed
- Low wing vs. high wing visibility
- Cowling doors / accessibility
- Rear seat legroom
- Cargo door and cargo area
- Landing gear strut differences
- Nose wheel steering differences
- Cessna flaps are Fowler flaps
- Ability to see fuel caps from Piper cockpit
- High wing advantages for seaplane and bush flying
- Cherokee 180 is the same price as 150-160 hp Cessna 172’s but provides major performance advantages, especially with climb rate and useful load
Thank you! Very good points!
Depends where you fly. I'm in Florida. High-wing is absolutely UNsexy, but extremely practical in Florida. The high-wing gives you shade from sun & rain. Two doors is nice. Being able to open those large windows in Florida is absolutely brilliant, both on the ground and in the air. I also like the more upright stance of the cabin in the 172 for longer trips. The cabin is narrow, but the height makes it feel more roomy. Roomy back seat as well.
I've never flown the PA28, but trained in a DA40, 172S, and Citabria. Flown a PA32-RT (Lance II) and PA46 (Malibu). After experiencing the Diamond's absolutely crisp controls, the Cessna feels completely sloppy. In training I struggled with the 172 compared to the DA40...so being a masochist, I kept flying the 172 until I learned how to wrestle the sloppy beast and make it do what I wanted. The PA32-RT is a flying brick with a sink rate of a cinder block. The PA46 is heavy but fantastic. That extra weight helps smooth out the ride compared to a 172.
Physics-wise, I certainly see how people would think a high-wing is worse for cross-winds, but I disagree from experience. I've flown both the 172 and Citabria in some pretty wicked, gusty crosswinds and didn't find the high wing to be an impairment. If anything, I was quite happy to have more distance from the wingtip to the wing-eating-asphalt below. Even playing between the spiral bands of a hurricane, the high-winged 172 was very manageable.
As an aside, I highly recommend flying in the gap between the spiral bands of a tropical system. Yes, you need to have your wits about you, do plenty of planning, understand tropical systems, along with ADS-B radar or SiriusXM radar data on-board, but it was still the most challenging yet most rewarding flying I've ever done. Far more than my first solo. Maintaining VFR cloud clearances and keeping ahead of advancing storm lines was tough, but fun. Definitely something to do with an experienced CFI or experienced ATP on-board.
Great points! Thank you!
When I was a newbie pilot I did a go around with 40 degrees of flaps deployed with 3 seats occupied. It was climbing at a pitiful climb rate took me longer than it should to figure it out. This was the only Cessna 172 that went beyond the 30 degrees in the rental fleet. Learned a lesson I will never forget.
Yes, I’d like to make a video about how important it is to get those up asap
You survived a lesson.
I recently completed my private pilot training and all 80 hours that I have right now are in Cherokees. However, all of them have had a floor-mounted, between the seats, trim wheel. I've never even seen one with a ceiling-mounted handle.
Yes, the newer models have the trim between the seats. Those are much nicer
I much prefer having multiple doors, firewall mounted engine controls, electronic flaps (vs the parking brake style), easily seeing the landing gear for inspection, and the really nice views afforded by having the wing on top. I have flown both aircraft for similar amounts of time.
Cons of the Cessga would be the climb on top of the wing for anything related to fueling.
Thanks a lot 🙏 learned quite a bit there
You’re welcome!
Excellent video Josh! Even better getting to see N13127 as a primary example for the 172. I really enjoy flying that plane, and it is my favorite of the planes my school has. I never got a chance the fly the Cherokee 140 my school had. They sold it a few months ago. I wish I had gotten a chance to compare the two. Keep up the excellent work. Safe skies my friend 🇺🇸🛩️
Thanks Kevin! Yeah, the Cherokee is definitely worth trying out!
@@FreePilotTraininghopefully I will have my PPL soon and I can get a check out in a Cherokee. I would love to get a chance to fly a Cirrus someday too.
For me personally, I prefer flying a low wing and more windy conditions. But I will admit, I did all my flight training in a 172, and I appreciated the fact that me and my Cfi had our own doors. I will say that pattern work is much easier in a low wing, especially on that based a final term. Regarding flight training, you can’t go wrong with either airplane.
Absolutely! Thank you for the comment!
Yep, the runway tends to disappear with the highwing during pattern work
@@davidhames319 lol
After getting my ppl this year, I decided to buy an aircraft. I flew the archer, 140 (160hp), 172, 182, and the Dakota. The Dakota blew them all out of the park. I pick up the Dakota next week. I couldn’t be more happy with the choice. Great video!
Thank you! I’ve never flown a Dakota, but that makes me want to try one
Great video, I appreciate your no nonsense approach. Couldn't help but notice your shirt. I was in the Marine Corps with Ken Poindexter way back when. Just wondering if you knew him as well? Again, enjoyed your video, thank you for the information.
