Should I buy a Sierra or an Eaglet

[jeneee]

Hello,

I am just starting out in aviation—working towards my LSA certificate. I really like the Tecnam aircraft—recently an Eaglet and a Sierra have become available for purchase. Realizing that I am a newbie, which aircraft would you recommend and why? How do they compare in terms of reliability, maintenance costs, flying, type of flying, etc?
Any advice is most appreciated!

Jen

[John Crone]

Hi Jen

I learnt in an Echo, which is pretty similar to the Eaglet, and then bought a Sierra.

There is a long list of differences, but here are a few considerations:

The main choice is whether you like sitting under the wing with good downward visibility or over the wing and see the sky (like a fighter pilot).
The Eaglet is easier to fly with a shorter take off due to a higher lift wing while the Sierra is slightly faster with its laminar flow wing.
I'm just over 6ft tall and found it quite difficult getting into the Echo.
Upper wing is better for access if its raining and less prone to leaking, although mine has never leaked.
In the older Sierras the bright sunlight can cause difficulty with reading some instruments.

Hope this helps.

Cheers
John

[Cluemeister]

I agree with John. Do you a have a high wing or low wing preference? If neither, fly both models and see which one feels more comfortable for you.

[montanapilot]

I have an Astore, and the downward visibility is surprisingly fabulous. You're sitting right about at the leading edge of the wing. I was quite surprised the first time I flew it. I haven't flown a Sierra, but if it's similar to the Astore in that respect, you might be surprised at how good that downward visibilty is. Also, low wing = much better visibility in turns.

[snowmobilejer]

I would buy the Sierra.  It's more fun to fly.  I have a T182TC and Sierra.  I'll fly the Sierra any day of the week in good weather over a high wing.