NG40 here in 30 or so days..what extra do I need to purchase?

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A Dopo
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NG40 here in 30 or so days..what extra do I need to purchase?

Post by A Dopo »

Thank you forum members for all of the great feedback from the NG vs DA thread. The next question is " What accessories should we order?" For instance, Bruce cover when traveling (if no hanger is available), seat covers-what kind?, moveable sun shade?, etc etc. Is there a company that caters to DA40 owners and their needs? Thank :) you again Diamond forum members....

Here is an example of the wheel cover, something we could not do without. Does anyone use one for their Diamond?
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blsewardjr
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Re: NG40 here in 30 or so days..what extra do I need to purchase?

Post by blsewardjr »

Great Lakes Diamond used to carry a lot of things but they closed down their store some time back. Some things to consider from various pilot supply companies would be pitot cover, stall warning plug, cowl plugs, low profile chocks, tie down ropes, rosen crew or other sunshades, and various mounts for a tablet. Some of these things you'll only need if you don't have a hanger or are traveling. Oregon Aero Seat Cushions are popular but having sat in a DA40 NG with reclining seats and lumbar support at Sun N Fun, I'm not sure you'll need it. Finally, Jet Shades has a new and extensive, but very pricey, shading system. I've ordered the cockpit only version and will provide the forum a Pirep when I've used it for a while.
Bernie Seward, IR, AGI
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KCHO Charlottesville, VA
Antoine
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Re: NG40 here in 30 or so days..what extra do I need to purchase?

Post by Antoine »

Juan congrats on your purchase and here my 2 cents:
Beware of the mechanics!!!
Before you let a mechanic touch your engine cowling, buy a protective cover for the prop blades and warn the mechanic that the prop is extremely fragile (especially trailing edges) and the covers should be on at all times.

Canopy covers work as long as you are not in a windy or very moist area. Heavy winds will turn your cover into a giant piece of sandpaper and moisture will condense in the cover... Sometimes it is best to just put sun reflectors inside the canopy.
Your pitot /static port covers may fly away if they have "remove before flight" flags attached.
See if you can find a model that can be made wind proof while still being obvious enough during your preflight. I make a knot with the flag...
The tow bar will try to scratch your nose gear fairing. It is fairly simple to fabricate a piece of sheet metal that protects the area near the attachment point of the tow bar.
Keep in mind useful load. Don't carry stuff that is almost useless...
And finally: ENJOY :)
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chili4way
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Re: NG40 here in 30 or so days..what extra do I need to purchase?

Post by chili4way »

Here's a photo of the cowl plugs for the DA40NG from Bruce's Custom Covers. The right side (as viewed from pilot seat) has two smaller plugs because of the way the air intake openings for the Cabin Heat and Gearbox Colling are configured. The left side air intake for the Intercooler and bottom air intake for the Radiator are single pieces as you would expect.

cowl-plugs-DA40NG.jpg
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Colin
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Re: NG40 here in 30 or so days..what extra do I need to purchase?

Post by Colin »

You've already had a plane, so you don't need a list of the usual first-plane-owner stuff. And I think Bernie really covered the list I would have made. I use the cheapest imaginable sunshades (little $5 screen discs with a suction cup attachment).

I like these:
http://slidedown.com/
My brother laughed at me for paying for a piece of metal with some holes drilled in it. I am pretty happy with them.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
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haykinson
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Re: NG40 here in 30 or so days..what extra do I need to purchase?

Post by haykinson »

Ditto for the Slidedowns. Just be aware that the tail hook hole is too big for the Slidedowns hook, so you would need some sort of an adapter to make it work (I use a D clamp). That's the way it is on my DA40 and I assume that's the case for all Diamonds too...
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Boatguy
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Re: NG40 here in 30 or so days..what extra do I need to purchase?

Post by Boatguy »

I suggest you'll be happier with a "soft" adapter rather than a D-shackle. Consider a 30cm rock climbing sling like this, "luggage tagged" (i.e., looped through itself) through the tail tie down point. You can find these at any shop that serves rock climbers.

https://www.rei.com/product/899002/blac ... lon-runner

or any loop made from Dyneema.

Lighter, stronger and no hardware banging around.
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Colin
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Re: NG40 here in 30 or so days..what extra do I need to purchase?

Post by Colin »

Great idea, Russ. I just ordered a bunch of those. The truth is it is probably better for the wings as well.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
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N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
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