[5381Z]

I've owned both a 172 and a Cherokee 180. I did my primary instruction in 150's and Aeronca Champs (yeah, I started a few years ago). The Cessnas are better trainers, because they teach you to land, especially in a crosswind. The Cherokee/Warrior/Archer is easy to fly, too easy, in my opinion, to be a good trainer.

If your goal is to move up the aviation ladder, and, some day, fly higher-performance aircraft, the Archer is probably a good choice, because you won't need to use your feet later in your career, so you won't miss not learning to use them. If you view flying as more of a recreational pursuit, and will be a weekend flyer, you might as well make the most of the experience and get as much exposure to different types as you can, and then make up your mind.

I am a lifelong pasture pilot, flying mostly from unpaved airstrips in a rural area. I much prefer the visibility offered by a high wing design. For low and slow, head-out-of-the-airplane flying, the high wing is the clear choice. I currently own a Piper Colt, which has no flaps, not much horsepower, and the glide angle of a sack of sand. I think it would make a good trainer because it forces the pilot to focus on flying, not on managing systems. It's also a rudder airplane. If you don't use your feet, you're not going to have a good day.

I believe that a simple, stick and rudder taildragger is the best trainer, because there are no distractions from the business of flying. Once a student has learned basic airmanship in a simple airplane, there are many different paths to follow in aviation. The basic skills learned in this manner will serve any pilot well, no matter which direction he or she decides to go after basic training. Just my opinion, for what it's worth.

Mark