Piper PA-38 Tomahawk

PA-38-112 Tomahawk was Piper's attempt at creating an affordable two-place trainer. Much feedback from flight instructors were collected, and a more spinnable aircraft was requested for training purposes, since similar two-place trainers such as the Grumman American AA-1 Yankee or the Cessna C150 or C152 were designed to automatically fly out of a spin. The NASA GAW-1 airfoil fulfills this request by making the aircraft efficient, yet requiring safe handling in spins, which in turns make pilots more experienced in potentially dangerous situations. Due to a high spin accident rate and complaints that the aircraft stalls too violently made the manufacturer fit flow strips on the leading edge of the wing. Another aspect as a primary trainer is that the Piper Tomahawk mimics the flight controls of a heavier aircraft, so transition to bigger planes is made easier.

The plane has in the past been prone to both spin accidents and over-rotation accidents while taking off, but it is said that it's not a dangerous aircraft, you just need spin training as well as knowing the limits of the aircraft, which is very important to learn early

Besides from being a widely used primary trainer, it is also a great budget cross-country flyer for two persons with its spacious and comfortable cabin, with a more social side-by-side seating arrangement, and good cabin airflow, using automotive-style air ducts. Common cruise speeds ranges from 90-110 knots.

Pictures

• [1] (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/686602/M/)
• [2] (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/634871/M/)