that actually makes a load of sense Mike, i am fearful of my first flight, but i do try to prepare, i doubt anything prepares you for it though! 

i have not yet joined a flying school, but thanks for the information Colton, i will be sure to check it out when i do.   

thanks for the feedback Colton! i have yet to take to the skies, but when i do all the input from others will help me decide about which type of aircraft to persue! lol. thank you!! 

thats actually a good question Allen, i never actually thought about DVDs as a good learning tool! thanks for asking the question!! 

generally the flight schools include the insurance into the packages they provide. its actually allot easier this way, they take care of all the paperwork and such.  the general insurance is taken out on the actual plane you fly. i hope this answer helps. 

well im new too!

Melody Singh ( yes this is a real name! im even thinking of dropping the 'h'! lol  ) im 23 years old, in South Africa, keenly interested in Aviation and motor mechanics, not yet a pilot, but im planning to do my PPL in april/may full time then returning to work, i am terrified!!! i just discovered this site, and its great to be here, because i actually realise im not alone,and there are other 'normal' people out there who once started out knowing nothing and ask questions here, im thrilled i can answer some, and i dont feel so foolish asking questions in this forum! lol.

thank you!!!

personally i would go with a cessna, the real difference between these two planes is basically cessna is high winged, and the piper is low winged. if you fly with a piper you would eventually need to do a conversion ( a few flying hours to convert to beable to fly with a low winged plane). landing with a Cessna is fairly harder than with a Piper, so during the conversion it would be slightly more difficult. quiet honestly though, flying with a Piper can be cheaper, so its not a bad option, its a person preference, if possibly try a test hour with both planes and you decide. its a very scary thing deciding. most people prefer a Cessna, but if you are comfortable in a piper, go for it, it will have NO impact on your future in aviation, if you are persuing one.  I have not yet taken to the skys, but loads of reading has taught me all this. i researched as well, i have no idea how useful my info would be considering i have never had a lesson yet!!