Easiest Planes to Fly For Anyone (With a Pilot License)

What Makes a Plane Easy to Fly?

Flying “easy” is subjective—but there are clear design traits that make some airplanes more forgiving, predictable, and manageable than others. Aircraft commonly described as easy to fly tend to offer stable handling, gentle stall characteristics, simple systems, and forgiving landing behavior. These traits reduce workload and allow pilots to focus more on flying well rather than constantly managing the airplane.

Not surprisingly, many of the easiest planes to fly are aircraft that have historically been used as basic flight trainers. Manufacturers design trainers to be approachable, durable, and tolerant of mistakes—qualities that benefit not just student pilots, but anyone looking for a low-stress flying experience.

Who This List Is For

This guide is intended for student pilots nearing solo or checkride, newly certificated private pilots, low-time pilots building confidence, and pilots looking for relaxed recreational flying. “Easy to fly” does not mean skill-free—it means the airplane is predictable and provides more margin while you learn and stay proficient.

How to Choose the Easiest Plane for You

There is no universally “easy” airplane for every pilot. The best choice depends on your experience, mission, and environment. When evaluating ease of flight, consider:

• Stability: Aircraft that naturally return to trimmed flight feel less demanding.
• Landing behavior: Forgiving flare characteristics reduce stress.
• Systems simplicity: Fixed gear, fixed-pitch props, and straightforward avionics reduce workload.
• Error tolerance: Wider margins near stall and during maneuvering.
• Support: Availability of instructors, parts, and maintenance expertise makes it easier to stay proficient.

Trainer aircraft tend to score highly in all of these areas—which is why many appear on this list.

Easiest planes to fly

Note: Specifications vary by year, engine, propeller, modifications, and loading. Treat the figures below as typical published numbers—not exact performance guarantees for every individual airframe.

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1. Beechcraft Skipper

Source: Robert Frola (Flickr) / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Beechcraft Skipper was designed as a trainer but ended up being almost too easy to fly. Many licensed pilots appreciate its forgiving handling and visibility.

Pros

• Very forgiving handling and easy landings for many pilots
• Great side visibility and improved forward visibility during climb
• Predictable trainer-style ergonomics and behavior

Watch-outs

• Limited fleet size can affect availability and parts support.
• Airframe condition matters more than reputation on older aircraft.

Best for

• Pilots who want a calm, simple airplane with trainer DNA and great visibility.

Typical specs

• Seats: 2
• Engine: Lycoming O-235 (115 hp)
• Cruise: ~119 kts
• Stall: ~47 kts

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2. Champion Citabria 7ECA

Source: Arpingstone / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Citabria is a forgiving, confidence-inspiring aircraft that’s also commonly used for aerobatic training. It has a rugged feel and handles wind well.

Pros

• Strong airframe and training-focused durability
• Forgiving gear design for imperfect landings
• Great stick-and-rudder feedback

Watch-outs

• Tailwheel ground handling requires disciplined technique and training.
• Visibility and ergonomics depend on pilot size and seating position.

Best for

• Pilots who want an approachable aircraft that also builds tailwheel proficiency.

Typical specs

• Seats: 2
• Engine: Lycoming O-235 (118 hp)
• Cruise: ~115 mph
• Stall: ~52 mph

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3. Piper Cherokee Cruiser 140 (PA-28-140)

Source: Mike Burdett / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Cherokee 140 is known for steady, predictable handling. Trim it up and it becomes an easy, stable platform for everyday flying.

Pros

• Stable and “set-it-and-trim-it” handling
• Easy landings and predictable approach behavior for many pilots
• Simple systems and widespread familiarity

Watch-outs

• Performance varies by engine/prop upgrades and airframe condition.
• Useful load can be limiting on some examples.

Best for

• Relaxed local flying, time-building, and pilots who prefer a steady platform.

Typical specs

• Seats: 2 (many converted to 4)
• Engine: Lycoming O-320 (140 hp)
• Cruise: ~135 mph
• Stall: ~54 mph

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4. Cessna 150/152

Source: wiltshirespotter / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Cessna 150/152 series is a classic training platform—stable, forgiving, and widely available. Many pilots consider it one of the easiest ways to stay proficient.

Pros

• Stable, predictable handling and simple systems
• Forgiving stall characteristics compared to many aircraft
• Easy ground handling with tricycle gear

Watch-outs

• Useful load and cabin size can be limiting.
• Climb performance can be modest in high density altitude conditions.

