Taming the Traumahawk. Will I survive a $100 Hamburger Flight in a Piper Tomahawk?

The Piper Tomahawk is an awesome general aviation airplane with a bad reputation. Catch some tips and tricks on a scenic flight in N2456D on a short trip from (KJQF) Concord, North Carolina to a $100 Hamburger Flight with a twist. Lake Norman Airpark (14A) is hosting a Food Truck Fly-in. We’ll see if the little Piper trainer deserves its reputation for terrible stall characteristics and an unstable t-tail. We will practice stalling an airplane as we perform power on stalls, power off stalls, and get a cockpit view of a landing as me make a short field landing at a cool little runway that has tall trees on short final. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast, a student pilot, or thinking about buying an airplane, I hope you enjoy this airplane walkaround and flying adventure. If nothing else, this video shows why I love general aviation! Safe Skies!

[@hongshi8251]

I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your video. This is exactly the airplane I would like to have for recreational purposes. It has beautiful lines and I can see now that if it is well piloted it is a wonderful airplane. Thank you again so much

[@vindoll6237]

Lots of hours in Tomahawk, never had issues with it. Was a solid roomy trainer.

[@cadesmith4278]

Nice video! I soloed in a Tomahawk in the summer of '79 at the long-gone Woodbridge (VA) Airport. Two things I remember--the great visibility, and the first intentional stall-spin recovery demo'd by my instructor required two attempts to recover. Led to a 24-year Air Force career flying T-38s, B-52s, and B-1s. Nice little airplane.

[@juggsauce]

B1s are cool. Worked on the alq-161 in my short time in. Finicky EW equipment (to maintain) and expensive to fly but hearing you guys rip off afterburner takeoffs was always pretty cool.

[@Matt-mt8rc]

I have about 300 hours dual given in that specific Tomahawk. I have a lot of good memories in it and made a few pilots both Private and Instrument in it. Overall, it's my favorite airplane to instruct in. Great visibility, roomier than most other trainers, far worse reputation than deserved, especially in N2456D's case. Glad to see her flying still!

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MrMorden00]

The scary sounding "danger music" when doing stalls was hilarious. It's a Tomahawk, a basic two-seat trainer with pretty normal stall characteristics, not an F-104.

[@ivomirassi6712]

Hi, Cory, Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you accept friendly feedback. Recently I get familiar with this model and read a lot about it. I know that you are a commercial pilot and flight instructor, but lots of accidents happen to a couple of students and instructors in similar conditions. So my intention is just to raise your attention. In your case you perform stalls/slow flights at ~3500 ft, both airports were at about ~700-800 ft. The terrain looks pretty flat so I will assume that you were at 2700 ft. AGL which is critical low for such maneuvers in a such plane. In combination with trying to level the wings with your ailerons 09:40 , it becomes really dangerous. This is what I found about Stalls/Slow Flights in PA-38. You can take a look at the POH revision below. In May 2012, Revision 14 to the POH was issued by the manufacturer. Section 4.35 ‘Stalls’ was amended and renamed as ‘Stalls and Slow Flight’. The amendment added the following text: ################################## 'CAUTION Slow flight and stall manoeuvres should be initiated at altitudes high enough to fully recover by at least 4,000 feet AGL, to provide an adequate margin of safety in the event of an inadvertent spin.’ ################################# I hope this was helpful

[@flybouy11]

We had two for training. When stall strips were installed on front of wings it improved the stalls

[@stonehorn4641]

Yup. Ive got well over 800 hours on mine, ive had zero problems. Every bit as reliable as my 152, but more fun to fly.

[@FerociousBeardCompany]

Hey cool I used to own N2456D! Thanks for sharing your video. That 125HP upgrade (vs. 112 HP) really lets you take off quickly when you’re by yourself. She’s a great airplane and I miss flying her! I bought her in Colorado and based her out of KSFZ in Lincoln, Rhode Island. She’s been all over New England. Great to see she’s still flying and the paint job after I sold her looks great!!