Thanks! I don’t know him, but he may have jumped out the back of my Herc. You never know. 🤷♂️
I would definitely be interested in the glide ratio comparison video… I’m gonna be starting flying & was trying to figure which plane to use for my flight training… I loved this video, it will really help me make my ultimate decision…
Awesome! I didn’t even think about it being helpful for that! Thanks!
I really hope o can do it soon! That’d be fun!
You are asking for the glide ratio, which is the same as Lift to drag ratio, here is the very simple equation
GR =
max L/D = ½ span √(π e / CdA)
e oswald eff factor 0.875
Cd parasite drag coefficient
A wing area
CdA is also called flat plate Area
typically 6.1 square feet
span wing span 36 ft
For a 172 the result is 12.0
don't forget π = 3.1416
The Cherokee has 32+ ft span
In summary the wing SPAN is the thing!
The taper wing will glide better than the Hershey bar.
@@ConvairDart106 agreed
Loving the American Flyers' "Piper Pilot!!" That's my flight school lol I also have about 300hrs right now and have about half in Piper Archers/Warriors and half in Cessna 172s. Your findings are exactly what I've found going from the Pipers to the Cessnas!
Thanks! I need to get in a warrior! I’ve heard they’re awesome
The Cherokee Stabilator has a "Big Tab" at end. That prevents too much up or down elevator. The trim also is from that tab. See how high that big tab goes when up elevator. That is why it gets very hard to pull up too much elevator and stall it.. Unless you full back trim or have a very rear CG. It has another name but i preferred to explain to students as the big rear stabilator tab that makes the elevator heavier as you put too much. Former CFi on all 6 kinds of Cherokees.
Thanks for the comment! I actually didn’t know about that
@@FreePilotTraining Most pilots dont,- even CFI's get confused by that function of that big tab. It is called "An Anti Servo Tab", which is quite confusing name because it acts contrary to what the pilot wants to do (But only when too much). Some others tabs are called "Servo Tab" or Service Tab because they help the pilot move the control easier, but the Anti Servo Tab does the contrary, it prevents you from moving the control TOO MUCH up and stall it, or too much down and break the airplane with negative G's.
As a onetime CFI years ago and have flown both aircraft but were enjoyable to fly. The one area you did not talk about was payload with full tanks. The C172s I flew had a full tank payload of 630 to 650 lbs while the PA140 was 100 lbs less at 530 lbs at best. But again, both were fun to fly.
Great point! Thanks for the comment
I have flown both I have a preference but both planes do a good job. I think the high wing has better visibility toward the ground and the low wings gives better toward the sky. Depends upon whether you’re flying level, climbing, or descending.
Learning on a piper archer II here; haven’t flown anything else yet but I have zero complaints. It’s a great plane and does everything you could ask of it.
Ah, the Archer! Never flown one, but I’ve heard they’re awesome
I have flown both, and I prefer the Cherokee series. I just love the low wing handling and landing characteristics. Crosswind landings are so much easier in the Cherokees.
They do handle very well
@@FreePilotTraining
I also like the wider stance of the landing gear. The Cherokees just feel more stable on touchdown. I do love the visibility in the Cessnas though!
I forgot about crosswind ability. The cherokee can handle around 25mph depending on model and no cessna would dare try that. I remember one landing I made in west texas with my cherokee in near max limit cross winds, even the airport operator came out to tell me he was impressed with the way my little cherokee cut thru the crosswind as I tied it down. Not fun but can be done in a cherokee, with a 172, it would be divert to different airport with different runway heading or cancel trip.
Awesome vid!
Thanks Nick!
Later Cherokees had a conventional trim wheel.
While not quite framed as such in the video, I’m also always amused when people gripe about having large enough fuel fuel tanks that you can’t fill the seats and the tanks. Don’t ever move up to turbine air, because that is the norm. It’s called versatility. Lower payload? Fill the tanks and increase your range. Need to haul more payload? No problem, carry less fuel and make a stop if it’s a longer flight. If you can fill the tanks and the seats, you’ve actually given up some capability that could otherwise be obtained.
Great points. Thanks for the comment
The reason the later model 172's have a maximum of 30° instead of 40° of flap is to satisfy the go-around requirements due to the higher gross weight. Same with the 152's compared to the 150's. Plus it makes them easier to flare. I rarely used 40° in a 172 or in my 150. The stall speed in my 1960 150 is only 1 MPH less at 40° than it is at 20°. I also prefer the "Johnson Bar" flap handle on the older 150's and 172's. You can put the flaps anywhere you want immediately. A friend had to perform a full flap (40°) go-around in his 150 with electric flaps, when the flap fuse blew. Luckily his was the only one on board, fuel was low, and it was a cold day. He flew the pattern at full throttle just to maintain altitude.
