Friends,
I've been flying and renting a DA40 for quite some time now, and I think it's time for me to make the plunge and purchase one. I'm new to the aircraft ownership world, and would like some tips on purchasing the DA40. I'm in the Northern California area, and I'd like some feedback from DA40 owners on operating costs and some 'basic' items I should be aware of when looking for the right DA40. I play to fly it at least 500 hours per year, primarily for personal use and time building.
I have a good A&P who has DA40 experience on hand to assist in a pre-buy and also help keep the mx costs down. Are there any tips or feedback that anyone can offer me on DA40 ownership, especially when it comes down to operating costs? I have a great budget and want to keep about $10-20k in reserve just in case.
Any help and tips would be appreciated! Especially when it comes down to 2021 operating costs.
Can't wait to join the club!
Taking the Dive: Purchasing a DA40
Moderators: Rick, Lance Murray
- chili4way
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Re: Taking the Dive: Purchasing a DA40
New or used? Lycoming or Austro? 500 hours/year is a lot. What is the distance/duration of your typical trip? VFR/IFR?
- CFIDave
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Re: Taking the Dive: Purchasing a DA40
It always comes down to your "mission," i.e., how do you intend to use the DA40? Typical trip length, how many passengers and bags, what type of terrain, do you need to be somewhere on time vs. recreational use on mostly blue sky days, do you need air conditioning, etc.?
Are you OK with a "beater" DA40 that's been used by a flight school? Or are you looking for a pristine plane that's your personal "pride and joy?" Is this a plane you want to own for a long time? Or is it just a stepping-stone to a higher-performance single or twin?
And what's your purchase budget? You can spend $500K+ on an Austro DA40NG, or as little as $150K for an older steam-gauge Lycoming.
Are you OK with a "beater" DA40 that's been used by a flight school? Or are you looking for a pristine plane that's your personal "pride and joy?" Is this a plane you want to own for a long time? Or is it just a stepping-stone to a higher-performance single or twin?
And what's your purchase budget? You can spend $500K+ on an Austro DA40NG, or as little as $150K for an older steam-gauge Lycoming.
Epic Aircraft E1000 GX
Former DA40XLS, DA42-VI, and DA62 owner
ATP, CFI, CFI-I, MEI
Former DA40XLS, DA42-VI, and DA62 owner
ATP, CFI, CFI-I, MEI
- Rich
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Re: Taking the Dive: Purchasing a DA40
DA40's come in a lot of different configurations. The one(s) your familiar with probably presents a good baseline. If you're happy with your expreience you should probably focus on examples of that particular variant.
500 hours is ambitious. I applaud your realistic view of having substantial funds in ready reserve for unexpected expenses
500 hours is ambitious. I applaud your realistic view of having substantial funds in ready reserve for unexpected expenses
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
- Joe Ryan
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Re: Taking the Dive: Purchasing a DA40
The DA40 is an awesome aircraft and with that amount of time per year you will become extremely familiar with your new aircraft quickly. That much time and future experience will be highly regarded by insurance underwriters. Make sure your insurance broker knows your hour goal so they can negotiate the best rates with underwriting based on that fact!
Re: Taking the Dive: Purchasing a DA40
Where do you even go about finding a DA40?
Not a lot on market and the few I see are marked up a ways. Any tips?
Not a lot on market and the few I see are marked up a ways. Any tips?
- Colin
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Re: Taking the Dive: Purchasing a DA40
You answered your own question. The supply is very tight allowing the sellers to raise prices and get the value out of their plane.Not a lot on market and the few I see are marked up a ways.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)