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

Very cool! Brett and his daughter love flying 56D. She's quite the performer.

[@FerociousBeardCompany]

Cory Johnson Funny story. I had just gotten finished convincing my wife how affordable owning our own plane would be vs. renting. As soon as she was delivered from Colorado I took her up and noticed the trim wheel would keep free spinning. $2000.00 later she was fine. Then I needed a “new” KX-155 radio. $1800 later it was fine. 😁 My wife continued to remind me how “affordable” owning an airplane is. But the bottom line is that it is great therapy to just go flying. I always loved the days when there was some mild turbulence and LOVED cross-wind landings! She’s a great little airplane and N2456D will always have a very special place in my heart.

[@CFITOMAHAWK]

@@FerociousBeardCompany Only good pilots love crosswind landings. I used to do one tire touch and goes on Tomahawks..

[@FerociousBeardCompany]

@@CFITOMAHAWK Yes. I loved crossing landings in N2456D.

[@jsherrillj]

All of my primary flight instruction from first flight to private pilot check ride were in the Tomahawk. Since I have been able to transition to just about every other single engine aircraft with a single check ride. I think in makes good pilots.

[@petermargie]

I trained in one in the early 80’s. We did lots of spin training. It was fun being face down with the ground filling your field of vision. Never had a problem.

[@jerrydiver1]

My flight training was in the old 'hawk back in '80-'81. It was pretty tame with the instructor aboard, but when Ginger got her 135 lb off, it just jumped into the sky. I almost screamed my way all the way around that first circuit.

[@ryanjohnson1590]

Great and informative video. Thanks! And also the way the music became dramatic when you started talking about stalls. 😂🤣😅

[@mikesierra8593]

Flew my PPL solo cross country in a little Tomahawk 32 years ago. Still remember it vividly and only have fond memories of that bird.

[@GregHuston]

I first flew one of these over 30 years ago and at that time I really loved it. More comfortable than a 150 by a long shot.

[@captnclutch_5916]

I have owned N2456D for about 4 months now. I have loved every minutes of it. Very good on fuel and just a very fun airplane to fly

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

I'm glad to hear that. I enjoyed flying it as well. Safe Skies!

[@johnmajane3731]

There are only about 1/3 of then left. I flew one a bit when I got my CFI. I liked it. Lot's of room and fun to fly. It stalls a bit more aggressively than most planes but is easy to control. Spins like the devil but is still safe and easy to get out of.

[@drewrodaniche1541]

Ha, I wrap my cable around those bars for my GoPro the same ugly way. Been flying it for a year since starting my training. After researching other trainers, I am convinced it is one of the best "Pilot Makers" out there.

[@Jaujau933]

Learned to fly in a Tomahawk, a great little plane 👍🏻

[@Sean_Coyne]

This brings back memories. I completed my PPL in a brand spanking new Traumahawk back in 1978. It was way more fun to fly than the old Cessna 150 I was learning on before. The stall was vicious though and it would spin easily (spin training was compulsory back then in Oz) plus the elevators were needlessly heavy at low airspeeds.

[@TIO540S1]

I liked the Tomahawk the few hours I flew it. The visibility is outstanding. I did my first spins in it, it enters and exits very nicely.

[@lisafike8904]

Thanks man, great video . I am looking for a time builder and have my eye on the Tauk !

[@cinnamonfranklin5755]

I soloed in that airplane! So glad you guys are keeping her flying.

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

Brett and his daughter are really enjoying 56D. They're doing a great job caring for her.

[@gcorriveau6864]

Great video. Thanks! My 42 year old THawk performs right by the book just like that one. FWIW, a "few" years ago, a brand new Tomahawk showed up on the line at that flight school where I was working so I had to take it out for a "spin." I applied typical C-150 inputs just before the break and ended up doing more of a snap roll than a spin. Surprised me but my grin was pretty big. The modded wing you mention, is a much tamer creature. Thanks again.