I did not know that but it makes perfect sense! Thanks for the comment!
Flaps stuck when full flap low go around? Full power, try an “100 feet agl MCA 180 Turnback”, due too slow high drag and low MCA, you fail to complete the turnback, (Impossible Turnback Attempted). Now you have to land tailwind on a corn field next to the runway... and flip over. Ask Dan Gryder if that was good. He says "My impossible turnback" was good (No, it was An Impossible Turnback). He doesnt know turnbacks and tried an impossible Turnback and crashed on the 180 section.
Two years later after he crashed by mistakes on too low and slow turnback, he still says "You should not practice Turnbacks. ( Which are good to know, so you know when to and when not to do them). He doesnt know Turnback 3 kinds of maneuvers. And tells you not to know either when and how you can do them. Equals: For Dan Gryder, Ignorance is the answer. Ignorance is the solution to the many turning stalls crashes by FAA Certificated 'Experience Pilot".
@@emergencylowmaneuvering7350 yeah, he doesn’t seem like the smartest guy. There’s a reason no one likes him. Lol
@@FreePilotTraining A Mild Maneuvering CFI putting down all that practice Hard maneuvers like Emergency Low Maneuvers (ELM). I post to him often about practicing ELM ..But he cant do any ELM at all.
Your video is very good. Thank you!
Thank you!
Definitely a well documented presentation.
But for me as a pilot since the late 80s, I still much prefer the Cherokee.
For one, I mostly flew Warriors and Archers along with 180 hp 172s.
The strange ceiling trim was fixed with a standard trim wheel, aling with rudder trim which the 172s I flew did not have.
I also preferred the handling of the Cherokees and especially the throttle/mixture controls as i really do not like the knobs of the Cessna.
As well, I like the slip handling that you pointed out too.
What did like better about the 172 is the fact you can get more realistic stalls than the Cherokee, but then I found the Tomahawk that I originally learned in delivered even more in this aspect.
Thanks for the comment! The Cessna definitely makes stall training easier. It’s amazing how a positive thing can be a negative lol
hope to heare from youre expertise more about wing-designes for as well more stol capacity plus still a high crue speed
I’ll keep that in mind! Thanks for the comment!
Thanks man!
You’re welcome!
Great video! Would be interesting to see how differently they behave to minor power changes at straight and level. I believe the c172 drops nose just using carb heat, piper drops less etc?
Thanks! Yeah, that would definitely be interesting to see!
They both respond the same since any change in power requires re trimming the plane.
@@kiwidiesel yes but how much they react may differ. To my understanding, the high wing cessna has CoG higher up relative to the thrustline, so the powerchanges tend to pitch the plane up and down more than in cherokee.
Great comparison! Which another point is the Cessna is a Cessna so you'll have tons more of aftermarket, matenice support.
Thanks! Apparently, Cherokee parts are STILL more readily available because almost all their models have interchangeable parts. A&Ps love them because of that
Excellent stuff bro
Thanks!
One of each, please! The 172 to hang a set of Edo floats on and swap the O-320 for a 180 HP O-360. The Cherokee (preferable a Warrior) for weekend getaways.
And the trusty RV-4 for some light aerobatic fun. :)
Sounds like a great combo!
I had the bulk of my training in my brothers' first plane, a 1965 Cherokee 180. But I bought a 1969 C172K and still have it today. The Cherokee 180 was a little faster than my 150 /HP 172, but I love the ease of entry and doors on both sides. I do have some mobility issues so getting out of low wings is a bit of a controlled crash onto the wing, lol. The Cherokee 180 had a sweet spot between the 172 and 182 that it could carry more weigh than my 172, just a little slower than a 182, had bigger tanks than the 172. I also like the more car like (old car, lol) that adjust nicely and the large panel has lots of room. The particular Cherokee I flew was a maintenance nightmare, it had issues, spent the 1st 15 yrs of its life in Puerto Rico... If it would have been in better condition, I may have stuck with it. But I've had my 172 for 13 yrs now, the only thing I want different is a little taildragger, but nothing I like in my price range has come along yet. I'm pretty picky! :) They are both great airplanes in their own right, oddly, a lot of it comes down to whether one likes high wings or low wings more. low wings are also nice to self-fuel! No ladders! lol.
That’s cool! Thanks for the comment!
Very interesting comparison video , I never flew a Piper before but after seen this video I still prefer the Cessna .. Tks for sharing
Great comparison. I like both airplanes 👍
Thanks! Me too!
