Cherokee 180, 172 or Warrior.

[Flyingfanatic]

Which one do you prefer and why?

I have 300+ hours in the 172, less in the Warrior and none in the Cherokee 180. I know most of the pros and cons but would like some more opinions.

Looking to purchase as a co-ownership with 3-4 others. 2 have very little flight time, one is a private pilot and I am a CFI.

Also does it cost for a field overhaul of the Lyco 360 in the Cherokee 180?

[cbmontgo]

My thought is that the 172 is the most practical aircraft when you consider the matrix of fuel burn versus cruise speed and useful load. The 180 flight plans at about 11-12 GPH, whereas the 172 is about 8 GPH. The 180 does cruise slightly faster, but not enough to justify the 3-4 GPH fuel burn difference. Useful load is also similar from what I recall.

I don't know too much about the Warriors, but I hear they are dogs even at sea level. I never see them here in Colorado.

[Flyingfanatic]

I've read where the 180 burns about 9.5 gph in cruise from owners on a Piper Owners website. I imagine it does burn maybe 1 gph more in cruise, but the extra 10 knots or so would be worth it.

It also seems that the Pipers have many more speed mods for them than the Cessna.

Do you have or have you owned a 180?

[Gimble]

Originally Posted by Flyingfanatic

Do you have or have you owned a 180?

I trained in a 145hp 172, and now own a 180hp 177 (Cardinal). I can say that *IF* you will actually use MP/RPM to throttle back to 172 speeds ( e.g. 100-105 kts ), your fuel usage in that case is actually fairly similar to the 172 (e.g. 8 gph ).

Running the plane hard will pick you up speed, but at the cost of increased fuel consumption. Based on the 177's cruise tables, it's my rule of thumb that the last 10 mph cost you 0.1 gph per mph gained ( e.g. a full gallon/hour for a full 10 mph ). Not very cost effective in that case.

*EDIT* Let me also add that I know of very few pilots who can resist running at or near max speed, despite fuel savings. If it were me, I would assume 10+ gph usage for a 180hp airframe, and find the associated speeds involved.

[yota]

I just purchased a 180 and it burned 9.5 gal.hr in cruise on a 41/2 trip.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by Flyingfanatic

Looking to purchase as a co-ownership with 3-4 others.

Choosing partners is more important than choosing the airplane.

[yota]

I agree with Dantilla that partners is the most important.I am looking for a partner for my 180 it takes time to find the right person.