Learn to Fly: Piston Aircraft

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at 04:38 PM ET

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You can learn to fly in a wide range of airplanes—but you’re more likely to fly one of several popular models. Istock/Goodard_Photography

Key Takeaways:

Learning to fly a single-engine piston airplane is the foundational step in aviation, leading to a private pilot certificate and opening doors to further flying or a lifetime of satisfaction.
Most initial pilot training is conducted in single-engine piston aircraft due to their cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and widespread availability.
Common training aircraft models include the Cessna 152/172, Piper PA-28 variants, and Diamond DA-20/DA-40, with opportunities to fly other single-engine types like tailwheel aircraft also possible.

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Learning to fly a single-engine piston-powered airplane starts your journey in aviation in a place from which you can take any next step that you wish—or lead you to a lifetime of flying satisfaction on its own.

Your basic licensing path takes you to the private pilot certificate, and most people complete this training in a single-engine piston airplane for reasons of cost, simplicity, and availability.

You’re most likely to be introduced to one of several popular models of single-engine airplane—though a wide variety exist in the United States. Common training aircraft include the Cessna 152 or 172, the Piper PA-28 models (Warrior, Archer, Arrow) and the 100/100i, the Diamond DA-20 or DA-40, or perhaps, if you’re training in Europe, the Socata TB-10 or TB-20, or the Tecnam P2010.

You may also get the opportunity to fly other types of single-engine airplanes, including tailwheel or conventional-gear airplanes such as the Piper J-3 Cub, Aeronca Champ, Citabria Decathlon, or Luscombe 8 series.