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 technical, training, and operational resources to enhance their experience flying these remarkable aircraft, and to foster a Diamond pilot community through social interaction.
Why was DPA created?
Most aircraft makes have dedicated type clubs to support owners, pilots, and other interested parties. With over 20 years of aircraft production and approximately 3,000 privately owned aircraft worldwide, the time has come to create a type club for Diamond aircraft.
Where is DPA located?
DPA is a virtual organization; there is no office or headquarters.
Who are the founders of DPA?
DPA Steering Committee member profiles are published on the website. All are Diamond aircraft owners. A Board of Directors has been chosen from the founding members.
What is the cost to join?
Membership is $50 USD annually.
What do I get for my membership fee?
Principal member benefits include access to the members-only content of the DPA website; an official “Ask Diamond” communications channel with DAI; access to social events, and more. Membership dues will be used to maintain and enhance the website, including content, social events and other activities.
Are there any paid “volunteers”?
No, this is purely a voluntary organization. Funds mays be used, however, to reimburse out-of-pocket expenses for DPA volunteers.
Should DPA grow to the extent that volunteers cannot handle the workload, paid staff may be retained to manage the website, organize events, etc. Depending upon the success of DPA a magazine may become feasible. Hiring of paid staff would be done through the Board of Directors and would be fully transparent to members.
Will DPA have any other sources of revenue?
Sponsorship opportunities exist for businesses to advertise with DPA and have a presence on our website and at our events. If you or your business is interested in a sponsorship, please contact us.
What relationship does DPA have with Diamond Aircraft Industries (DAI)?
DPA has negotiated with DAI to formalize a relationship between the organizations. We believe that this will prove to be a mutually beneficial relationship. DPA has a designated liaison with a direct channel to DAI management. This relationship will allow DPA members to ask questions and get answers for issues concerning their Diamond aircraft.
How will this communication with DAI work?
DPA will soon have a mechanism for members to ask questions of DAI through the DPA website. DPA will collate these inquiries and pass them to DAI. DAI’s official answers will be posted on the DPA website.
What sort of questions can I ask Diamond?
First of all, individual owners’ concerns or aircraft-specific questions will not be addressed. For example: When is my aircraft due to be delivered, or Where is the part I ordered? Those types of questions are best addressed by your aircraft dealer or Diamond Authorized Service Center.
Rather, this channel is intended to provide answers to questions of general concern to the membership, or to all operators of, for instance, DA40 NG aircraft. This might include questions about Service Bulletins, Aircraft Flight Manuals, avionics suites, etc. DPA’s liaison will forward these questions to the designated DAI management contact, who will research DAI’s official answer, and provide DPA with a response to be posted on the website.
Is Diamond Pilots Association an organization for US aircraft owners?
DPA is designed to be a worldwide organization. The website facilitates communicating with all members, anywhere in the world.
What type of social events are contemplated?
Fly-ins will be planned at various locations depending upon demand. This will include various sites in North America (for American and Canadian Diamond aircraft owners), Europe, and elsewhere as interest and demand dictate.
As well, DPA is planning to hold social gatherings at established events such as Oshkosh (July) and DAI’s annual DiamondFest at its Canadian factory in London, Ontario (September).
Is DPA related to Diamond Aviators Network (DAN) and will DPA have its own forum?
DPA is entirely separate from DAN and at this time there are no plans to host an online forum on the DPA website.
