I don’t know if there is any scientific backing for my “feeling”, but I do “feel” better when I’m flying ON the wings than under the wings. I know, it’s dumb, but I’ve felt this way for a while and I found out I’m not the only one who “feels” this way.

When you’re in a high-wing such as the Cessna 172 I learned to fly in, you feel like you’re kind of dangling under the wings. It kind of creeps me out and makes me feel a little “at risk”.

After over 50 hours in a 172 getting my PPSEL, I decided to get checked out in a Piper Archer III and was SHOCKED at how much better I felt in a low wing. In the 172 I would actually get a bit of anxiety on occasions and I kept thinking “I’m just hanging off these wings up here.” It was strange but definately how I was feeling.

Not only did the Piper Archer “feel” more secure, it flew fantastic. I was trying to put this into a power-on stall and it just wouldn’t “break” into the stall. The CFI I was flying with said that was about all I was going to get. Wow! I was amazed at how well the plane handled. Solid, stable and secure.

With a high-wing you do get to see a lot more of the ground, but you can still see plenty just forward of the wings in a Piper and that’s cool with me. It’s not a bad trade off.

Don’t get me wrong Cessna, I love you guys and I will never forget those 50+ hours you gave to me while getting my PPSEL. I’m sure I’ll be flying in one of your wonderful birds again someday. I know they’re safe and I loved it, but I’m sticking with this strange “feeling” I have.

So as you’re looking at what the local flight schools have to offer, try out both the high wings and low wings.  Just about every school will have a 172 or 152 available.  You might have to search a bit to find a Piper.

I’d love to hear from others who have this same “feeling.” I know some may think of me as a wimp, but I’m ok with that.