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

Thanks for sharing! Safe Skies!

[@JB-zn1kx]

202HD was my PA-38 trainer with Doug Danforth at an FBO in Terre Haute. Loved that plane

[@pilotd]

we sure are enjoying flying 2456D now! Thanks for the video!

[@geoffspitfire5160]

I learned to fly in a Tomahawk and never had any dramas at all. Pretty much the ideal trainer and low wing so you have good visibilty in steep turns. You would have to really mishandle it in a stall for anything out of the ordinary to happen. A bit slow for xcountry flights but all in all i reckon it does well what it was designed to do.

[@Elsavior]

The go cart of the skies. So responsive yet unforgiving. After hundreds of hours in Tomahawks my only complaint was anemic power.

[@Matt-mo8sl]

Wow, N2456D!!! I have about 40 hours in that airplane from about 25 years ago when it lived in Maine. Did some spin training in it, too. They don't behave as well as a 152 IMO in spins. 56D was a fine little airplane especially for bigger guys like me.

[@adb012]

PPL, trained in to Tomahawk, then moved to the C152, and I rushed back in the Tomahawk in no time. Loved that plane. Out of many stalls I did, I had one full stall where I got a sudden and large wing drop. I was still a student and with an instructor. My first instinct was to use aileron to raise the dropped wing and I immediately felt the stick pusher activate. It was my instructor pressing (almost punching) the yoke forward to the stop with the palm of his hand. "Unload the wing FIRST, THEN roll". Ailerons (in any plane) are unpredictable when the wing is fully stalled, it can even indice further roll (opposite to your input) or a spin. This is part of what you see very often in the stall + incontrolable roll or spin accidents in the pattern. Lesson learned forever. I hope someday I can buy a Tomahawk for personal use. I'll take it over a Cessna 152 any day (or night).

[@chrisanderson4799]

I flew that airplane quite a few times. Loved N2456D Probably have 100 hrs in a Tomahawk and another 40 in its nicer cousin the Skipper

[@mjptango]

I could advance stall the a non-flow stripped Tomahawk with absolutely NO wing drop, just mushed downward with elevator full back. now if one was not controlled balance it wind dropped rapidly, and that was great training and confidence to rate control od the aircraft.... and for just basic flying it was so fun to fly

[@DobieTanpaw]

Interestingly enough, I found this video looking for photos of N2456D... And I was looking for photos because I've been following this plane via ADSB for the past hour after it buzzed my house after taking off from KAGC. Cool video. Keep your wings level!

[@TheRecreationalPilot]

Glad to be of service

[@daviddoss1104]

Learned to fly in into Tomahawk. Have a lot of hours in One. I thought it was a great little airplane.

[@MrDoccus]

Fine trainer and personal travel plane. More room than 150s. FAA approved for spins. I enjoyed mine for several years. Stalls were a non-event. It could be made to spin but recovered easily with standard recovery inputs. It will recover itself with no input as well. ….even after 3 turns. Few people who call it Traumahawk have actually flown it. I sold mine and bought an RV-6A.

[@1pjlewis2]

I started my lessons in a pa 140 then moved up to a pa 150. I stoped fore a while. I took some lesson in a 172. Wow I loved that. Then when I started again in 150 & that was the best to fly. I got my certificate in a 150. The 172 is the best but it is pricy. The 150 is easy to maintain.

[@buzzypeterson1147]

I had a Tommy. I loved that plane. The stall issues they claim are absolutely false. Ts wider than a 172. Huge in there. Spins and recovers without an issue. Try one in a cherokee sometime. I’ll never do that again.

[@chrisscharfenberger6007]

I trained and got my privates license in a Tomahawk. They are delightful little airplanes!

[@simonbaxter8001]

Did most of my PPL in a Tomahawk. Would have used a stage of flap for take off, other than that great little aeroplane, great visibility. The only downside is the very upright seating position!

