The Diamond Star (DA40-TDI) is a modern four-seater widely used both for pilot training and as a versatile cross-country touring machine. It is a equipped with the Thielert 2.0 diesel engine and a traditional instrument panel with dual Garmin GNS430 units and a slaved HSI coupled to the KAP140 autopilot. It, too, has a very good visibility in all directions from the canopy, and any pilot familiar with the DA20 will find the transition to the DA40 easy, especially as the turbo-charged engine is computer controlled and the pilot only needs to move one lever (the power) instead of three. (Hence the “SLPC”, see below.) New DA40-180 pilots will find the aircraft very easy to fly. Aviation Consumer (Jan-2012) revealed how the DA40 has by far been the safest aircraft type in its category!
Technical data:
| Year of manufacture | 200x |
| No of seats | 4 |
| Engine | Thielert 2.0 |
| Engine power | 135 hp |
| Typical cruise speed | 120 KTAS |
| MSL climb performance at MTOM | 500 fpm |
| MTOM | 1150 kg |
| Flight rules | VFR day & night, IFR |
The aircraft is also available for rental by licensed pilots on an hourly basis, once you have completed the type-checkout questionnaire and in-flight training. Contact us to arrange your type checkout, after which you have a very versatile and fast aircraft readily at your disposal, be it for local sightseeing or cross-country flights! (Club members may in fact be able to rent the aircraft at a reduced rate.)