Paul Tomblin wrote:

Our club is worried that we're not going to be able to get insurance for
our Lance any more. (We had to switch to a named pilot policy this year,
previously anybody in the club could fly it if they met the currency and
checkout requirements.) Plus the Lance is going to need a new engine next
year, and we don't want to put $25K+ into a new engine if we won't be able
to keep the plane for more than a year or two.

So now we're looking at replacements, and one type of plane that people
keep mentioning as a possibility is the C-182 or C-182RG, because it has
similar performance to our Dakota, but better interior room. I've never
flown a high wing before. Is there any tips or hints you could give me to
help the transition?


I prefer Cessnas to Pipers. I got my private in Cessans and my
instrument in Pipers. I owned a 182 for six years and now fly a club
Arrow. I've never flown a Dakota, however, so I can't make a direct
comparison. The main difference I see between the 182 and the Arrow I
fly now is that the 182 has a much better glide ratio and lighter
ailerons and rudder. Pitch forces are similar. I find the 182 easier
to land. I think you will find that the transition will take one
landing maybe two, neglecting the "systems" transition which may take a
while depending on how different the avionics are between the two.


Matt