"Ray" wrote in message
...

Okay, so all kidding aside, what are the issues between high and low
wings? I know that in terms of flying, there are very few differences
between your average Cessna and Piper, but for higher performance
aircraft, what are the aerodynamic/design tradeoffs?

For example:

Why are most of the more expensive private aircraft (cirrus,
pilatus, pretty much all multi engine and jet) low wings?


In high-performance aircraft a low wing makes a convenient place to stow the
landing gear and also makes engine inspection easier. But there are
high-performance aircraft with high wings; Mitsubishi MU-2, Extra 400,
Cessna 210, etc.



Why do all fighters since the biplane era have low wings?


Ever heard of the McDonnell F-15?



Why do most military transports (C-130, C-17, C-5) have high wings,


It allows the fuselage to be closer to the ground for easier
loading/unloading.



but all airliners have low wings?


BAe 146, ATR 72, Dornier 328, etc.



Why are a lot of cold weather/high altitude planes high wing?


Aerodynamic superiority.