Piper PA-38 Tomahawk

Typical use: Ab-initio PPL, Spin Training

Specifications

• Seats: 2
• Cruise: 105 kt
• Stall speed, landing configuration: 49 kt
• Max demonstrated crosswind: 15 kt
• Take-off to 50 ft: 445 m
• Engine: Lycoming O-235 (Piston)
• Avionics: Analogue
• Typical hourly rate: £170–£200/hr wet
• Resale value (2025): £25,000–£45,000

Instructor insight

Honest to a fault. If you fly it badly, it flies badly. The best spin trainer in the fleet—it actually spins properly, unlike the 'mushy' spiral of a C152.

Student experience

The 'Traumahawk' reputation makes some nervous (unjustified today). The tail shakes visibly during stall practice, which can be unsettling.