From Cessna to 777: 10 Aircraft Pilots Love to Fly
Few topics spark more debate among pilots than a simple question: “What’s your favourite aircraft?”
Ask ten pilots and you’ll likely get ten different answers. Aviation is personal. Every aircraft tells a different story — of first solos, long-haul nights, challenging approaches, or simply the joy of handling a well-designed machine.
So yes, narrowing it down to just ten is a bold move.
This list is not definitive. It’s not ranked. And it’s certainly not exhaustive. Think of it as a curated “pilot appreciation list”, aircraft that have shaped aviation history, trained new generations, pushed technological boundaries, and remain true workhorses of the sky.
If your personal favourite isn’t here, you’re in good company. Every pilot carries their own aviation bucket list.
Live your pilot dreams with our ultimate bucket list of 10 must-fly aircraft. Check them out here.
Here are ten aircraft pilots simply love to fly. Let’s begin.
Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company
First flight: 1955
Engine: Typically Lycoming IO-360 (varies by model)
Cruise speed: ~120–125 knots
Range: ~640 nautical miles
Seating: 4
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the world’s most produced aircraft — and for many pilots, the beginning of everything. First flown in 1955, the Skyhawk remains one of the most widely used training and general aviation aircraft worldwide.
Interesting Fact: In 1958 – 1959, a modified Cessna 172 set the world record for the longest continuous flight: over 64 days airborne, using air-to-air refuelling. The aircraft is still on display today in Nevada.
Why Pilots Love It: Because it forgives mistakes, but still teaches discipline.
The 172 is stable, predictable, and honest in its handling. It gives clear aerodynamic feedback, making it ideal for learning stalls, steep turns, navigation, and instrument basics. It’s also economical to operate, widely available, and versatile enough for everything from training to personal travel. Statistically, the Cessna 172 is nearly twice as safe as the industry average. While the general aviation fatal accident rate sits between 1.2 and 1.4 per 100,000 hours, the Skyhawk boasts a remarkable rate of just 0.56.
From training flights to iconic status, the Cessna 172 has a rich history. Learn all about it in our blog post, World's Flight Trainer: The Cessna 172 Story.
Diamond DA40
Manufacturer: Diamond Aircraft (Austria)
First flight: 1997
Engine options: Lycoming IO-360 or Austro AE300 (diesel variant)
Cruise speed: ~140–150 knots
Range: ~720–940 nautical miles (variant dependent)
Seating: 4
Designed in Austria and first flown in 1997, the DA40 represents a shift toward composite construction, fuel efficiency, and glass cockpit integration in ab-initio training. For many ATPL students across the UK and Europe, the DA40 is where traditional stick-and-rudder skills meet modern avionics. It bridges the gap between classic piston trainers and technologically advanced flight decks.
Interesting Fact: The DA40’s composite airframe gives it excellent structural strength and aerodynamic efficiency. It also provides remarkable glide performance for a single-engine trainer — a feature many instructors appreciate during engine-failure training scenarios.
Why Pilots Love It: Because it feels modern.
The DA40 offers responsive handling, excellent visibility, and avionics that closely resemble those found in larger aircraft. It’s efficient, elegant, and unmistakably European in design philosophy — precision over brute force.
Eight iconic planes. Decades of flight training. Dive into the history of the aircraft that built the aviation world in our new blog, “Wings of Learning: 8 Common Trainer Aircraft.”
Pilatus PC-12
Manufacturer: Pilatus Aircraft (Switzerland)
First flight: 1991
Engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67 series
Cruise speed: ~270 knots
Range: ~1,800 nautical miles
Maximum passengers: Up to 9
Short-field performance: Operates from runways under 1,000 metres
The Pilatus PC-12 occupies a unique space in aviation. It is a single-engine turboprop that combines business jet comfort with short-field capability and operational flexibility. The PC-12 has become one of Europe’s most respected utility aircraft. It operates in executive transport, air ambulance, cargo, government, and regional roles.
Interesting Fact: Despite being single-engine, the PC-12 is certified for commercial passenger operations in many jurisdictions, including Europe and the UK. Its safety record and engine reliability have made it one of the most successful single-engine turboprops ever produced.
Why Pilots Love It: Because it does everything.
The PC-12 combines turboprop performance with remarkable versatility. It can climb efficiently to the high twenties, cruise at competitive speeds, and land on short, semi-prepared strips. For pilots, it offers meaningful performance management without the complexity of multi-engine jet operations. It feels capable. Purposeful. Confident.
These airport landings will leave you on the edge of your seat. Explore The 10 Extreme Airport Landings Worldwide on our blog.
