SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 4:52 am Post subject: 152 vs 172

Hey fellow pilots, how are ya? I'm doing good. Smile

Just studying my butt off trying to learn as much about flying as I can. I've flown a few times now as a new student, and I'm flying the 152. Which, I don't have much of a problem with, but, I've been looking into the 172 lately. My instructor said it costs $20 more to rent than the 152. I've heard a bunch of pilots up there (and in here) say that it's way more forgiving and smoother than the 152. So let's hear it, 172 pilots. Tell me a little (or a lot, if you like) about the 172. I would like to learn a lot about it before I decide to start paying $20 more when I fly.

FSPilot Cool

Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:16 am Post subject:

Having an opportunity to instruct on both, I can tell you some of the basics. First of all, the 172 is a little more stable on high power - high drag configuration due to the lenghtened tail section. It delivers more power, of course. Seats could be in a generally better condition, however it's not a sure thing. There are some very nice restaured 152's. The 172 has a cleaner panel design, beter night lighting and very important it doesn't have those white "chop-of-the-wheel" kinda control column. It has a new style Cessna yoke. It's roomier inside, which you could imagine yourself.

There's not really MUCH of a difference from the pilot's side, some electric wiring improvments, general reliability and stuff that you can't notice from experience, unless you actually read it.

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 6:15 am Post subject:

Max, you're an instructor? Can you do me a favor? PM me so I can ask you a couple of questions (if you don't mind).

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 8:53 am Post subject:

Umm, if the questions aren't something YOU'd rather not make public, post them here, because they may have some use to someone else as well. On the other hand, that little "PM" button will help you out in messaging me if you want to make it private.

..and yes, I am a flight instructor.

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 9:19 pm Post subject:

Yeah, these aren't too private. I guess everyone else could benefit from these questions and answers anyway.

1. What are all of the different types of flights you must complete before obtaining a Private Pilot's Certificate? (Night flight, IFR, etc.?)

2. Is vertigo something that can happen to anyone in zero-visibility or just certain people can get it?

3. If you are flying in a little wind, should the ailerons or rudder be used to correct for occasional bump-steer?

4. Last one for now. VOR Navigation is easy as 1-2-3 for me on Flight Sim. Is it this easy in real life? I can select OBS accurately and can stay on course easily. Cool

Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 9:57 pm Post subject:

1) You can get more info on this from the FAA Air Law document, however in short terms, you need to acquire a certain amount of hours of flight time (35 I believe is with FAA) out of which a certain amount must be solo, and flights called "cross country" meaning that you take off from one airport, fly and land at another that is at least 100 miles away (not sure about correct digits because I instruct under JAA, not FAA) With those things completed you are eligable for a PPL checkride.

2) Being that I am not a doctor, I can only assume from experience that sometihng similar MAY happen, however as a PPL student or a holder of a PPL you shouldn't worry about those conditions. You're not allowed to fly in IMC anyway, and even the possibility of IMConditions should scare you away like garlic does vampires. Not sure about the exact digit but somewhere around 70-80% of non IFR trained students don't walk away after entering IMC accidently. You shouldn't worry about stuff like vertigo if you're gonna do a PPL, because you'll only fly in very good VMC. Most IFR training is done in simulators, for the obvious reasons....
You should consult a certified FAA medical office regarding stuff like that.

3)Flying in a little wind can be many things. It will be thoroughly covered in your ground training. It sums down to using the flight controls to maintain the desired flight path, but not being violent at it.

4) Well, think about intercepting NDB radials, using a flight computer (they're pretty cheap, use a metal one - lasts longer and you'll be sure to get one anyway if you start your training. Jeppesen makes them under the code E6B - google for it). Flight computer is used to calculate wind compnents, correctional angle, TAS vs. IAS and so on. Ever tried DME arcs? Well that's another complicated maneuver that you need to consider. It's not all about the NAV radio and OBS and tracking the needle Wink

Google around for information on that.

I guess this answers it for now...