I did all my original training in a few 150's. (early 90's) They were a pig. LOL But they were a good cheap trainer. In recent years, I've been flying Warriors, and an Archer. I really like the way they fly, and land. Like you said... you can slip them hard, and you can use the "Drop the flap" trick to nail a landing. In the last month... I went to a local school to get my tail wheel endorsement, (in a Stinson 108-1)and they have a bunch of 172's. SO... since I haven't flown a Cessna in years... I took one up. I was actually amazed how well behaved it is. It landed easy, and it was super predictable... even with a crosswind. I didn't have to slip it since it was an 8000' x 150' runway, so I can't comment on that. BUT... overall... I just like the way the Piper flys and handles over the Cessna. AND.... as far as landing goes.... it's hard to know for sure. I think the Warrior will drop when the power first comes off... but set glide for 73kts, and they stay up for a long time. I've been doing power off 180's.... and it's super predictable, and I just use flaps to set up the glide once I'm close to the runway. But it would be an interesting vid for next time. Thanks for the vid
That’s cool. It really confirms my beliefs in this video. Thanks for watching!
I would recommend comparing them at the same weight of useful load, and not total weight. That way you get a comparison of how good the aircraft is to the pilot in practice. As if the 172 is 300 lbs heavier empty, it should keep those 300 extra pounds because you cannot get rid of them. (And depending on models, it is 300 lbs heaver)
Very nice comparison. I think you were extremely fair in your analysis and gave some really good pro/con points.
I agree it would be very interesting to see the actual glide distance for each model (comparably configured).
Thanks! It was a fun video to make! Hopefully I can compare the glide distances in a future video
It's amazing how much better they glide with the propeller stopped, 20 percent according to Cessna's flight test engineer Bill Thompson, and propeller in vertical position is the lowest drag position. @@FreePilotTraining
@@dwaynemcallister7231 I actually did not know they folded further with a stopped prop
I have not flown in a 172 in a very long time. And the reason was that once I tried a Cherokee, I just never really wanted to go back. In fact I bought a Cherokee 140. Which, of course, means I'm a biased.
I'd be interested in your testing glide distance. I think I'd mentioned to you in a previous video that I was also skeptical of the Cherokee glide numbers in the POH showing 10:1 glide ratio. But when I went out and tested it, it worked as per the POH.
My test was to pick a day with calm winds. Then from 10 nm away, start from 1 nm above pattern altitude (which is roughly 6000 feet). Then cut power to idle, pitch for best glide, and see if I could reach pattern altitude by the time I crossed midfield. It worked.
Another way might be to do the same thing from 6000' above field elevation and then try to do a 10 nm straight in approach and see if you make the runway.
The hard part is finding a calm wind day. If you know the headwind component, you can do some math before hand to figure out how much you'd have to shorten the distance to be able to make the field (or lengthen the distance if it's a tail wind). But that depends on having very wind numbers.
Yeah, it’d be tough to compare both airplanes. You’d almost have to fly formation to be precise
That’s pretty impressive. I’ve heard that the POH is accurate. Maybe Cessnas is not?
@@FreePilotTraining 🤷♀
I just know that the hershey bar cherokee at final approach speeds drops like a rock when you go to idle. But best glide is not the same as final approach speeds. And that changes things.
Nice comparison between the 2 most popular airplanes out there. Having flown both, I’d be happy with either one. For me, the Cherokee is trickier to land whereas the C172 is easier to grease the landing once you’re use to it.
Having said all this I’m the proud owner of a Grumman Cheetah which also has a 150hp O-320 engine. Purchase price was much less than a Piper or Cessna. TAS at 4,500 ft @ 75% power is 142 mph. 52 gallon fuel tanks & 820 lb useful load. Love the sliding canopy (especially on hot days). The control yoke is sportier with stops at 45-50 degrees whereas the Piper/Cessna stops around 90 degrees.
Not as many Grummans out there but if you ever get a chance they’re definitely worth a look. Cheers!
Thanks! Yeah, I’ve flown a Grumman tiger, and they’re awesome planes
I owned a 1977 172N that I upgraded with a 180 HP engine. With full fuel I had a useful load of 800 lbs. Very useful for family trips. As far as slips with full flaps the prohibition of slipping with full flaps has been changed to "avoid". You may get a bobble when slipping with full flaps, but it's not going to fall out of the sky.
One time I was doing some Young Eagles flights and everyone had Cherokees and I was the only one with a 172. It was an old military airfield set up in a triangle with one of the runways crossing the other two such that there was a short section that I could land on. Made it convenient that I could land and turn off quickly to pick up my next set of YEs. I did this so consistently that the Piper pilots started to rib me about cheating. Only one could duplicate my short field landings and he flat spotted his tires doing so. Afterwards we headed out to get a $100 hamburger and it turned out I was also faster than the Pipers (including a Cherokee 180) 😄
So, given the better short field performance, better cruising speed, two doors, better useful load, and improved visibility I would keep the 172 over the Cherokee. Just my $0.02
Great points, and I believe the N is slightly wider than it’s predecessors. Thanks for the comment!
