Michael Hsu Discusses Why The Cessna 172 Is Considered The Best Flight Trainer

Micheal Hsu has read many different opinions on which aircraft is the best for teaching a newbie how to fly. Often, the old favorite, the Piper PA-28 with its low center of gravity, or the newer Diamond DA40 with its low wing design for better sight, are typically mentioned.

But, you will always hear the Cessna 172 cited as the benchmark for other trainer planes. Michael Hsu has flown this aircraft and understands why the Cessna 172 is deemed one of the most accessible planes to use when learning how to fly.

Michael Hsu on Cessna 172 Trainer Advantages

More Cessna 172s have been produced than any other airplane in aviation history. Over 44,000 of these planes have been built since its inception in 1955, compared to just over 32,000 Piper PA-2s. The single-engine Cessna 172 Skyhawk has become famous as the ultimate flight trainer because of its safety, ease of learning, and smooth sailing.

Safety is primary

Michael Hsu believes the cutting-edge technology poured into the Skyhawk, even at its very affordable price, makes it a simple yet safe aircraft to fly. It has a very safe and slow landing speed, meaning the engine of a Cessna 172 will rarely stall.

“Statistically, the Cessna 172’s fatal accident rate is .56 per 100,000 hours. This is about half the average industry rate of 1.2-1.4.”

Easy to fly

A thing to note, says Michael Hsu, is that the Cessna 172 was built to be a flight trainer. That said, the reaction of pilot instructors and their trainees has made this a true statement.

The plane offers the best visibility of any aircraft due to the high placement and design of its wings that are located above the fuselage. This also makes for excellent ground clearance and makes the plane easier to land for beginners.

Finally, when it comes to ease of flight, the Cessna 172 has the perfect balance of speed and stability. An airplane can quickly fly when these two factors are not overly sensitive.

Smooth handling

Despite the light weight of the aircraft, student pilots enjoy a smoother flight from take-off to touch-down. It is the design of the Skyhawk that makes for a smooth handling flight:”

“With one front nosewheel, the plane’s center of gravity sits in front of the main wheels. If a student pilot comes in somewhat crooked, the weight and center of gravity of the 172 will naturally pull the airplane straight.”

Michael Hsu has been an instrument-rated pilot for many years and hopes to share the joy of flying with those looking for a passion and a hobby for life.