ATR 72
Manufacturer: ATR (France/Italy joint venture)
First flight: 1988
Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 series turboprops
Cruise speed: ~275 knots
Range: ~800 nautical miles (variant dependent)
Typical seating: 68–78 passengers
The ATR 72 is one of Europe’s most successful regional airliners. Designed specifically for short-haul operations, the ATR 72 was never meant to compete with jets. It was built to serve thinner routes efficiently, operate from shorter runways, and deliver strong economics in sectors typically under 400 nautical miles.
Interesting Fact: Despite being slower than regional jets, the ATR 72 is often just as time-efficient on short sectors. When block times, climb profiles, and airport proximity are considered, the difference in door-to-door travel time can be surprisingly small — while fuel burn is significantly lower.
Why Pilots Respect It: Because it demands real flying.
The ATR 72 operates lower than jets, is more weather-exposed, and requires active energy management. Turboprop operations involve greater attention to power management, propeller systems, and performance planning. It is not glamorous, not flashy, but it works every day in all kinds of weather across Europe’s regional network. And that’s exactly why it matters.
Embraer E-Jet
Manufacturer: Embraer (Brazil)
Entry into service: 2004
Engines: 2 × General Electric CF34 turbofans
Cruise speed: ~Mach 0.78
Range: ~2,000–2,600 nautical miles (variant dependent)
Seating: 70–130 passengers
The Embraer E-Jet family redefined the regional jet market. The aircraft combined mainline jet comfort with regional economics, without compromising cockpit ergonomics. The E-Jet was engineered from the ground up as a modern airliner.
Interesting Fact: The E-Jet is often described as one of the most “pilot-friendly” regional jets ever built. Its cockpit layout is intuitive, with clear system logic and comfortable ergonomics — a deliberate design philosophy that prioritised pilot workload management.
Why Pilots Love It: Because it feels balanced.
E-Jet offers higher cruise altitude, faster speeds, smoother ride above weather while retaining responsive handling characteristics. For many regional airline pilots, it is the aircraft that makes them fall in love with jet flying. Automation is advanced but not overwhelming. The aircraft encourages understanding rather than blind management. For ATPL graduates stepping into airline operations, this balance is critical.
A pilot's licence can open doors to more than just commercial airlines. Explore alternative career paths in our blog, Beyond the Airlines: 9 Unique Career Paths for Licensed Pilots.
Airbus A320
Manufacturer: Airbus
First flight: 1987
Engines: CFM56 or IAE V2500 (neo variants: LEAP-1A or PW1100G)
Cruise speed: ~Mach 0.78
Range: ~3,000–3,500 NM (variant dependent)
Seating: 150–180 (A320 typical)
The Airbus A320 fundamentally changed commercial aviation. It was the first narrowbody airliner to implement full digital fly-by-wire flight controls with flight envelope protections. In Europe, it has become the dominant short- to medium-haul aircraft type.
The A320 family includes the A318, A319, A320, and A321, with the A320neo series representing the modernised generation.
Interesting Fact: The A320’s sidestick and flight control laws prevent pilots from exceeding structural or aerodynamic limits under normal law. You cannot stall or overspeed the aircraft in standard flight control mode. It reflects Airbus philosophy: the aircraft protects itself — and you.
Why Pilots Love It: Because it changes how you think about control.
The Airbus philosophy is based on managed automation, system logic, and envelope protection. You command performance targets, and the aircraft interprets within safe limits. Flying the A320 is less about “handling the aircraft” and more about managing energy, automation modes, and system awareness.
The A380, the Beluga, zero-gravity flights... Airbus is full of incredible stories. Discover them all from our blog «Make It Fly: 12 Amazing Facts About Airbus Planes».
Boeing 737
Manufacturer: Boeing
First flight: 1967
Engines: CFM56 (NG), LEAP-1B (MAX)
Cruise speed: ~Mach 0.78–0.79
Range: ~3,000–3,800 NM (variant dependent)
Seating: 130–200
First flown in 1967, the Boeing 737 is the most produced commercial jet in history. From the original -100 series to the modern 737 MAX, it has evolved continuously while maintaining its fundamental design philosophy. In the UK and Europe, it remains one of the most widely operated narrowbodies.
Interesting Fact: The 737’s low ground clearance (originally designed for small airports without extensive ground infrastructure) still shapes its engine placement and landing gear geometry today. This historical design decision influenced later aerodynamic modifications, including those associated with the MAX.
Why Pilots Love It: Because it demands understanding.
Unlike the Airbus approach, the 737 retains conventional control systems with direct pilot authority. No flight envelope protections. No sidestick. A traditional control column. The 737 gives the pilot full authority and reinforces core aerodynamic principles. It rewards strong manual flying skills and disciplined energy management.
