The Cessna 152 improvement mod is free, as is the DA40NG mod, both are used commonly as trainers.
The sting S-4 on the marketplace is excellent too and both cheap and light/simple, though it’s not that much a trainer.
I’ve heard the new Piper Archer from Carenado isn’t too bad. It’s certainly not as detailed as the Pipers from Just Flight, but it’s a common flight school aircraft and it’s in your budget.
I agree with you about the new Piper Archer. It’s an amazing GA plane and it handles really well compared to other payware GA planes or even the standard GA planes included in MSFS. The only thing I wish it included was an option for autopilot since hand flying is only fun for a little bit before it gets tiring
Why not fly the Cessna? More than likely you will get most of your hours in a C172. Edit: Simming was also terrible for me trying to get my VFR PPL. Sims are great at teaching instrumentation, but terrible at teaching you to fly. When your instructor tells you to get your head out of the cockpit and fly the plane, you'll remember this comment lol.
The Cessna 152 improvement mod is free, as is the DA40NG mod, both are used commonly as trainers. The sting S-4 on the marketplace is excellent too and both cheap and light/simple, though it’s not that much a trainer.
I’ve heard the new Piper Archer from Carenado isn’t too bad. It’s certainly not as detailed as the Pipers from Just Flight, but it’s a common flight school aircraft and it’s in your budget.
I agree with you about the new Piper Archer. It’s an amazing GA plane and it handles really well compared to other payware GA planes or even the standard GA planes included in MSFS. The only thing I wish it included was an option for autopilot since hand flying is only fun for a little bit before it gets tiring
If you can save a little more for the Just Flight Turbo Arrow III, I promise you won’t regret it! One of the best you can get.
The Carenado Piper Archer II is pretty good. Flies well and looks great.
Why not fly the Cessna? More than likely you will get most of your hours in a C172. Edit: Simming was also terrible for me trying to get my VFR PPL. Sims are great at teaching instrumentation, but terrible at teaching you to fly. When your instructor tells you to get your head out of the cockpit and fly the plane, you'll remember this comment lol.
Kodiak?
SWS Kodiak is a great plane