[@MrNolan911]

I that bird doesn't stall like the Tomahawk I learned to fly in. I remember my instructor having me hold it in a stall until it broke to the right and doing an unintentional split-s. That was rather exciting for a 10 hour student.

[@flybouy11]

We instructors called it the Hatchett. When the stall strips were added it became a students airplane. Great visibility.

[@CFITOMAHAWK]

Loved it. The Hatchett" cut the clods out without me having to lecture them that flying was not safe for them..

[@iamtuben2]

I LOVE that little airplane, I had many memorable hours in it including my PPL check ride, I'd love to own one as well. Great video!

[@gmcjetpilot]

I also have around 500 hours in the Piper Tomahawk as pilot and flight instructor giving dual. I flew it IFR routinely commuting to work. Nothing to tame. Flys great. I had a partnership in one. As Mike E said it is a roomie fast trainer or personal plane. Yes it's well reported that it has interesting stall characteristics. It's true, does wind-up but it can recover. The C152 has a more docile easy spin recovery than the Piper However spin training is not required for the Private Pilot rating. I would not encourage it be used for spin training...

[@stevekurtenbach1951]

I learned to fly in a Tomahawk and I never had a bad experience but with that said we never did spins. I've heard the plane is exciting getting out of a spin.

[@terryragan3521]

I learned to fly in this bird in 1992, pretty cool airplane, graduated to faster ones. Tomahawk 2460k, and Tomahawk 25674

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

Very cool!

[@saiajin82]

Thanks for this video, very, eye opening. I love the way the Tomahawk looks but the perception scared me away from it.

[@paulmartos7730]

I flew the Tomahawk a few times in the 1970s and don't get the "taming" part. I found it quite docile. But I liked the Cessna 150/152 more. Those were a bit more fun to fly, easy on the controls and fairly lively for trainers. They'd do spins nicely and -- I was told -- could be looped.

[@Mike-01234]

I see one on tradeaplane for 30k right now only 735 hours on the engine looks clean wish I was ready to buy still waiting on my medical FAA all working from home watching Netflix all day.

[@groberjager4746]

worked on many of these Tomahawks and most Piper, Cessna, and Beechcraft planes. There are several AD notes out on this plane because of some serious issues. The one I remember the most was one for the elevator directional change pulley that diverted the elevator cable from the fuselage up through the rudder to the elevator. There are two I think but the lower one several times broke loose and reduced the elevator throw by half or less resulting in several crashes. Yup, this plane needed several 'upgrades' for sure, but it was a fun plane to fly. It flys well but I do prefer the Cessna 152. My two favorite GA planes that I really enjoy to fly are the Piper Dakota and the Beechcraft A 36.

[@buzzypeterson1147]

Depends on the year. My 1978 had fewer than a 152. Litterally 6 in 40’years. None recuring

[@jettah2149]

LOL WHAT A GOOBER , That burger do u in before the PA-38-112

[@scotabot7826]

Hold the yoke all the way back in a power off stall and don't release the back pressure. Keeping the yoke all the way back, with NO aileron input, walk it down, keeping the wings level with rudder only.

[@pascalchauvet7625]

I think the Tomahawk is perfect for active spin recovery training. I don't really get why you would get one if you want to do something else.

[@CFITOMAHAWK]

Fear, clumsiness, incompetence. Some should not fly, but insist..

[@johnmorris7815]

There is nothing wrong with the PA38, it’s just a bit boring and requires actual piloting to recover from a spin, a C152 let go and pull out it ain’t. Just a quick heads up, if you do go spinning in a trauma hawk please don’t take a glance at the T tail as it will give you nightmares.

[@drewrodaniche1541]

"Don't you touch those breaks until the flap handle is retracted to the floor..." Is drilled into my mind. Flight school owner gets agitated with guys (and gals) who put bald spots on our PA38's tires by breaking with the flaps down.

