Glide Guide: Piper Archer vs Cessna 172

The Cessna 172 is another type of aircraft that's small and easy to fly. Also known as the "Skyhawk," the Cessna 172 is a high-wing, fixed-wing aircraft that can reach top speeds of nearly 190 miles per hour and has a range of more than 730 miles. Like the Piper Archer, it's a single-engine, four-seat aircraft.

Both aircraft have four seats and are made of all metal - ideal as the first aircraft for pilots who have just received their pilot's license. They are also types of aircraft that are fairly easy to fly, which is also good for more inexperienced pilots. Another key similarity is how they're priced, usually for under a half-million dollars in good condition.



Both aircraft are also very popular for beginner pilots and tend to be very reliable. Tens of thousands of each type of aircraft have been manufactured to date.

The Cessna's high-wing configuration is the main difference between the types of planes. The Piper Archer, conversely, is a low-wing aircraft.

High-wing aircraft are defined when the wings are higher than the cockpit while low-wing aircraft are where the wings are below the cockpit.



While not performance-related, another difference is the Piper Archer only has one entry and exit door, while the Cessna 172 has multiple points of entry and exit.

It depends on personal preference. Both are safe, easy to fly and have a large margin of error. Some pilots like the Cessna 172's high-wing configuration over the Piper Archer's standard, low-wing configuration, as it's easier to fly in cruise mode and the high-wing configuration doesn't obstruct the ground view as you're flying, potentially making flying a bit more challenging from a visual navigation standpoint. However, low-wing aircraft enable pilots to see the ground clearly during turns, which can be helpful when in the airfield pattern and also when making that final maneuver before landing.

Other pilots prefer the Piper Archer to the Cessna 172. Our suggestion: Learn more about both of them and choose the aircraft that you prefer. Both are quality planes - you really can't go wrong with either!

For more information and to find a Piper or Cessna aircraft for sale, contact J.A. Air Center today.