Piper saratoga/arrow, Cessna 182, diamond da-40/42?

Question

Which one is the best aircraft for flying, price, and can comfortably carry four people without any trouble in the air? Also, which one is best quality, weather....thanks!

Answer 1

"and can comfortably carry four people without any trouble in the air"

...the Arrow is immediately disqualified, unless the four people weigh the same as infants.  Arrows are extremely limited by weight.  3 passengers @ 175 lbs with 2/3 of a load of fuel is normally right at the maximum weight limits for an Arrow III.  I don't have too much experience with the other aircraft to comment, but the Arrow is pretty poor for anything except a training aircraft.  It's very reliable and easy to fly, but relatively slow compared to other similar aircraft.

Answer 2

My vote goes for the 182. The 182 is a very solid rugged backwoods type of airplane...I have alot of time in a 206...which is just a stretched skylane..and if you crunch numbers on the 182 and the saratoga....yeah...it has six seats..and alot of baggage area....but stuff those tanks with avgas and guess what you have??...An overgrown 140...or even better..a cessna 150 has more useful load than a saratoga with the wings topped off....I never had a problem with the 182 or 206.....like the old saying goes....if you can get the doors closed..or off...it will fly....and it is very true....fly safe!

Jonathan S

ATP-LRJET,HS-125

CFI/AGI

Answer 3

Between the choices your offer the 182 hands down!  The O-470 engine is all but bullet proof and very easy to work on as is the rest of the aircraft.  BUT... I would look into a Piper Cherokee six or a Lance (the retractable gear version).  These are capable of carrying six incl. pilot which is more than you need but the cost differential is acceptable to a lot of people.

The definition of extreme wind varies from aircraft to aircraft. 15 knots is extreme for a Katana but then I have NOTHING good to say about that piece of work!  Actually 15 knots can be a bit dicey in ANY small aircraft though.  It depends on your level of experience.  To most pilots..15 knots is a breeze to some its a no fly.

Remember:  Take-off is optional, landing is mandatory!

Answer 4

I like Pipers as a rule, but the 182 wins hands down in this question. 7-15 knot winds isn't bad at all. Wind speed is in knots.

Answer 5

Having piloted the Piper Arrow and Cessna 182 (no experience with the Diamond or Saratoga) I would vote for the Cessna. It is more stable, comfortably carries 4 with fuel and performs as well with fixed gear and lower insurance costs.  Can't comment  on weather, I'm not IFR rated and don't fly in heavy weather conditions.

Answer 6

which is more important, the flying or the price.  flying, hands down to the diamond.  price, go with the cessna.  Never been in a piper, couldn't say.