Did most of my training in a Warrior and now flying a 172. Definitely think the Warrior is more stable in stalls and glides at least as well if not better
I’m hearing great things about the Warrior. I’ve only flown one once
I favored the 172 over the Piper PA-28-140, however after release in the 1970s I much preferred the Piper Warrior (flew the Warrior III), even though it was slow. In 1978 I flew my commercial cross country in a Piper Arrow with my brother aboard, I flew it a 10,000 feet for a total of 6 hours without refueling and was still comfortable at the end of the flight although we did take a lunch break at one of the airports. I got all of my spin training in a 1946 Aeronca Chief, another very easy to fly aircraft, of course landing was much different than in a tricycle gear airplane.
I’m getting a lot of Warrior fans on here: I think I need to make a video
I flew about 12 hours in Cessnas including a few in the 172. I learned to fly in a Cherokee and liked them so much that I bought one as my personal plane. The low wing of the Cherokee was just so much more natural for those that wanted to move on to faster planes which are usually low wing planes. Nothing against the Cessna and I know many love them but I prefer a Cherokee over a Cessna flying wise every time. Better handling in rough weather and better looking too. Edited to add: that trim handle in the roof of the Cherokee is actually super easy to use and much faster than repeatedly spinning the little wheel on a Cessna. Trimming on a Cherokee can be done in a matter of a couple seconds and becomes second nature once used to it. I preferred the handle on the cherokee to any other manual trim adjustment.
Yeah, the Cherokee is awesome. I think it handles better too, but I will admit that the 172 is very smooth and easy to fly
Growing up flying, I spent most of my time looking out the side window and towards the ground.
We used to land at Pixleys farm in Rogers county. One day it was raining hard. I always like to watch the wheels touch the ground. On this day while looking down at the wheels. A cross wind hit the plane and slamed my face into the window. When we started to land. We actually hydroplaned for a bit. When we finally touched ground. All this mud was slung all over the plane.
The next day sucked. We had to go out and clean the whole plane....lol
That’s super cool
Where I live high wing tail draggers are predominant. I bought and learned in a 7ECA Champion about 40 years ago. There are also a half dozen private airstrips within a few miles and it’s uncommon to see a low wing aircraft coming and going from these.
Where are you located? That’s what it’s like in Alaska
Nice and interesting comparison. Looking at the last 2 minutes, that's exactly why our flying club has the Piper 28 (OK, a Warrior, to be exact). I'd love to fly Cessnas, too. But there isn't a single C172 left at my local airfield, let alone in my club.
Need to compare the warrior. I’ve heard great things
I trained on a PA-28/140 and have several hundred hours in a 172 as well as the Cherokee (180 and 235 as well) my answer is Yes! Love both!
Agreed! They’re both great aircraft
Thanks!
Your welcome! Thank YOU for the super thanks!
doing my training in a warrior II, would absolutely love to fly a 172 and see how different they really are from my own perspective, but i will say the warrior is amazing.
A lot of people think the Warrior is better. A new video may be in order!
@@FreePilotTraining warrior is definitely better. Baggage door, overhead ventilation, trim wheel between the seats, 5" fuselage stretch, tapered wings, 2325lb gross weight. We love ours
I instruct in both PA-28-140 and C-172 N/M/S and I completely agree with you’re video.
I don’t know which one I really like better, I like the flying characteristics of the Cherokee better, but 172 has better performance and often has better avionics. I like the manual flaps better and the low wing visibility, but then I’d rather take passengers sightseeing in the high wing with much easier access.
Thanks for the comment! Yeah, those are great points!
So I have have a VERY specific question regarding the location of the rudder pedals on the Cherokee. Are they closer to or further from the seat than the 172? I ask because I have short legs and I STRUGGLED with the Skyhawk's rudder pedal position as I could only really use my toes to control the rudder and it frustrated and exhausted me after every flight course
They’re a tiny bit further away, but you are sitting on the floor, so most people can reach the pedals easier
On the 172, would you know why the color markings on the A/S indicator do not reflect the airspeed numbers in the POH?
They should be. If they don’t, someone installed the incorrect airspeed indicator. It’s probably fine, but that could potentially be dangerous
The low-wing Warrior/Archer will float a lot more in ground effect than the high-wing 172 if airspeed isn't carefully controlled before entering the landing flare. Also, soft-field take-offs in the Warrior/Archer are interesting when retracting the manual flaps vs. electric in the 172.
In the pattern when Turning Down wind to base and Base to Final the Low wing obstructs your view of other aircraft doing a stright in in lue of a full patter. i.e. the Corpoart Jock or te Instrument trainer.
Very true!
I havn't flown either of those yet i fly a Tecnam and TBH from the specs the old 172 and 182 are getting a run for their money. I love my p92 I am really happy i chose to start my licence in 1 of those instead of a 172 for a lot of reasons.