[@sinjhguddu4974]

Beautiful experience!

[@regalite3]

Traumahawk?? hey smart ass I got my ticket in one of these fine trainers My instructor had 30,000 hours -flew the Hump in World War III and loved this bird.

[@aaronharvey6569]

Really enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@bernardputersznit64]

I was told it was STILL called a Traumahawk due to the unnerving T-tail doing the 'Wonga-wonga' in the stall

[@rickyjohnson4623]

Nice landing

[@PurveyorOfCuriosities]

Love this video! Question: what's the primary difference between the Tomahawk and the Beechcraft Skipper? They look identical. I've been searching for a Skipper because of my fear of the Tomahawk. I'll only avoid Tomahawks now only if the wings are approaching the 15,000 hours.

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

There's virtually no difference between the Tomahawk and Skipper. Beechcraft made about 310 Skippers and Piper made 2,400 Tomahawks over their four production runs. My preference is for a Tomahawk simply due to there being more parts available, but they handle and perform about the same. Get a thorough pre-buy and keep up on maintenance and either one will be an excellent plane for time building and poking holes in the sky.

[@markanthony653]

Interesting very interesting, I'm thinking about a tomahawk! , Just thinking though,,, beautiful Bonanza sexy airplane a Goodyear. Good upload real good.

[@Spec62]

Love the Tomahawk.

[@carlhopkinson]

Glad to see you closed your freaking door.

[@robinmyman]

I fly the PA38…If you want to really test her try recovering from a spin…NB way different than a 172…Advise 5000’ QFE and read up on recovery process…before you try it!!

[@willymakeit5172]

Stopped flying while I was in graduate school. When I started back, it was on a Tomahawk. Never understood what the problem with it was.

[@alonzovillarreal4666]

One of the first planes I flew.

[@JasonWoodard]

Haven't flown in one but it seems like every T Tail plane I see on youtube has like a left and right wag tendency to it? Maybe more noticeable on camera

[@jernejfunkl8300]

Your taxiing is incorrect. The nose wheel must always follow the yellow line :) Otherwise, I'm a little envious of you because you're the owner of this beautiful plane.

[@michaelsanchez8457]

Just don't stall right? I guess I have also seen some pilot get all waggly on takeoff, so maybe the rudder characteristic is somehow different?

[@giulianosalvucci1284]

why is he taking off with a leaner mixture than needed?? the take off has to be with a full mixture setting......

[@warrenchinn4114]

That was great, many thanks. I got my PPL in a Tomahawk. Spins were an extra in the syllabus that I chose. Jeepers, it could spin. Needed to really keep your cool on that rudder. Incidentally, at 13:48 there's a lovely Bell 47G. I see it has no fly-bar, instead an interesting attachment for the pitch links on the main shaft. Anyone know what's the deal there??

[@jamesmorton7881]

Hard to beat a Grumman American AA1B Yankee, Hawthorne to Catalin for a buffalow burger. ( Uh 1976 Rockwell Flying Club )

[@doranjaffas7351]

Truthfully anybody that calls it by that name has very very little experience in them. If the airworthiness directive on the rudder is done you can spend them and they are an excellent machine for spend training. I did my instrument training in one and most of that was in actual IFR including heavy winds and rain. Again a very nice platform. They are sporty for sure but they are not traumatizing by any stretch of the imagination. I would own one today if I can find one at a reasonable price and I currently own and fly a Tailwind W8.

[@scotabot7826]

What is "spend training"? Is that the procedure that aircraft owners have to learn when it comes time for annuals and repairs?

[@doranjaffas7351]

I'm sorry but just the title here gets my hair up on the back of my neck. I did my instrument training and spend training in Piper Tomahawk. Maybe the title is not really what this video is about but that airplane though sporty is a very nice handling airplane. Add some wheel pants and it really looks sharp! Roomie cockpit to boot.

