[wxwatcher]

Jim,

I'd have to concur with DJ's assessment of the PA32 line. They all are fairly docile aircraft with a good range and outstanding payload (best in their class if I remember correctly). Look a little funny (tail heavy) sitting on the ground, but you can get used to that. Major differences from the Cessna's and Grumman's are the manual flaps and steerable nosewheel/toe brakes combo. (At least in the older models I was given a ride in) I learned to fly in a PA28-140 Cherokee, but have time in other PA28 models, as well as the C172 and AA5 Traveler (forerunner of the Tiger/Cheetah). Of the group, I prefered the Cherokee's.

Manual flaps make for consistantly predictable approaches, you know exactly how much flap you drop with each of the three settings. Steerable nosewheel/toebrake combo takes some of the worry out of crosswind landings/taxiing. However, you do have to get the hang of using the top part of the rudder peddles for braking while using the rest of the peddle for steering on the ground. (Been about 20 years since I've been in one, so the recollection is a bit fuzzy.)

Anyway, the PA32 is an excellent "flatland" aircraft, but could become marginal under high density altitude conditions.

The price per hour you quotes seems about right for out here on the west coast, but may be a tad high in the mid-west. I'll see if I can check with some contacts I have in Wisconsin and see what they rent for back there.

Anyway, I think you're making the right choice. Good luck and keep us informed on how things work out.

Jerry

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Comments and opinions are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.