 Training Plane
Ron Mahaffey wrote:
> I am a 20 hour student pilot with the means to purchase a plane to finish my
> training in. Most of my time has been in C-150s and 172s. Have been
> looking at planes on the usual internet sites as well as local airports. My
> question is that I have started to think about an AA5A Cheetah. Seems like
> a nice plane, good stability and a little faster than most other light four
> seaters. Does anyone here have any experience in a Cheetah? Does anyone
> have any thoughts about finishing up in one?
>
>
I would advise on two levels with this from various experiences I've had
with students through the years.
The first thing you want to do is ask yourself seriously where you want
to go with your flight training AND what type of flying you want to do
after you obtain your PPL. This will help you decide first of all
whether buying a plane is for you, and secondly, whether or not the
specific airplane you're thinking of buying is the right airplane for
your intended purpose.
This of course is the common sense end of it. :-)
As to the aircraft itself, naturally you want to check the logs, and
I've always advised prospective buyers to have an AI go over the bird
for you even if it's fresh out of it's annual. Believe me, I've seen
enough in my career to recommend this without question.
Before you buy ANY airplane, you want someone qualified and with YOUR
interest in mind to look it over for you.
Bottom line on the Grumman airplanes is that I liked them personally and
found them quite capable. They are a bit up on the performance and
handling scale from some of the tamer light airplanes out there and they
are fun to fly. I don't think you would have any special issues at all
moving into a Grumman from a Cessna. They are naturally a bit different
but nothing earth shattering to be of concern for a student flying with
a good CFI.
Best of luck with your decision.
--
Dudley Henriques
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