Explore the legacy of Boeing. Discover the revolutionary aircraft that have shaped modern aviation in our latest blog, A Rise of Boeing: Planes That Changed the World.
Airbus A350
Manufacturer: Airbus
First flight: 2013
Engines: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB
Cruise speed: Mach 0.85
Range: ~8,000–8,700 NM (variant dependent)
Seating: ~300–410 passengers
The Airbus A350 was designed to compete directly with the Boeing 787 and 777. It represents the most advanced evolution of Airbus’ fly-by-wire philosophy. The A350 introduced a wider fuselage, new composite wings, advanced aerodynamics, and next-generation Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.
Interesting Fact: The Trent XWB is currently one of the most efficient large turbofan engines ever produced. The A350-1000 variant generates thrust levels comparable to older widebody giants, but with significantly lower fuel burn per seat.
Why Pilots Love It: Because it represents mature automation integration.
Airbus retained its fly-by-wire protections and control law philosophy, but refined human-machine interaction further. System logic is layered, intuitive, and highly integrated. The aircraft is designed to reduce pilot workload during ETOPS, long-haul fuel management, and oceanic procedures. This aircraft embodies data-driven operational decision-making. Pilots are no longer “flying sectors.” They are managing intercontinental systems.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Manufacturer: Boeing
First flight: 2009
Engines: Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 or GE GEnx
Cruise speed: Mach 0.85
Range: ~7,500–8,500 NM (variant dependent)
Seating: ~240–330 passengers
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner entered service in 2011 and marked Boeing’s first clean-sheet widebody in decades. It was designed around composite construction, electrical system innovation, and long-range efficiency. The 787 replaced many traditional pneumatic systems with electrical alternatives, reducing weight and improving efficiency. It was built for point-to-point long-haul routes rather than traditional hub concentration.
Interesting Fact: The 787 was the first commercial airliner to replace traditional bleed-air systems with a predominantly electric architecture. This reduced reliance on engine bleed air and significantly altered system design logic.
Why Pilots Love It: Because it blends modern automation with Boeing’s pilot-authority heritage.
The 787 retains conventional control column architecture while integrating highly advanced flight management systems and automated performance optimisation. It feels like a Boeing — but a digital-age Boeing. It represents the shift from mechanical redundancy to digital architecture.
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Boeing 777
Manufacturer: Boeing
First flight: 1994
Engines: GE90 / Rolls-Royce Trent 800 / PW4000
Cruise speed: Mach 0.84–0.89
Range: ~5,200–8,700 NM (variant dependent)
Seating: ~300–400+ passengers
The Boeing 777 is one of the most influential widebody aircraft in modern airline history. Entering service in 1995, it marked Boeing’s transition into the fully digital era while retaining its traditional pilot-centric design philosophy. Across Europe and the UK, the 777 became the backbone of long-haul operations for major carriers.
Interesting Fact: The GE90 engine developed for later 777 variants became the most powerful commercial jet engine ever placed into airline service. With ETOPS capability extending well beyond earlier limits, the 777 accelerated the industry shift away from four-engine long-haul aircraft. Notable variant: 777-300ER — one of the most commercially successful long-haul aircraft ever built
Why Pilots Love It: Because it combines modern automation with traditional authority.
777 is large, powerful, and capable of ultra-long-haul missions — yet it still feels like a pilot’s aircraft. The control column, the feedback philosophy, and Boeing’s flight deck layout preserve a sense of direct involvement. For many airline pilots, 777 represents the senior fleet — the aircraft associated with experience, responsibility, and command authority.
Explore the rich history of aviation at these 12 must-see museums across Europe. Plan your visit with our blog, Wings of History.
Respectful Note on the Airbus A380
Some readers will immediately ask: Why not the Airbus A380?
The A380 is iconic. It remains the largest passenger aircraft ever built and a technological achievement for Airbus. Many pilots speak highly of its stability, quiet cockpit environment, and sophisticated fly-by-wire integration.
So why is it not included in this list? The A380, while extraordinary, operates in a shrinking niche market. Production has ended. Its role in airline fleets is limited to specific high-density hub operations. The 777, by contrast, became the global twin-engine long-haul benchmark and continues evolving into the 777X generation.
See the incredible scale of aviation's giants! Visit our blog for a tour of the 5 Biggest Aircraft Ever Made.
Airhead's Takeaway — Ten Aircraft, One Career Arc
This list was never about “the best aircraft.” It is about progression.
From training foundations and turboprop discipline to to long-haul systems integration and command authority at scale. Ten aircraft. Ten stages of development.
Each aircraft marks a psychological and professional milestone in a pilot’s growth. For ATPL students and aviation enthusiasts across the UK and Europe, understanding these aircraft means understanding the ladder itself and the mindset required at each level.
