QUOTE(flyingsfuture @ Mar 13 2007, 06:33 PM)

I in no way am looking for a debate, I am simply voicing my opinion about my favorite aircraft manufacturer. I am simply seeking the public's popular opinion on the subject. If you disagree with my statement, that is fine, I would love to hear why, however, I do not think voicing our opinions about different aircraft will cause a problematic debate that will force this forum to be locked.
Differing opinions and debates are good for you...good ones are so few and far between...we need more of them. Just everybody keep the "big boy/girl" pants on and not get childish about the whole thing. We may not all be adults, but we can sure act like it.
I have several hundred hours in Pipers...28's, R's, 44's, and 31's. (I have never been able to fly the "Traumahawk") I've also got like 30 hours in a Cessna 172. It's all about personal preference. I've found the Pipers to be a little less forgiving in certain situations. The Cessna seemed to me a more stable platform...great for training and sightseeing, but not what I liked. Plus turning the thing sideways to clear the final is a pain.
Some guys debate the high-wing/ low-wing...thing. I started my career in low-wing aircraft, and that's what I liked better, even though I flew a high-wing A/C for many years and have flown many high-wing A/C since then. When I actually decided to get my civilian ratings, the Piper is what I wanted to train in. I would have taken whatever was available, but I wanted what was familiar.
There's a bunch of great advice in this forum if you're looking for it. It comes down to what's important to you.