On 2007-06-23 09:52:40 -0400, Jay Honeck said:

I know you love Atlas and I have absolutely nothing against Cherokees
having taught in them many times, but for primary students,IF a choice
of a tricycle gear airplane is an option, I have always leaned heavily
toward steering people into the small Cessna's for initial training .
I have always liked the control setup on the Cessna's as opposed to the
Cherokees strictly when talking primary dual. I've found over time (a
lot of time really :-) that time spent in the control sensitive/ wind
sensitive 150's and 152's in the beginning has paid big dividends down
the line for students who learn in these airplanes, THEN transition
into the Cherokees .

Agreed. I love Atlas, but compared to a 150 its a transport-class
plane. Big, nose-heavy, and -- with a pretty short wing -- not
terribly forgiving in slow flight. It'll slide around the pattern on
rails.

A 150, on the other hand, is like a butterfly, requiring constant
input. It'll teach him a lot, methinks.

You're right. It's the same reason the Air Force still uses the T38. If
you perfect your basic skills in an airplane that taxes your skills, it
forces you into a higher skill level as you progress through the
basics. The bottom line on this type of thinking is that if you can
handle the more sensitive aircraft, what comes afterward is a lower
learning curve.
It works!
If he can fly the 150 well, he'll LOVE Atlas!!
Dudley Henriques