In his latest blog post on Air Facts Journal, Sporty’s John Zimmerman details the five airplanes every pilot should have in their logbook.
He says: “While all airplanes have stories to tell, some are more important and more interesting than others. Here are five I believe should be in every pilot’s logbook or on their to-do list. These aren’t necessarily the best or most exciting airplanes ever to take to the skies, but they define specific ages in general aviation and make up the rich history of our industry. Call it the general aviation canon.”
Check out John’s list here, then comment below as to the ones you’d put on your own list of airplanes every pilot should fly.
I think the DHC-2 Beaver on floats should be added to this list. A great flying work horse…
I have flown a piper j4, primary training was in a 172, I’m building a rv10 and i have flown a cirrus sr22… So looks like i need to find a Bonanza to get my hands on, i will have completed the list!!!
I owned a cub many years ago. Loved the reaction of auto drivers when they passed under me. The Cub was trainer and never considered a cross country plane.
I guess I’m lucky. I’ve had the opportunity to own/ fly in 3 1/2 of the the five. J3, RV6, Cessna 150(not a 172) and now I fly a N35 Bonanza.
J3- most fun to just goof off
150-best to learn in
Bonanza-best for making miles
RV6- best all around plane hands down
Something on floats. A taildragger. A Twin Otter. A C-130. A DC-8. Stay away from technology. Make it a real flying experience. OK. Wish big. Go for six. An F-4 Phantom.
I agree on the F-4 Phantom I got a ride in one while in the Air Force as a crew chief on F-4’s…
The best economical family cruiser ever make was the 1947 Stinson 108-1.
I would really love to fly in a J3 once. I did get to fly in a Super Cub a few years ago. But that’s not the same.
I don’t know Ken. I flew one once and really don’t see what all the “love” is about. I know the Cub is legendary and all that, but It’s slow, noisy, drafty, sluggish, and has sloppy handling. If you want that kind of flying experience, The Aeronca Champ is a much better airplane.
I agree Lyle, you can fly the Champ in the front seat by yourself, Where the Cub requires back seat by yourself or sandbags in the back
Lyle, I certainly hope you are not saying the magnificent Aeronca Champion is ” slow, noisy, drafty, sluggish, and has sloppy handling.” like the Cub.I don’t think you meant that as you do say “the Champ is a much better airplane”. The Champ is 10-15 MPH faster with the same engine and absolute joy to climb into compared to the Cub. Why the back seat is nearly cabin class,you can climb straight in,turn around and then sit down! ,No need to twist-backup and bend! If the Champ pilot wants the same “great” view as a Cub,the Champ can be soloed from the front or back. A Cub will beat the Aeronca off the ground but it falls behind in everything else. Yes, I fly a Champion.
No, I was deriding the Cub, not the Champ. I love the Champ. It’s the better airplane by far.
I soloed in one when I was 14. I’m now 83.