337 or High Performance Single for low time pilot?

[Ernie Martin]

Hugh:

You seemed to have made up your mind to start with a 182. For insurance reasons it's a good idea. But that's it. For all other reasons, going directly into a Skymaster makes lots of sense. I did it and found the transition from a 182 with fixed gear into a 337 seamless.

I do agree with others that it's helpful not to overstress your new 337 with too many touch-and-gos and engine-outs. For that reason, get your private in a single, and rent a single for a while, until you're really comfortable with your flying and your landings are consistently smooth. Then move over to the 337 and do your ME training with an instructor who is cognizant of stressing the airplane; I think such an instructor can format the lessons so as not to unduly stress the airplane.

Ernie