I’ve never flown one of those. I’ll have to check them out
@@FreePilotTraining The new 1's are awesome havn't had a go in one yet. My trainer is a 2005 Tecnam p92 echo super. Has the 100hp rotax 4 and is just a pleasure to fly. So forgiving and i do not have to worry about fuel mixtures or prop settings. As i progress sure i will have a go at a 172 or a 182 but for lesson costs running costs very hard to beat a Tecnam.
I deliberately chose a flying club with Pipers to train on because I liked the low wing design and physical flap handle. I was a little disappointed by the Tomahawk, but the Cherokee 140 felt solid and responsive and was a joy to fly. I definitely would recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonable and enjoyable entry-level airplane.
I’ve heard that about the Tomahawk, but I’ve never flown one
I remember when I learned to fly and wanted to buy a plane, I originally thought about getting a tomahawk. They looked so cool and had great visibillity plus the modern looking t tail. That was until I flew one and saw how horrible the climb rate was. I remember it was summer and we were lucky to get 300-350fpm with 2 aboard and full fuel. So glad I went with a cherokee instead.
I have flown both the pipers gou have int ge video. I really like 123jc. I have only been in the cesna once. Feels like rhe cess a is a little more hands on. I never thought i would like the pipers like i do. I love the low seats and flap lever. I am partial to miatas and that is what it feels like. A little sports car. The trim up top feela natural. The flaps feel good. I still fly the 150/172 in my sim, but I finally purchased dlc for a piper and use it to match what I fly.
. great video and really hope to meet you at one of the airports one day. Kwep a grey hat on you... Will buy on the spot.
Thank you! I’ve got lots of people telling me how great the Warriors are. Maybe I should compare them! Absolutely! I’d love to meet you!
Don't recall ever reading the POH slip limitation. Done many slips in Cessnas to bleed some speed with flaps, but never experienced a nose drop even close to memorable.
I’ve never experienced it either in a Cessna, but apparently it’s a real thing
I learned in the Piper and loved them, my first purchase was a Cessna 152, and then moved up to the 172. It's a 1979, but I fly the heck out of it and can still get parts for it.
They’re both great planes!
Full visibility of the ground for the beginner, is the 172s hallmark.
Also, any off airport emergency landing going inverted, with fuel soaking into the ground & easier to get out of.
Great points! Thank you!
I will start by saying i have flown a piper archer once on a discovery flight, i loved it, i love the look and feel of the low wing design, and your right, it feels very intuitive to fly
Im still not going to be biased though, i think both aircraft have their advantages, as you stated, the Cessna's hifh wing design makes it perfect for ariel observation of the ground, so if your flying in search and rescue type missions, or ariel photography, get a cessna
If your wanting an aircraft just for personal use, for pleasure flying, id say get a piper
Its pretty much that simple to decide between the two
I’ve never flown an Archer, but I definitely want to! Thanks for the comment
Some important facts that need to be mentioned-1.stall characteristics- Cherokee may be hard to stall, but when it does, the break is pronounced because it has a different airfoil design. So when it lets go, it really lets go, and drops hard. The Cessna will let go of laminar flow slowly and not all at once. 2. Wing spar AD. Wings have fallen off Cherokees in flight. 172 has never had a structural failure in 70 years. 3. Slow-flight aileron command. The Cherokee has poor aileron command at low speeds. When in a crosswind, one needs to get the wing down early, otherwise you can't get it down- not enough aileron control. A Cherokee with droop wingtips is the exception here. 4. Stabilator- any time you see a stabilator on a small airplane, it is because they could not get enough nose up pitch without it. Stabilators are fine in flight, but it is a fix to a flawed airframe design. Same is true of the Cessna Cardinal. The horizontal stabilizer/elevator is much stronger. Which leads to 5. No Utility category in a Cherokee. The 172 airframe is much stronger by a lot. Now, I fly both and teach in both, and Cherokees are alright. But you have to stay on top of maintenance and you can't be aggressive with it. If not, you can face the possibility of the wing coming off. 6. Cherokees make pilots lazy on rudder control.It does too much for you and Cherokee pilots have a harder time transitioning to other aircraft- especially tailwheel. Fly the Cherokee? Yes, but you have to be more careful with it and alert of its weaknesses. I would put my money on a 172.
Great points. Thanks for the input. The AD is a series consideration
Full flap speed Vfe is higher on the Cherokee. Cessna allows flaps 10 at 110 knots then no more unless below 85 kts. Cherokee allows full flaps at 102 kts and then can be “dumped” much easier to lose altitude because they are manually controlled. However, most Piper’s prohibit intentional spins. One more thing, love the access of the engine on the Cherokee. You can definitely look for leaks and broke parts, including the jugs and mounts.
These are also excellent points! Thanks for the comment!
I’ve owned a cherokee 140B and have got hundreds of hours in 172’s and 150’s. These are my pro’s and con’s for both.
