Pilot Report ...New 172

[JETPILOT]

I flew a new 160 HP 172 yesterday. Increadibly underpowered. I do not recommend flying one when it's hot and the plane is heavy. Zero climb performance.

The interior is very comfortable, and the panel is great. Nice new seats. Very comfortable. I didn't like the new inertial real shoulder harness. It locked too easilly. Any normal movement forward locks the belt.

Other than that the standard Cessna fare. No surprises.

THe 180 hp version should climb a little better. I hope so anyways.

[Mike]

I think it is important to keep in mind that the 172 is not designed as a high performance aircraft. It is designed for training and pilots who fly for recreation only.

[JETPILOT]

So is the Katana with the Continental. It will blow right past a 172 in climb performance.

Initially the 172 was not designed as a training aircraft. The 152 was. Since the 152 isn't made anymore Cessna has attatched that designation to the 172.

The 172 is preffered by many as a training aircraft over the 172, and it's docile handling characteristics make it a good candidate.

But it was not built to fill that niche.

[djschaut]

>>Any aircraft suitable for use in training was made with that in mind. When a manufacturer designs a new aircraft, he'll sell it as a trainer, recreational aircraft, part 135 (yes, including a 172), military, NASA--whoever will buy it to keep the production line running. I don't know of any planes used exclusively for training--there are always other applications. You can train in an Archer, Cherokee, Cherokee Six, 172, 150, 152, Arrow, Grumman Cheetah, Tri-Pacer, or whatever. And it doesn't matter how fast they are if they're used for initial pilot training, as long as the plane will carry a student and instructor.

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DJSchaut