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Transitioning to DA42 questions

Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2016 12:00 am
by ncrcurios
What are the learning curves like transitioning from 1979 Piper Seminole to a 2008 DA42 Centurion 2.0 with GFC 700?
I am very familiar with the G1000 glass cockpit having flown other aircrafts.
Any insightful information will be greatly appreciated and thank you in advance.

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2016 6:01 am
by Aart
It is going to be a disappointment... You will never have seen such a flat curve in your life ;)
Especially if you already know the G1000 it's a non-event.
Compared to any other twin, the DA42 is a lot easier to handle on a single-engine. No serious yaw, and simple engine/feathering management. Normal flight is stable, and the aircraft is easy to land. The only difference may be that you need to work your feet a little more. And get accustomed to these low fuel bills..

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2016 12:46 pm
by Colin
I haven't flown any other twin, but I can tell you the transition from a DA40 was much easier than I expected. I actually went from three levers to control the power to only two. And when I lose an engine I'm down to just the one. I spent fifteen hours flying around on a single engine and when I cranking in a little rudder trim it was really a non-event. I now have two hundred hours in my DA42 and it has been incredibly smooth, no sharp edges or surprises.

Okay, I was surprised how cheaper JetA could be. But that was it.

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2016 10:04 pm
by carym
I will only add that landing the DA42 has never been an issue. A my passengers are amazed at how smooth it lands, never a bounce or hard landing. I just love those landing gears.

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 2:31 am
by Paul
I did my multi engine in a DA42 about a month ago over the course of four days. If you know the G1000, it will be easy. Very straightforward, typical Diamond forgiving handling and that trailing link gear makes every landing a joy.

Do you jet guys use fuel cards?

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 12:30 pm
by ncrcurious
So, the next question will be:
How long did it take for you guys to learn how to fly the DA42 with the multi engine check ride/flight test (excluding the G1000 itself)?
What did you guys do for the check ride/flight test that were specific/pertaining to the DA42?
Thank You

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 2:02 pm
by Colin
Loving the fuel cards. I had no idea before I bought the plane.

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 3:26 pm
by carym
ncrcurious wrote:So, the next question will be:
How long did it take for you guys to learn how to fly the DA42 with the multi engine check ride/flight test (excluding the G1000 itself)?
What did you guys do for the check ride/flight test that were specific/pertaining to the DA42?
Thank You
I am not sure how to answer this, because it will depend upon where you are located and how much multi engine time you have. When I got my DA42 I had 700 hours of twin Cessna time, so my insurance only required 5 hours of dual with a DA42 knowledgeable instructor. I then flew the plane for about 50-70 hours before going to London ON to do the transition training there. The transition course from Diamond was very helpful. Because I was already twin rated I didn't need a check ride/flight test. I am not sure if this is very helpful to you or not.

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 4:06 pm
by Paul
I had/have no plans to fly a DA42 on a regular basis. I just wanted a multi-engine rating. Over the course of 4 days, I flew 9.5 hours then took the check ride. I had zero multi time prior to this but 1,500 hours total time in both high performance and complex planes. The only thing I did prior to my training was read the POH and as well as a DA42 iBook I found. The reason why you guys are all above average pilots is because my numbers get included in the total so my guess is somewhere between 8 and 15 is what it will take. Like most flight training, it will take longer if you only do it once or twice a week.

BREAK

Colin, have you tried jetfuelx.com? It's awesome. Never mind, just read your blog post. I use CAA, UVAir and Shell. I have one or two more but the three I mentioned are what I use 98% of the time.

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2016 4:33 pm
by CFIDave
Compared to a Seminole, the DA42 is a much easier plane to fly, particularly if you're already very familiar with the G1000. Single-lever power controls (vs. mixture and prop), no hot or cold starts, and more docile handling.

I'm guessing that if you're already comfortable with a G1000 and a Seminole, that you'd only need about 3-5 hours of transition training.