Cherokee Pros:
Easy to fuel at self serves for quick cheap gas.
Manual flaps for touch and goes(don’t have to wait on a motor)
You can open both sides of the hood without having to remove the cowling aka oil changes are quick and easy for owners I could easily do mine in 20-30 minutes on the ramp in that Phoenix heat.
Easy to check the tops of the wings in preflight and you don’t have to worry about hitting your head on them although I do have a scar from accidentally running into the prop on day lol
The instrument layout is superior in the 6 packs!
Cherokee cons: you have to maintain 2 fuel pumps, mechanical and electric. I had my mechanical quit on climb out one day but luckily I was taught to keep the electric on until you reach cruise so you can easily see the gauge and not be in a climb or at full power if it does drop to zero.
You have to maintain 3 oleo struts instead of just 1 on the 172.
Wing spar AD - (not applicable on the 140’s however I would definitely do it and thankfully it was done on mine right before I purchased it.
Cleaning the underside of the plane. Better invest in an auto mechanics creeper to lay on!
1 door!
1 tiny window!
Especially these two in the Phoenix heat and if you had an emergency like a fire it would be a pain in the butt for two people to have to crawl out quickly.
The sun burn on 1 arm depending on which side you sit on when doing XC’s. Definitely invest in sun shades!
Alright the 172’s PROs!
Gravity fed fuel so no fuel pump to maintain and you can put the fuel selector on both so you don’t have to change it all the time!!!
Only 1 oleo strut to keep good!
High wing is great for blocking the sun and rain! Especially when you’re on the ground!
They climb a little better even with the same engine and they definitely do float further in an emergency. Piper lied about that one.
No wing spar AD!
Cessna has more parts availability because they built more!
You sit up higher like if your riding in a truck! (Piper is like your in a car.)
Cessna Cons:
Harder to fuel because you have to get a ladder and move it to each side.
Can’t slip safely with full flaps.
Have to climb up each time to check the full quantity. Harder the older you get!
They cost more out of the gate but maintenance is a little cheaper because you don’t have to maintain 3 oleo’s and two fuel pumps! You do have to maintain electric flaps though so there’s that! But if you need to change the fuel meters it’s way easier in a Cessna because you don’t have to pull the full tank to do it!
I've found the C 172 to be a good trainer but for a cross country plane you can do much better. The Grumman AA5-B Tiger is my favorite 182 speed for 172 operating costs.
Grumman Tigers are awesome. Great planes
I started my training in a 152 and then up to 172. It wasn’t until my third assignment in Germany that I did get to an Aero Club that had a fleet of Pipers. This is where I cut my teeth on a piper warrior, and a trauma hawk, PA38-112; (the T tailed fishbowl). In my personal opinion, since the useful loads are so close, and the performance are generally the same, it’s a matter of personal preference. Do you like to look down and take pictures of the ground or do you like to see the sky, all the traffic around you; except for the traffic below, you and the most important thing is to be able to visually see any icing. Both fly exactly the same, and both could be landed with a nose wheel in the air. The configuration of the low wing has a little bit more benefit of ground affect, especially on the hot days because the wing is closer to the ground. The only thing I do not like about Piper aircraft is the single entry. If you have a passenger that needs assistance. They pretty much are on their own to get in and out because you have to be in the pilot seat while they are standing on the wing. Great video! A better comparison would be the C-172, and the Warrior 2. PA28-161. Maybe the Archer, PA28-181. I love that plane. All the start switches, fuel pump, right and left mag switches and accessories are above your head and there’s no key to turn! First time I got in one I said “Where the heck is the ignition switch, master and mags!
That’s basically it! It’s really preference, but I gotta have a little fun
@@FreePilotTraining come to think about it, I don’t know of any high wing jets. They are high wing turbo props but no high wing jets.
@@aviatortrucker6285 C-17 and C-5. They are rare though.
@@FreePilotTraining Oh that’s right and the C-141.
Have flown both, Pipers trim is goofy to me (always turn it the wrong way), low wings tend to handle x-winds better than high wings, The 2 doors and seating position is a plus on the Cessna an I like the added comfort knowing/thinking that the high wing kinda protects the doors should you end up on your back .... Both are just slow enough to tick you off
Lol. That’s an excellent point that the wings could provide some protection. Never considered that
I do enjoy the landing characteristics of the 172 over the Piper. The horizontal stabilizer of the Cessna is more effective throughout the rollout with the ability to hold the nose wheel off longer. It seems the Piper's horizontal stalls sooner then the Cessna and despite full aft control yoke, nose will drop making soft field landings a challenge. The effectiveness of the horizontal stabilizer on the Cessna can keep the nose out of the muck almost to the point of parking using throttle and differential braking.
