It's important to keep up flying while building, even though financial and time constraints can make that difficult. I'm building my Sling to fly it, and I don't want to be a rusty pilot when I'm done.

I flew the PA-28 Warrior II in Australia but haven't flown a C-172. The flying club I belong to has just leased one however, so it's the ideal time to get the type in my logbook.

The particular model is a 1978 C-172N, with a particularly attractive sheepskin interior.

Procedurally it is very similar to the -152, with slightly higher takeoff, climb and approach speeds. However more rudder is required particularly during takeoff and climb due to the more powerful 0-320 engine at 160HP compared with the 110HP 0-235 in the 152.

Flying with back passengers (which I hadn't done in the Warrior) was a good illustration of how CoG affects flight characteristics. With only a front-seat passenger, the 172 is nose-heavy and needs careful attention to attitude in the flare to prevent a nose-wheel landing. However with 4 on board it is more balanced on approach and a nice landing is easier, however climb speed is significantly lower, only just managing 500fpm at MAUW.

Departing NZPM 05 over the city, looking west over Port Taranaki.</br> Kaitake Ranges just visible through an inversion layer in the background. — Departing NZPM 05 over the city, looking west over Port Taranaki.
Kaitake Ranges just visible through an inversion layer in the background.