Do we seriously consider DA62?

[austropilot]

@VickersPilot
This is one of the BEST posts I’ve read on the comparison subject. Thank you!

I meant BEST posts of course

[ultraturtle]

I would seriously consider the Diamond DA42-VI. It is similar in interior room, hauls more, flies farther than the SR22T, and has max speeds within 5 knots at altitudes people actually fly. Remarkable that at those speeds, the twin DA42-VI gets 7-8% better nm/gal than the single engine Cirrus. The DA42-VI is significantly smoother in turbulence (higher wing loading) and quieter.

The DA62 is a pretty big jump in price, and suggest you definitely consider it if you are taller than about 6', or need to haul an additional 366 lbs.

At 6'2 and 230 lb, I've owned both Diamond twins and could not be more pleased upgrading to the DA62. The super spaciousness of the DA62 interior makes long trips significantly less fatiguing than the smaller DA42-VI, and I never have to leave fuel, people, or cargo on the ground. Also easier to get in and out of than any option mentioned.

[ultraturtle]

I know there are many variables, however what would the typical insurance cost differences be between a 42 and 62?

I've owned both. Liability portion of the insurance policies were essentially the same. Only difference was hull value.

[CFIDave]

Also, does anyone operate theirs at 90% power? Seems like the fuel burn is acceptable and you get nice speed.

I'm in San Diego right now, having just flown our DA62 all the way across the US from the DC/VA area. While we often operate our DA62 (and DA42-VI before that) Austro engines at 75% power, the 40-50 knot headwinds we encountered flying westbound (even down low) had us cruising for many hours at 94-95% maximum continuous power to make decent groundspeed. The engines handled it just fine.

A DA42-VI will slightly out-perform the DA62 in climb and is comparable in cruise performance -- they fly identically. We went for the DA62 mostly so we could take another couple in the back seat without having to ask how much they weigh. Comparably equipped, the DA62 has about 300 more pounds payload, at the cost of 2 gph more fuel consumption. The DA62 is also better for accommodating large or tall pilots.

Both aircraft are attractive because of their flexibility: they are great comfortable long-distance cruisers flying up high for point-to-point travel AND fun-to-fly sightseeing or "hundred dollar hamburger" aircraft.

I've also sent you a private message.

[Colin]

Dave,

A separate thread where you report on flying across during Covid would be helpful. Los Angeles just went into complete lockdown. It makes me nervous to consider going anywhere and getting stuck. How many stops did you make?

Thanks,

[Boatguy]

What's the price difference between the DA42 and DA62 similarly configured?

[ememic99]

What's the price difference between the DA42 and DA62 similarly configured?

I'd say 350k.

[ultraturtle]

What's the price difference between the DA42 and DA62 similarly configured?

I'd say 350k.

Excellent estimate. Adding Electrically Operated Adjustable Rudder Pedals and Premium Leather Interior to the DA42-VI (both standard on the DA62), the difference was approximately $342,000 in 2017.

[CFIDave]

Assume around $1M for a nicely-equipped new DA42-VI with de-ice, air conditioning, etc. and $1.4M for a similarly-equipped new DA62. Nobody who spends that much scrimps on options, so most come fully-loaded, and of course you can now get the DA42 painted in colors other than white.

[Boatguy]

and of course you can now get the DA42 painted in colors other than white.

Interesting point. What is it about the DA40 vs 42/62 that requires the 40 to be white, and 42/62 can have colors? The DA40 is fiberglass while the 42/62 are carbon fiber. Is that the difference or something else?