I started my flying lessons in a couple of old Piper Cherokees. When a new flight school opened up with a 172R I decided to check it out. My comfort level in the 172 was much higher than it ever was in the Pipers. While in my training the school added a 172SP to the line. Everything the R model was, the SP was even more. The 180 hp engine gets you moving down the runway and into the air quickly. The aircraft is easy to control and comfortable to fly. I'm not sure about Joshua's comment about landing heavy and fast; the airplane doesn't feel heavy to me at all, and can you get much slower in anything than the 60-70 kias approach speed of the 172? Besides being a great training airplane, the 172 is great for short trips. If you want to go farther or carry more, then a 182 is a better choice. (Talk about landing heavy!)

The Cessna 172SP is a great plane for someone with a freshly delivered Private Pilots License. One of the first planes I had ever flown, this aircraft is easy to maneuver and maintain. My flight school utilizes an advanced avionics system and radio navigational system. Flying can be completely done by inputs to the heading indicator, autopilot, and the gps. One thing to watch for is that the Autopilot will send the plane into a stall, so the pilot can not get complacent with their airspeed. The aircraft is very stable and is awesome to take off in. Powerful motor allows for a steep climb out after rotation with the 70knots of airspeed needed. It lands kind of heavy and fast. This can be tough in strong crosswind situations or if you have to land with a tailwind. The controls are very responsive so usually isnt too much of a problem. This aircraft is one of the best I have ever flown and will be one I will look into buying...someday.