The Aircraft
There are a few choices of aircraft for training, and the one you choose depends on personal preference as well as budget.
Piper Cherokee.This is a low wing, four seat aircraft that is really fun to fly. The models range from 140 to 180 hp and cruise speed is around 120 mph. This is a great aircraft, simply because it fits almost all students well, it isn't expensive, and it is just fun! Picture Here.
Citabria. The Citabria is an extra challenge because it is a conventional aircraft with a tailwheel, rather than the easier tricycle landing gear. The extra challenge makes the plane a pleasure to fly - the challenge does not make it overly difficult for training. The Citabria is a two seat tandem aircraft, meaning the instructor sits behind the student rather than next to him or her. It is controlled with a stick, rather than a yoke, it is 115 hp and it cruises around 110 mph. Picture Here.
Cessna 150. The Cessna 150 is a two seat, side by side 100 hp aircraft that cruises about 100 mph. This plane is a great choice for the budget minded. In traditional Cessna fashion, it is a high wing aircraft rather than a low wing. It is very small and can not carry much of a load, so you need to be small and light to train in one. Picture Here.
Cessna 172. The Cessna 172 is a four passenger plane, and depending on the model year, has a 145-180 hp engine. They cruise around 125 mph. Picture Here.