New pilot and new Piper owner
Hello all, I recently completed my ppl and bought my first airplane, a 1977 Cherokee Cruiser.
I'm very happy with my plane and am in the midst of numerous upgrades. Have replaced my transponder with a Tailbeacon X, added a 4-point restraint system and a Garmin GI275 EIS is going in next. Airtex interior is on the way.
I should mention that I'm a right leg amputee, below knee. I purchased my plane halfway through my training and have about 60 hours in her so far. Friends of mine who are pilots suggested Piper because of the ability to use the hand lever for braking. It works out great for me and my examiner was pleased that I was able to employ it without any difficulties.
I'm pleased to have found this group and hope to learn a lot about Pipers and owning one.
Comments
Frank, most excellent first buy congratulations and look forward to helping answer your questions and everybody else here in the forum is here to offer advice too. Carl
50yrs A/P IA DAL A/C inspector. 172N Rotax IRMT 912/914
Hi Frankf814,
Thank you for being a member and welcome to Piper Owners! Beautiful aircraft. Your post reminded me of an instructor at our local flight school many years ago. Young guy who lost his leg at the thigh required crutches to move about, yet he instructed in our factory standard Piper and Cessna aircraft! I had an instructor/examiner who had lost an eye in an aircraft accident, and Jessica Cox, born without arms (!) is a pilot and is here at AirVenture 2026!
About that hand brake, it was standard equipment for the Piper PA28 line, toe brakes were OPTIONAL! Really teaches you the correct taxi speed.
Keep us posted on your progress and your flight training! We have several instructors in the group, myself included.
Regards,
Mike