i'm buying an airplane. should i buy a high wing or a low wing?

Question

it will be a single engine, prop plane. daytime flights. stored outside.

the plane will be purchased new, not used.

Answer 1

...... you have lots of answers .... I would say if you go with high wing you get a good view of the ground from air, while flying , this is one of the rewards of being in the air ....... it is more stable and easier to fly. Cessna is a work horse. good luck.

Answer 2

If you're storing it outside I would suggest a low wing. They will be more resistant to wind without needing a tie down. As mentioned by other fuel additions/checking is also easier. As for visibility, it's really a matter of preference. High wings generally give you better view of the ground, while low wings will give you better visibility above.

But really the issue isn't high vs. low if you ask me. You need to get a plane that does what you need it to do. Get a plane with the passenger capacity and performance that you want, then you'll probably be happy either way.

Happy flying.

Answer 3

First, if you are buying new. get a hangar, planes stored outside depreciate alot quicker.
Low wing ,high wing debate has been going on since the beginning.
I fly a low wing, Piper Cherokee 180. but I have flown Cessna 152 and 172 and they fly just fine. The Cessna has a door on both sides vs just on the right side in the Piper. Having two doors is a big plus to me. Inside the piper has a little more room to me, thats a big plus, as I am broad shouldered.

The deciding factor for me if I were to buy new,would be price.
Not where the wings were.
For the same Horse power, avionics, seats, range, etc I would go with the better priced.

For instance the New Piper Warrier "four seater"160hp starts at $201,400

For the Cessna 172-R Skyhawk 160 hp it starts at $219,500
I have not compared the avionics, it might be hat the cessna is more because of more/better/ upgrade etc. YMMV

The Cirrus SRV-G2 is $199,000

Answer 4

Where the wings are is of very little relevance to the flight characterstics and is mostly your own personal taste and preferences. I have flown both and I can assure you that you dont give it much thought at all. What IS more important when buying a plane is the usueable load, number of seats, cruise speed, stall speed etc, avionics, whats sort of flying you intend doing with it, where do you think you will be using it to fly to and from, tail wheel/nose wheel, flaps, flapless and a whole lot of other more specifc criterea for YOUR type of flying. Also, lets not forget (for me anyway) the looks and "impress" factor...I'd rather roll up with a warbird than a Cessna 152- but thats just me!

Answer 5

Kind of depends on what you want to do. If your looking for a plane to cruise around and go sight seeing in your local area then maybe a high wing like the Cessna 172. If your looking for a cross country machine the Cirrus SR22 or even the SR20 is an incredible airplane.

Answer 6

Get a low wing. It's easier to check and add fuel to a low wing. Also, when you're in the air, the visibility is a lot better when you're turning.

Obviously there are some nice high wing planes out there, but I feel that the advantages of low wings are generally better, especially if it's your first plane.

Answer 7

Each has their advantages and disadvantages.
In which are you most comfortable?
In which ones have you had experience?
If you are in the process of training, I'd get with your instructor, and ask his preferences...
If not, get with an instructor and fly a few hours in each.
For me, I prefer high wings. But, then I have done all my training in them. Also, I find high wings easier to land, from the ground effect in low wings have at landing. But, that's 'my' preference.
Evaluate price, features, personal preferences, repair facilities, etc., and I think you'll make a good choice.

Answer 8

That all about personal preference. I personally like a long wing aircraft, it is easier to check fuel, shorter tie downs, and it looks cool. There are visibility advantages and disadvantages to both, but both will fly fine. What's more important is the actual aircraft that you buy, not wether it is high wing or low. You want to know that it has been maintained properly, and that it is in good condition. Go to controller.com and you can search for exactly what you are looking for.

Answer 9

It really depends upon what you are looking for in an aircraftt - both have advantages and disadvantages. I would suggest that prior to purchasing the aircraf you check with whom will be insuring you as you want to make sure that you can indeed fly your aircraft - you may need additional hours with an instructor.

Good luck and on a personal note I like the low wing aricraft better.

Answer 10

I am a pilot, and I find it hard to believe, if you are a pilot then you would have a preference to this. I look at the purpose of the plane? Is it for sightseeing type things or more for utility use? What surfaces are you landing on? What make of plane do you prefer? That is just my inputs!

Dennis