Learning to fly in a Tomahawk. And then an Eclipse.

Rosstafari Daaaang. /X

So, since I'm looking at a few additional months wait on getting into OKC, I figured now may be a good time for me to pursue a private pilot's license. I've wanted to for a while now anyway, and since it'd be beneficial to my future performance as a controller, might as well get it started. Besides, it'll give me something to do in the meantime.

There are two schools at the airport nearby me. The first one uses primarily 172's, the other, a few different Pipers. The cheapest rates are on a couple of Tomahawks they have. Now, I don't have a whole lot of money, and flying on the Tommies would result in a savings of several hundred dollars in the long run -- a significant amount for me at the moment, since my wife is also finishing up college at the moment and can't contribute to our income.

Do y'all have any advice on whether it'd be an all right plane to learn on? My understanding is that a Tomahawk isn't quite as forgiving of a plane as a 172 (or even the Warriors that the school has), but as the instructor said, "if you can learn to fly this plane, you can fly most anything." Besides, I'm thinking that having a good instructor and taking the proper amount of training time are more important than plane type.

Any suggestions on the decision, or any other advice on getting started on taking lessons, are welcome.

irishcarbomb Moderator Houston, TX

save the money and do it in the traumahawk...the only thing thats really different is that the horizontal stab/elevator is not in the propeller air flow so elevator authority at lower airspeeds is diminished...nothing to worry about and nothing that will hold you back in your training. HAVE FUN and enjoy it...too bad you're not in houston i'm moving there soon and could be your instrucor.

also if you have any questions about anything feel free to pm me or post any questions (maybe we can get the pilot section going on here)

KillaMike Junior Member

sweet! i always wanted to fly in a cruise missile.

SnowAviation Senior Member Escondido, CA

Use the Tomahawk, you will be better for it in the long run. The C172 is
a great plane to learn in but as you've heard it's a bit easier and more
forgiving to fly and harder is better when learning. After flying the PA38,
the C172 will be like flying a luxury plane.

scope dope Trusted Member

traumahawk, just don't spin it. LoL

Rosstafari Daaaang. /X

So I signed up for flight school yesterday. Man, I can't say how excited I am to start.

Anybody got any advice for me? You know, about anything flight school related? Suggestions on what to buy? Where to buy it? What to ask about? Or to focus on?

irishcarbomb Moderator Houston, TX

congrats! what school did you end up going with?

just have fun...and remember RIGHT RUDDER when you pitch up for take off...maybe even a little when you go full power. the nose is gonna want to turn left (due to the prop and stuff)

you're instructor will tell you the specifics, but find a pilot shop and to get started you will need:

logbook
headset - wide range of prices and options, buy the best one you can afford...look for the lightest one, it makes a huge difference. try them on too until you find one you like.
checklist for the airplane (might find one to print off the internet)

the rest you can get later as you need it

1984warrior Rookie Minnesota

I love piper, much more than cessna
Good choice!
Also, don't buy anything until you need it, some stuff expires quickly and a lot of things can be found online for free

Adam Unregistered

That right rudder is crucial in a tail dragger as well...as soon as you get that tail off the ground it starts going left pretty quick.

mjohn47 Senior Member Holbrook, NY

Right rudder is your friend. Learn it, Live it, Love it.

Like some of our ATC instructors have said here in OKC - SUBMIT. Submit to using the rudder lol