Best for

• Low-cost flying, proficiency work, and a straightforward trainer feel.

Typical specs (vary by model)

• Seats: 2
• Engines: Continental O-200 (150) / Lycoming O-235 (152)
• Cruise: ~82–107 kts
• Stall: ~42–43 kts

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5. Cessna 172S Skyhawk

Source: Peter Bakema / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Skyhawk is the quintessential trainer and one of the most widely flown aircraft in the world. Familiarity and forgiving handling make it a go-to “easy day” airplane.

Pros

• Stable, forgiving handling and broad instructor familiarity
• Excellent parts/support ecosystem
• Comfortable platform for training and cross-country flying

Watch-outs

• Rental fleets vary; avionics and equipment differ aircraft-to-aircraft.
• Performance is “practical” rather than sporty (which many pilots prefer).

Best for

• Training, time-building, and pilots who want an easy, all-around GA aircraft.

Typical specs (172S)

• Seats: 4
• Engine: Lycoming IO-360 (180 hp)
• Cruise: ~124 kt
• Stall: ~53 KCAS

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6. Diamond DA20 Katana

Source: bomberpilot / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The DA20 is a modern composite trainer with excellent visibility and responsive controls. Many flight schools like its handling and cockpit feel.

Pros

• Excellent visibility and responsive handling
• Often paired with modern avionics
• Training-focused design and reputation

Watch-outs

• Lightweight feel can make crosswinds more noticeable.
• Availability varies by region compared to classic trainers.

Best for

• Pilots who want a modern trainer feel and great visibility.

Typical specs (DA20 C1)

• Seats: 2
• Engine: Continental IO-240 (125 hp)
• Cruise: ~130 kts
• Stall: ~36 kts

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7. Ercoupe 415-C

Source: Ahunt / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Ercoupe was designed around simplicity and approachability. It’s often recommended as an “easy to operate” airplane and is known for its unique steering and handling choices.

Pros

• Designed specifically for simplicity
• Often recommended as an easy airplane to own and operate
• Unique “car-like” steering on some configurations

Watch-outs

• Older airframes mean maintenance history matters a lot.
• “Easy” handling still requires proper transition training and judgment.

Best for

• Pilots who want a simple flyer and are willing to get good transition instruction.

Typical specs

• Seats: 2
• Engine: Continental C-85 (85 hp)
• Cruise: ~114 mph
• Stall: ~48 mph

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8. Luscombe 8F

Source: MilborneOne / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Luscombe is light, efficient, and responsive. Many pilots love the in-air handling, though landing opinions vary by experience and conditions.

Pros

• Agile, responsive control feel
• Efficient, simple classic airplane

Watch-outs

• Some pilots find landings more demanding—try with an instructor first.
• Tailwheel ground handling requires proficiency.

Best for

• Pilots who enjoy classic tailwheel flying and responsive handling.

Typical specs (varies)

• Seats: 2
• Engine: Continental C-90 (90 hp)
• Cruise: ~120 mph
• Stall: ~48 mph

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9. Piper Super Cub (PA-18-150)

Overview
The Super Cub is a bush plane favorite with excellent short-field capability and straightforward systems. Many pilots find it “easy” in the air—provided they respect tailwheel handling and operating environment risk.

Pros

• Excellent short-field performance and versatility
• Simple systems and great visibility
• Fun, lively handling

Watch-outs

• Tailwheel ground handling requires discipline, especially in wind.
• Backcountry operations add risk factors (terrain, runway condition, weather).

Best for

• Pilots who want rugged utility and are proficient in tailwheel technique.

Typical specs

• Seats: 2
• Engine: Lycoming O-320 (150 hp)
• Cruise: ~115 mph
• Stall: ~43 mph

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10. Piper Pacer (PA-20)

Source: Ahunt / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Pacer is a classic, practical taildragger with responsive controls and short-field personality.

Pros

• Responsive and enjoyable once airborne
• Good utility and short-field capability

Watch-outs

• Tailwheel ground handling takes practice.
• Condition and modifications vary widely across older airframes.

Best for

• Pilots seeking classic taildragger capability with real-world utility.

Typical specs (example configuration)

• Seats: 4
• Engine: Lycoming O-290 (135 hp)
• Cruise: ~110 KTAS
• Stall: ~42 kts

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11. Piper Tri-Pacer (PA-22-160)

Source: Phil Vabre / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Tri-Pacer offers simple systems with tricycle-gear ground handling. It’s often viewed as an economical, straightforward airplane to fly.

