What is the best plane to learn in?
Choosing where to learn to fly often means choosing which aircraft you'll train in. Most schools don't give you much say in the matter — you fly what they have. But knowing the differences can help you pick the right school, set the right expectations, and understand what you're getting into.
How we've put this together: We've looked at every single-engine, fixed-gear aircraft commonly used for PPL training in the UK. We've filtered out microlights (which lead to a different licence), helicopters, twins, and complex aircraft. What's left are the planes you're realistically likely to fly during your PPL.
The aircraft
These are the planes that come up most often at UK flying schools, from the most widely available to the more specialist options.
| Aircraft | Seats | Engine | Cruise | Instruments | Approx wet hire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 152 | 2 | 110 hp Lycoming | 107 mph | Steam | £150–£180/hr |
| Cessna 172 | 4 | 160 hp Lycoming | 122 mph | Steam or glass | £180–£220/hr |
| Piper PA-28 (Warrior / Archer) | 4 | 160–180 hp Lycoming | 125 mph | Steam or glass | £170–£210/hr |
| Cessna 182 | 4 | 230 hp Continental | 145 mph | Often glass | £230–£270/hr |
| Diamond DA-40 | 4 | 180 hp Lycoming / Austro diesel | 147 mph | Glass (G1000) | £210–£250/hr |
| Robin DR400 | 4 | 160 hp Lycoming | 130 mph | Steam | £160–£190/hr |
| Cirrus SR20 | 4 | 200 hp Continental | 155 mph | Glass (Perspective) | £280–£350/hr |
How they compare
Scores out of 5 for each factor, from a PPL student's perspective.
| Aircraft | Comfort | Safety | Running costs | Instruments | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 152 | 2 | 3 | 5 | Steam | Budget training |
| Cessna 172 | 4 | 4 | 3 | Steam or glass | All-round PPL training |
| Piper PA-28 | 4 | 4 | 3 | Steam or glass | All-round PPL training |
| Cessna 182 | 5 | 4 | 2 | Often glass | PPL + IMC / step-up |
| Diamond DA-40 | 5 | 5 | 2 | Glass (G1000) | Modern training, career path |
| Robin DR400 | 3 | 3 | 4 | Steam | Club flying, traditionalists |
| Cirrus SR20 | 5 | 5 | 1 | Glass (Perspective) | Premium training |
The factors explained
Comfort
The Cessna 152 is the outlier here — it's a genuinely tight two-seater. If you're over 6ft or broadly built, three hours in a 152 is uncomfortable. Every other aircraft on this list offers a more spacious four-seat cabin. The DA-40 and Cirrus SR20 have wide, car-like interiors that make long cross-country legs much more pleasant.
Safety
All of these aircraft are certified and maintained to the same standards, so safety differences are smaller than you might expect. That said:
- The Cirrus SR20 has a whole-aircraft parachute system (CAPS) — a genuine last-resort option no other aircraft here offers
- The Diamond DA-40 has consistently topped general aviation safety statistics — its composite structure and diesel engine reduce fire risk
- The Cessna 172 and PA-28 have decades of proven reliability and an enormous knowledge base of instructors and engineers
- The Cessna 152 is equally safe but its age means fleet condition varies significantly between schools — always ask when the aircraft was last overhauled
Steam gauges vs glass cockpit — does it matter?
Steam gauges (traditional analogue instruments) are what most aircraft in the UK still use. Learning on steam means you truly understand what each instrument does, because there's no screen doing the interpretation for you. Most examiners and instructors consider this a solid foundation.
Glass cockpits (like the Garmin G1000 in the DA-40) present the same information on large screens. They're easier to read at a glance and are what most modern commercial aircraft use. If you're training with a view to a commercial career, starting on glass has advantages.
The honest answer: For a PPL, it doesn't matter much. Learn on whatever your school has. The fundamentals — situational awareness, radio work, navigation — are the same either way. You can transition between the two in a few hours once you have your licence.
Running costs
Hourly wet hire rates vary by school, region, and aircraft age, but the general pattern holds:
- Cheapest: Cessna 152 (~£150–£180/hr) — small engine, low fuel burn
- Mid-range: PA-28 Warrior, Cessna 172, Robin DR400 (~£170–£220/hr)
- More expensive: Cessna 182, Diamond DA-40 (~£210–£270/hr)
- Premium: Cirrus SR20 (~£280–£350/hr)
At a minimum of 45 hours for a PPL, the difference between training in a 152 and a Cirrus is roughly £5,000–£8,000 — before you factor in ground school, exams, and landing fees.
Our verdict
Best all-round choice
Roomy enough to be comfortable, affordable enough for most budgets, and common enough that you'll find instructors and examiners everywhere. The PA-28 has a slight edge on handling — its low-wing design means you learn to land without the wing blocking your view of the runway. The 172 is arguably more forgiving for beginners. Both are excellent.
Best if budget isn't the priority
The best safety record in its class, a modern glass cockpit, and a diesel engine that's cheaper to run than it looks. If you're serious about flying beyond your PPL — IMC rating, CPL, or instrument work — starting in a DA-40 gives you a head start.
Best on a tight budget
If cost is the deciding factor, the 152 remains the most affordable path to a PPL. It's cramped and basic, but it's been getting people their licence for nearly 50 years. Just make sure the specific aircraft your school uses is well-maintained — fleet condition varies more in 152s than in newer types.