I own a new Zodiac 601 and have leased it to the local fllight school in Lantana, FL. The plane is $80 and hour and CFI $38 for $118 total per hour with fuel. This is a very reasonalble price. Lantana is just south of West Palm Beach.
If you want to get your sport pilot certificate first then continue on toward a private you can apply all your hours and enjoy the privedege of being a pilot while finishing. Sport Pilot requires only 20 hours and there is no night or bad weather flying so it goes very quick.
The plane has two moving maps and full weather subscription, very comfortable and great for cross county. Pattern work is easier beacuse you can see the runway when you turn. Stalls and landings are a breeze.
Good Luck
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