Instructors requested a more spinnable aircraft for training purposes, since other two-place trainers such as the Cessna 150 and 152 were designed to spontaneously fly out of a spin. īefore designing the aircraft, Piper widely surveyed flight instructors for their input into the design. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) estimated that the Tomahawk's stall/spin accident rate was three to five times that of the Cessna 150/152. The Tomahawk has a higher rate of fatal spin accidents per flying hour.
#Piper tomahawk series
which aircraft really is safer?įrom the Wikipedia article on the Tomahawk:Īccording to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Foundation, which published a Safety Highlight report on the Piper Tomahawk, the Piper Tomahawk has a one-third lower accident rate per flying hour than the comparable Cessna 150/152 series of two-place benchmark trainers. So taking into account engine reliability, stall issues, etc. Unfortunately, this led to a higher than average stall/spin accident rate that earned the PA38 a less than admirable reputation quite quickly (thus the nickname Traumahawk and Terrorhawk).
You’ll hear many people talk about the stall characteristics of the PA38 like they’re referring to a demon, but it should be remembered that this was essentially a design feature to teach better pilots. The old adage “be careful what you wish for” applies because an overwhelming majority of the PA38 survey respondents requested an aircraft that would stall with more authority than the 152. There was always a concern about the stall and spin characteristics of the Tomahawk. The PA38 accident rate ranged from 0.336 to 0.751 fatal stall/spin accidents per 100,000 flight hours, compared to 0.098 to 0.134 for the 150/152. I was satisfied by the safety and glowing reviews by students and instructors alike.Īnyway, my local school has since told me that they don't have the 152 anymore, so I will be learning in a Piper Tomahawk. I had done all of my research on the Cessna family, assuming that is what I would learn in. I have booked my first flying lesson for 2 weeks time, in my first step to obtain a PPL or LAPL.
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