[@antoniobranch]

You should do a falling leaf stall.

[@JustPlaneSilly]

Stall seemed far more benign than I have heard it described.

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

I agree. I'm not sure where the rumor came from, but I've never had a problem stalling or spinning the Tomahawk.

[@vincenzocalvia9090]

I love PA 38

[@tonymarks4043]

Keli wants to take some flight lessons but said no stalls 😂

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

Tell Keli that's 1/2 the fun of flying! :)

[@stonehorn4641]

Tomahawk is a great aircraft. Pretending otherwise is absurd.

[@arod1pilot]

Tomahawk is a great trainer I did pvt and instrument some yrs ago even though I fly Cessna IDE buy me a tomahawk gray to fly

[@doranjaffas7351]

I am so tired of titles like that for this airplane. I did my instrument training with most of it in actual IFR at night and spin training in the Piper Tomahawk. It had the AD done for the vertical stabilizer and was a very sporty and fun airplane to fly. The T tail has its aerodynamic differences from a more conventional empanage but there is nothing wrong with its performance. Add wheel pants and it is a sharp looking inexpensive, fun bird to fly.

[@leifvejby8023]

What will you do next, a Beechcraft Skipper?

[@scotabot7826]

The Skipper is a lot better, and better built airplane than the Piper PA-38, and by a long shot!!!

[@JETZcorp]

Sounds like everyone in North America has flown in N2456D. Lol

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

It's a fun plane that taught lots of people to fly.

[@vfrav8r]

You’ve spent too much time with Cessna. Piper trainers are a breath of fresh air. Try holding the proper speed on final.

[@scotabot7826]

Pipers are extremely easy to fly. PA-28's pratically land themselves. To me the PA-38 is not much different, although, I prefer to have my Horz, stab in the slipstream and propwash.

[@musoseven8218]

Nice, no dramas, is that a 'MK2' version? Tbh, I like em, cool looking and, unlike some Piper's, two doors. I remember when they came out in the 1970s - things didn't go well.

[@digital_aviator]

If anyone calls it a Traumahawk they’re a bad pilot. The Tomahawk is for aviators not pilots.

[@outlawflyer7868]

Would you recommend this plane for 2 adults wanting to travel cross country with about 50-100 pounds of luggage?

[@CoryJohnsonpilot]

Its all a matter of perspective. At 107kts, a cross country tip is a somewhat leisurely event, but definitely doable. I flew all over California in a Tomahawk and enjoyed the experience and time building. The Useful load is about 542lbs, so you need to determine how much fuel you can carry after you add up the weight of yourself, passenger and luggage. Safe Skies!

[@scotabot7826]

With todays adult sizes, 2 people and full tanks is about all your going to get legaly!

[@flybobbie1449]

You have a tame Tomahawk there in stalls.

[@thelastengineer2315]

You might not so sure about your reputation though 🤣

[@jimmccandless4307]

Does not recover from a spin like a Cessna 150.

[@joycethomas8868]

I hated doing power on stalls.

[@matthewmyers9745]

No trauma to it.

[@georgeroberts8287]

800 hours, even spins at night. CFI

[@Karl__Pierre]

C'mon man....they are super simple to fly hahaha

[@tedshredz58]

Not much to tame, huh? That’s a good airplane.....

[@a320nick]

There's nothing wrong with the Tomahawk, it's just an aeroplane and it spins well. There's nothing traumatic about it at all.

[@CFITOMAHAWK]

LOVED BY GOOD PILOTS, HATED BY BAD PILOTS. And you are what??

[@ohwell2790]

Taming the tomahawk, is that a joke?

[@redbird444]

Over dramatization.

[@anthonycyr9657]

Most of the aircrafts so called problems were caused by the pilot, nothing wrong with this airplane..

[@sebrofc]

Poor tomahawk, bad rep for nothing more than poor training in my mind. Hate the terrible nickname it has been given. I think this demo shows this.