These are excellent points. It’s very difficult to “ride the wheelie” on the Cherokee. The only way to do it is to land with power, BUT there’s also nothing that says you need to ride a wheelie on a soft field landing. Even in a Cessna, the grass pulls the nose wheel down immediately. It’s just something we practice for some reason. Full aft stick is important, but not necessary the wheelie. I’ve made many grass landings, and in most situations, you’d be fine if you didn’t even use aft stick, but we use those procedures just in case there is soft ground or some kind of bumps that could cause the nose wheel to dig in
I did all my training in 172's and 182's but bought a Cherokee 235 at the beginning of summer. Couldn't be happier with it, just as capable as a 182 but half the cost!
That’s cool! I’d love to fly one
Best breakdown ever
Thanks!
The first time I flew in a Cherokee, I hated it.
We flew into an airshow. But along the way, I had this wing blocking my view of the ground.
Flying most of my life in a high wing gave me appreciation at looking at the ground.
One of my biggest reasons for the love of flying. When I was a teenager and I thought I had problems. I'd go out to the Mojave Airport and go flying. While flying, I'd look down at all those small cars and all those small people and it would help me put things into perspective.
I could see that
Ill take a grumman AA-5 series. Im learning in a 172M right now. Dad has a Traveller which i hope to fly one day.
My friend has one of those and loves it
Flown both, and for me, I’m a Piper Pilot through and through.😊
I do love Piper airplanes!
I worked for 10 years as a lineman at a local airport so I got to fly a lot in different planes. I prefer the Cessnas over the Pipers. Ease of getting in and out is a big factor. I also find the Cherokees to be heavier on the controls especially the elevator. I prefer the the Grummans over both.
Grummans are very nice aircraft!
Interesting. I own a 1967 PA-28-140 (150 hp) very similar to yours and recently have been right seat flying with a 1972 172M owner. Both with the 150hp O-320, and exactly like you compared here. I’ve found in cruise the Cessna is very stable and once trimmed out, barely moves. It also feels much more cramped in the cabin, especially width. I also dislike the electric flaps as they are slow, and lack the direct feel and control of the Johnson bar. Trim wheel vs ceiling handle in non-issue, I can do both easily and sort of like that overhead handle for fine tuning. I have more fun flying my 140, for the reasons you give. Forward slips, grabbing flaps, more nimble, and mine cruises faster than the 172 I’ve been in…
Also interestingly, I’ve been right seat flying in a PA-32R-301 Saratoga and debating that or a C206 for my next ship. After sitting in a C206 (haven’t flown one yet..) I’m going ‘Toga. The cabin was way more comfortable up front (again the Cessna felt cramped, and I’m not a wide guy) and overall cabin space was smaller and less refined that the Saratoga.
Guess I’m Team Piper 🤷🏻 (but will fly anything I can get in 😁)
Always have enjoyed your vids. Keep it up and thank you.
Thanks Alex! Love the input! It means a lot to get perspective. Thanks for the comment!
Merry Christmas to You and Yours and keep the blue side up
Merry Christmas Mike!
I've been flying for decades... Learned to fly in warrior, Archer, and Arrow... First time I checked out a cessna I was surprised at how easy it was to get in and out of compared to a PA-28. But as a matter of taste, I prefer the Piper
I’d love to compare the warrior and the 172
I DO NOT BELIEVE MY EYES!!!
I almost choked when I saw the red and white C150 shown because I once owned the plane!! Dang!!!
I really miss that little darling and hated to sell her.
That’s crazy! Yeah, my friend sent me that picture! It’s a small world!
I have about 900 hours in Cherokees and about 4000 in C172-188. Total time a little over 11,000 hours. One thing not mentioned was the landing gear and ability to handle cross winds. The C172 Whitman gear is extremely stout and nearly bullet proof. The Cherokee family has oleo struts that are problematic maintenance. They leak and need very high pressure nitrogen to fill them. I think the Cherokee is a little more stable in turbulence. It waddles back and forth (like a V-Tail) but doesn't roll much. The lycoming engines from 180HP and up, with the exception of valves, have proven to be a better engine than the Continentals. I've owned Cherokee 180, Archer II and an Arrow. I've owned Cessna 150, 172, 180,182,182RG, and 210T. I agree the Cessna cost more, but when you get ready to sell it, there is a much bigger buying community, and you will turn it much faster. Very nice video. I agree with 99.5% of your descriptions.
Yeah, I’ve noticed that with the struts on the Cherokee. I thought I was the only person to notice that
I’ve seen a Skyhawk do a proper slam-and-go several times before the pilot was able to land it. I’d like to see the piper survive that with no visible damage as well.
Lol. I’ve seen some hard ones. Watch the first few seconds from this video: ruclips.net/video/nT_iP2q7nwU/видео.htmlsi=ozfr-Py9ehpROC0I