Why fly the Diamond DA40
You’ve probably already heard about our new simulator…
If you haven’t, you should definitely read up on it.
Our new Advanced Aviation Training Device compliments our newest addition to our fleet.
A brand new Diamond DA40!
So what makes the DA40 so special?
Diamond Aircraft is known for combining the most progressive materials and technology in the industry for highly reliable, economical aircraft that are less damaging to the environment, without sacrificing performance, safety, or beauty.
Safety:
The best accident protection is to avoid them in the first place, which is why Diamond has invested so much in Active Safety features.
Active Safety refers to all the features and characteristics of an aircraft that help pilots avoid an accident.
These include:
Pilot focused visibility
agile yet forgiving flight characteristics
continued controllability through a stall
positive stability
superb runway and climb performance
high crosswind capability
system and structural redundancy
comfortable pilot workload
reliable power
the latest in avionics technology (integrated glass cockpit and digital autopilot)
Diamond doesn’t stop there.
Passive Safety features, known as the second line of defense, help minimize the probability and degree of injuries.
Passive safety elements include:
Roll-cage inspired design allowing structural integrity of the cabin under crash loads
effective occupant restraint
impact energy absorption
unobstructed head strike zones
flammable fluid fire protection
Diamond Aircraft’s Safety Cell
Each Diamond aircraft incorporates an integral cabin surrounding composite “roll cage” structure, which is stiff and strong to provide survival space and protection in case of impact. Inspired by Formula 1 race car roll cages, the cabin structure is designed to resist crushing and penetration to maximize the protection of those inside the aircraft. Meanwhile, the aircraft’s non-critical structure is designed in a way to help absorb crash energy, further protecting the people inside.
Fuel Lines
Most aircraft materials and equipment are built to be as light as possible. This is often the case for fuel lines. Unfortunately, lighter materials don’t always translate to safer materials. Pictured here is a traditional fuel line alongside Diamond’s rupture resistant line. Diamond uses tough flexible stainless steel braided high-pressure fuel lines that are strong and bendable in case of deformation due to a crash. They weigh and cost significantly more, but they are critical - and therefore worth it - to prevent fuel leaks.
Fuel Tank Construction
Most piston aircraft carry fuel in the wings, but not all are made equal. Many use the entire wing structure including the edge, as the tank itself. For those aircraft, the slightest damage could cause a catastrophic breach.
Diamond’s structural design concept was driven by a key goal: protection of the fuel tanks. The DA40 has a twin wing spar design (only needed one for certification) to allow the fuel to be placed in separate aluminum fuel tanks located between the massive and protective spars. This does increase the weight which in turn costs more than merely filling the wing structure with fuel, but it’s worth the added safety. In fact, the DA40 has shown no tendency toward post-crash fires.
Advanced Avionics
The DA40 has an amazing avionics package. A digital Garmin autopilot and full glass cockpit (G1000) makes it easy to fly. Synthetic vision and traffic awareness system gives pilots great situational awareness, and who doesn’t like highway in the skies?
Comfort
Whether you’re practicing simple maneuvers or flying cross country, at the end of the day every pilot wants to be comfortable.
Not only is our Diamond equipped with leather seats, but it’s also flown by a control stick which allows for unobstructed views and access to the control panel. Combine that with a panoramic-style glass cockpit and you’ve got the best seat in the sky.
We know control sticks and technologically advanced avionics might be intimidating for those not used to them, that’s why a session on our simulator is the perfect way to get familiarized before taking your first flight on our Diamond DA40.
Reach out to your AZA flight instructor or shoot us an email to experience the difference.