Cessna 172s are among the most sought-after aircraft for student pilots and time-builders. This comes down to several key factors:
- Standardized Training Platform: The Cessna 172 is a staple in flight schools, making it familiar to both CFIs (Certified Flight Instructors) and CFIIs (Certified Flight Instrument Instructors). This makes teaching on them easier and more streamlined.
- Parts Availability: The wide availability of parts keeps maintenance costs manageable, adding to the overall desirability of the 172.
- Compatibility and Familiarity: The standardized nature of the 172 means that many mechanics and pilots know it well, ensuring that repairs and operational upkeep are easier to handle.
This demand, however, has caused the prices of Cessna 172s to rise. But fear not, there are plenty of alternative aircraft that offer similar or better training and time-building potential at lower costs.
Great Alternatives to the Cessna 172
1. Cessna 152
- Pros: The Cessna 152 is an equally capable trainer with a similar feel to the 172, but it’s more affordable.
- Cons: Often underpowered, leading to lower performance and limited weight capacity.
2. Zenith 650 or 750
- Pros: Stable flight characteristics, much less expensive than certified aircraft. As an experimental aircraft, the costs are lower.
- Cons: Less regulation, which means safety is highly dependent on the owner’s maintenance and operational practices.
3. Luscombe 8A
- Pros: A tailwheel aircraft, making it a challenging yet rewarding trainer. Mastering a tailwheel early on can impress future employers and improve overall piloting skills.
- Cons: Tailwheel aircraft can be more difficult to handle, particularly for new pilots.
4. Grumman Cheetah/Tiger
- Pros: Affordable to buy and operate. The Grumman line offers stable flight characteristics, and parts availability is good.
- Cons: Not as widely used in flight schools, so instructors may be less familiar with them.
5. Piper Cherokee or Piper Archer
- Pros: These aircraft are flight school staples with similar training characteristics to the Cessna 172. They come with lower costs and no inflated pricing.
- Cons: Slightly different handling characteristics compared to the 172, but equally capable.
6. Cessna 162
- Pros: A modern-built aircraft with excellent flight characteristics for training.
- Cons: Fewer of them are available on the market, which could lead to higher purchase prices.
7. Pipistrel Alpha Trainer
- Pros: A capable and affordable Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) option. Lightweight, but very capable for both training and time-building.
- Cons: LSA limitations can affect the ability to carry passengers or operate in certain airspaces.
8. CTSW
- Pros: Similar to the Cessna 162 and Pipistrel Alpha Trainer, offering great time-building potential at a lower cost.
- Cons: Less common, which may make finding one a challenge.
Making Time-Building Fun
Building hours doesn’t have to be a repetitive task. Here are some ways to keep it interesting:
- Set Waypoints and Personal Goals: Turn your time-building into a personal air race by setting goals and waypoints.
- Fly with Friends: Invite a friend to sit in the right seat or fly along in their own plane to make the experience more social and enjoyable.
- Explore Small Airports: Seek out smaller airports or unique destinations to keep things exciting.
- Make it an Adventure: Use tools like ForeFlight to set fun and challenging flight plans that turn time-building into an adventure rather than a chore.
Owning vs. Renting: What’s Best for Time-Building?
Owning Pros
- Control Over Maintenance: Owning your own aircraft gives you control over the maintenance schedule, ensuring your plane is always in top condition.
- Availability: You’ll never have to worry about the availability of rental planes or whether they are well-maintained.
- Cost Efficiency in High-Demand Areas: If rentals are expensive or in high demand in your area, owning could be the better financial decision.
Renting Pros
- Lower Upfront Costs: Renting allows you to avoid the initial costs of purchasing a plane.
- No Long-Term Commitment: If your flying is short-term or sporadic, renting could be a more economical choice.
Do You Need a Glass Cockpit to Learn?
The answer is not only no, but HECK NO! While glass cockpits are modern, intuitive, and can make flying easier, they are not necessary for building skills. In fact, learning with traditional steam gauge instruments helps develop essential piloting skills such as dead reckoning and situational awareness. While glass cockpits and other upgraded avionics can improve ease of use, they should never replace a solid foundation in basic flying techniques.
This list includes some of our favorite aircraft alternatives to the Cessna 172, but there are many other great options out there. What are your favorite aircraft for training or building time?