What comes after a DA40?
Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 11:31 am
Dear all
Much like a kid who realizes they have grown up, I have repeatedly felt that my beloved DA40 no longer was the aircraft I needed.
My mission requirements call for 700-800 NM flights with one "no fuel available" stopover, in European weather. De-cing is a must and so is the ability to climb over weather and descend as late as possible.
I have taken a hard look at what Diamond had to offer and made offers on DA42's.
In retrospect, I am glad that my offers were unsuccessful.
The Malibu was ruled out because I generally dont like metal airplanes.
The Aerostar Tommy pointed us to is beyond "reasonable" in Europe due to operating costs.
Cirrus is an emotional "no go" for me - too heavy, too much of an autopilot aircraft.
I then discovered and started studying a plane that seemed too good to be true.
I met people, found out about real world issues and solutions, and pulled the trigger last week.
About the same time, I got an unsolicited offer to sell my DA40. Everything comes together nicely.
Very soon I will be flying in an Extra EA-400.
Only thirty were made, and they are not without quirks, but I immediately felt a lot of sympathy for the concept.
It is an all carbon fiber, pressurized, FIKI aircraft. It has a decent cabin and good fuel efficiency considering its roominess: I expect my typical cruise settings to be 190 KTAS on 15 GPH LOP at FL 240, but unlike a turboprop, the piston engine allows me to fly at any altitude depending upon winds aloft.
The water-cooled engine, pressurized cabin and very high Vne allow steep descents, adding to mission efficiency.
The aircraft is healthy, but it will undergo a radical refurbishing project (new prop, engine, avionics) and I am very excited about that. I look forward to your comments
Much like a kid who realizes they have grown up, I have repeatedly felt that my beloved DA40 no longer was the aircraft I needed.
My mission requirements call for 700-800 NM flights with one "no fuel available" stopover, in European weather. De-cing is a must and so is the ability to climb over weather and descend as late as possible.
I have taken a hard look at what Diamond had to offer and made offers on DA42's.
In retrospect, I am glad that my offers were unsuccessful.
The Malibu was ruled out because I generally dont like metal airplanes.
The Aerostar Tommy pointed us to is beyond "reasonable" in Europe due to operating costs.
Cirrus is an emotional "no go" for me - too heavy, too much of an autopilot aircraft.
I then discovered and started studying a plane that seemed too good to be true.
I met people, found out about real world issues and solutions, and pulled the trigger last week.
About the same time, I got an unsolicited offer to sell my DA40. Everything comes together nicely.
Very soon I will be flying in an Extra EA-400.
Only thirty were made, and they are not without quirks, but I immediately felt a lot of sympathy for the concept.
It is an all carbon fiber, pressurized, FIKI aircraft. It has a decent cabin and good fuel efficiency considering its roominess: I expect my typical cruise settings to be 190 KTAS on 15 GPH LOP at FL 240, but unlike a turboprop, the piston engine allows me to fly at any altitude depending upon winds aloft.
The water-cooled engine, pressurized cabin and very high Vne allow steep descents, adding to mission efficiency.
The aircraft is healthy, but it will undergo a radical refurbishing project (new prop, engine, avionics) and I am very excited about that. I look forward to your comments