Re: First Aircraft and Post
Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 3:09 pm
Since all new Diamonds (from a factory standpoint) are "build to order" there's usually about a 6 month wait to get one. But because the DA40NG sells in relatively high volumes, we have addressed this by placing orders ahead of time for "standard" DA40NG configurations (i.e., GFC700, SVT, GTX345R, electric rudder pedals, and a mix of planes with/without air conditioning), so that customers may not have to wait that long when they order a new plane. We've also ordered a more limited number of new DA62s, and DA42s that are built only in Austria and must be ferried across the Atlantic. If a DA42 or DA62 customer gets their order in soon enough, they may still choose their interior leather/exterior paint colors and options. DA40 customers can have any color they want as long as it's white. -- colored vinyl stripes are added later in the production process.
But this year we've been thwarted by multiple unavoidable factory issues due to the pandemic, such as Ontario (where the Canada factory is located) forcing a shut-down in January, and parts shortages from suppliers. Most recently a batch of potentially faulty engine oil pumps is being replaced as a precaution, temporarily delaying new aircraft delivery -- there's an AD for this that's also applicable to aircraft delivered recently: https://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/EASA_AD_ ... 1-0055-E_1 and https://austroengine.at/uploads/pdf/MSBE4030r1.pdf
For new aircraft pickup from the factory we figured out how to deal with the US/Canada border being closed due to Covid, but winter weather in Ontario isn't always conducive to flying a DA40NG without de-ice.
But this year we've been thwarted by multiple unavoidable factory issues due to the pandemic, such as Ontario (where the Canada factory is located) forcing a shut-down in January, and parts shortages from suppliers. Most recently a batch of potentially faulty engine oil pumps is being replaced as a precaution, temporarily delaying new aircraft delivery -- there's an AD for this that's also applicable to aircraft delivered recently: https://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/EASA_AD_ ... 1-0055-E_1 and https://austroengine.at/uploads/pdf/MSBE4030r1.pdf
For new aircraft pickup from the factory we figured out how to deal with the US/Canada border being closed due to Covid, but winter weather in Ontario isn't always conducive to flying a DA40NG without de-ice.