Hello,
what items, maneuvers, knowledge etc... would you want to see from a pilot before renting your DA40NG to him/her?
Any checkout flights you did? What were "aha" effects, what made sense, what didn't?
I'm trying to formulate a sensible checkout procedure for a DA40NG, your input is highly appreciated!
Kind regards,
Pat
DA40NG Checkout Items
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- austropilot
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- CFIDave
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Re: DA40NG Checkout Items
I've provided checkout and transition training for many DA40NG DiamondShare pilots, and in my experience the most important thing to have them demonstrate is multiple landings in the traffic pattern (flying circuits).
This usually means I need to instruct them in "flow" items and % power to use during various flight phases, since FADEC-engined Diamonds are new and different for most pilots accustomed to flying avgas planes. They need to develop some "muscle memory" from repetition.
You'll usually get a pretty good sense of whether the pilot is handling the plane OK or not (if I have to take over the flight controls, that's obviously not a good sign). The 40NG is so easy to fly that most licensed pilots don't need more than about an hour of such instruction to feel comfortable and safe in the aircraft.
Also be prepared to spend quite a bit of time on the ground explaining and demonstrating the unique 40NG features like the fuel tanks and how to sump the fuel.
This usually means I need to instruct them in "flow" items and % power to use during various flight phases, since FADEC-engined Diamonds are new and different for most pilots accustomed to flying avgas planes. They need to develop some "muscle memory" from repetition.
You'll usually get a pretty good sense of whether the pilot is handling the plane OK or not (if I have to take over the flight controls, that's obviously not a good sign). The 40NG is so easy to fly that most licensed pilots don't need more than about an hour of such instruction to feel comfortable and safe in the aircraft.
Also be prepared to spend quite a bit of time on the ground explaining and demonstrating the unique 40NG features like the fuel tanks and how to sump the fuel.
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
- chili4way
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Re: DA40NG Checkout Items
I developed the following two items to help "check out" new pilots.
The "DA40NG Orientation" is intended to help AVgas DA40 pilots know the key differences between that plane and the DA40NG. Parts of it are specific to my airplane's configuration and W&B.
The "DA40NG Quiz Tri-Fold" is designed to be printed 3 x 1, double-sided, flip-short, using a PDF printer. The result is a single-page foldable open-book quiz similar to what a flying club might require when checking out a new student for solo. Some might consider it "over-the-top" in terms of detail, and if so, consider it a starting point for developing your own.
I revise these from time-to-time and welcome any feedback via this thread or PM.
The "DA40NG Orientation" is intended to help AVgas DA40 pilots know the key differences between that plane and the DA40NG. Parts of it are specific to my airplane's configuration and W&B.
The "DA40NG Quiz Tri-Fold" is designed to be printed 3 x 1, double-sided, flip-short, using a PDF printer. The result is a single-page foldable open-book quiz similar to what a flying club might require when checking out a new student for solo. Some might consider it "over-the-top" in terms of detail, and if so, consider it a starting point for developing your own.
I revise these from time-to-time and welcome any feedback via this thread or PM.
- Donkadillapig
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Re: DA40NG Checkout Items
Paul,
Thank you once again for your insight and the checkout quiz. The delivery 0f N812LA has slid until likely early April now. I'll have this quiz printed out and make sure I can complete it easily before my delivery is over
Thank you once again for your insight and the checkout quiz. The delivery 0f N812LA has slid until likely early April now. I'll have this quiz printed out and make sure I can complete it easily before my delivery is over
- georgebabu
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Re: DA40NG Checkout Items
Thank you Paul & Dave! Very helpful (I’m transitioning from C172SP to DA40NG).
Dave, could you share the % Power settings you would use in a pattern?
Dave, could you share the % Power settings you would use in a pattern?
- Boatguy
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