One of the advantages of flying a Diamond aircraft powered by a compression ignition engine (Austro or Continental) is the opportunity to participate in Jet-A fuel programs. While these programs are typically intended to serve turbine-powered aircraft, diesel Diamond aircraft are also eligible to participate.
What is the Diamond Pilots Association? The Diamond Pilots Association (DPA) is an organization created to provide Diamond aircraft owners, operators and pilots worldwide with
Some Diamond models/years are equipped with only DP jacks. For example, my ’02 DA40 is one of these. However, there is a characteristic specific to Diamonds that allows using a DP/LEMO adapter cable that avoids this complication and actually allows you to plug your LEMO headset into (likely) any Diamond and use its panel power.
While our Diamond aircraft are quite nimble in the air, a wide wingspan and free-castering nosewheel make it a bit less maneuverable on the ground without the right tools. Tugs and winches are a big plus and can potentially prevent expensive repairs or personal injuries.
A list of useful links and references for Diamond Owners and Pilots
One of the proudest days in any pilot’s life is the purchase of their first aircraft, probably fourth on my all-time list behind marrying my beautiful wife and the birth of our two kids. That glorious day, though, can often be accompanied by a few less than pleasant surprises.
Diamond Aircraft has quite a broad presence on various social media systems. In addition to those managed by Diamond, there is a wide range of additional channels, groups, and such.
The DA40 has a jack point on each wing root. These are designed to work with standard jacks such as Meyers A5. There are a couple of things you need to know about these
For a number of years Lycoming shipped the M-series engines (including the above engine found in most Lycoming DA40s) with the wrong dipstick.
When the DA40 flaps are retracted for cruise or otherwise, they are under a preload that helps stability of the flaps when there is fluctuating aerodynamic load in flight. This article goes a little further than the manual into the details.