Pros

• Tricycle gear improves ground handling for many pilots
• Simple systems and economical operation

Watch-outs

• Avionics and performance vary significantly between airframes.
• Older aircraft require careful maintenance evaluation.

Best for

• Pilots who want a budget-friendly, easygoing classic.

Typical specs

• Seats: 4
• Engine: Lycoming O-320 (160 hp)
• Cruise: ~134 mph
• Stall: ~49 mph

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12. Piper Colt (PA-22-108)

Source: Huhu Uet / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Colt was designed for flight schools—simple systems and manageable handling. It’s often approachable for pilots who stay conservative with performance margins.

Pros

• Training-friendly intent and straightforward design
• Simple handling for many pilots

Watch-outs

• Lower power means less performance margin in hot/high conditions.
• Airframe condition matters greatly due to age.

Best for

• Pilots looking for simple flying and conservative, local missions.

Typical specs

• Seats: 2
• Engine: Lycoming (108 hp)
• Cruise: ~108 mph
• Stall: ~54 mph

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13. Grumman Cheetah (AA-5A)

Source: Arpingstone / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Cheetah is loved for its canopy visibility and smooth, sporty handling. Many pilots describe it as “fun and easy” once you’re comfortable with its personality.

Pros

• Outstanding visibility thanks to canopy design
• Smooth, sporty handling
• Nice cruise speed for the category

Watch-outs

• Climb performance may feel modest compared to some peers.
• Cabin comfort/heat/ventilation preferences vary—try before you commit.

Best for

• Pilots who want easy handling with great visibility and a fun feel.

Typical specs

• Seats: 4
• Engine: Lycoming O-320 (150 hp)
• Cruise: ~128 kts
• Stall: ~53 kts

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14. Piper Tomahawk II (PA-38-112)

Source: wiltshirespotter / Wikimedia Commons.

Overview
The Tomahawk II is a trainer with a responsive feel and good visibility. Many pilots like its direct control response and simple systems.

Pros

• Responsive handling and good visibility
• Training-friendly simplicity

Watch-outs

• Specs and handling vary by year, condition, and configuration.
• As with any trainer, “easy” depends on proficiency—especially in wind.

Best for

• Pilots who like a more responsive trainer feel but still want manageable systems.

Typical specs

• Seats: 2
• Engine: Lycoming O-235 (112 hp)
• Cruise: ~115 mph

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A Note on “Easy” Versus “Safe”

An aircraft that feels easy to fly is not automatically safer than one that feels more demanding. Safety depends far more on pilot proficiency, decision-making, maintenance quality, weather planning, and operating within conservative margins than on the aircraft model alone.

Many airplanes on this list are forgiving and enjoyable—but every aircraft requires respect, proper training, and good judgment to be operated safely.

Takeaways

• “Easy to fly” usually means stable handling, forgiving landings, and simple systems.
• Trainer aircraft are a smart starting point because they’re built for predictable behavior.
• Ease does not equal safety—training, proficiency, and judgment matter more than the model.
• The easiest airplane is the one that fits your mission and that you can fly often.

Interested in Learning More?

Keep the learning going with more aviation guides:

• Cessna 172: 10 Things You Need to Know
• Breaking Down Everything in the Cessna 172 Cockpit
• Diamond DA20: Perfect Flight Training Aircraft
• Aircraft Category and Class: What is the Difference Between Them?
• How to Become a Private Pilot (Get Started Today)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the easiest plane to fly for a new private pilot?
  Many pilots find classic trainers like the Cessna 172 and Piper Cherokee series approachable because they’re stable, predictable, and widely supported.

• Are tricycle-gear planes easier than tailwheel planes?
  For most pilots, tricycle gear is more forgiving during landing and rollout. Tailwheel aircraft can be very rewarding, but typically require more proficiency on the ground.

• Does “easy to fly” mean the airplane is safer?
  Not necessarily. Safety depends on training, proficiency, maintenance quality, and operating within conservative margins.

• What matters most when choosing an “easy” airplane?
  Mission fit and margins: runway length, density altitude, useful load, maintenance support, and how often you can train in the aircraft.

• Should I get transition training even if the airplane is considered easy?
  Yes. Transition training is one of the best ways to reduce risk in any unfamiliar aircraft.

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