Transitioning to DA42 questions

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Colin
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Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Post by Colin »

I believe I had 17hrs in the DA42 before I took (and failed) the check ride. One more landing in a couple weeks and I passed.

Other than discussing the plane's system during the verbal portion of the checkride, and doing a pre-flight and briefing that were obviously specific to the plane, I don't remember anything that was really *about* the DA42. It seemed like it all would have been the same in a Baron.

-break-

I need to get UVAir and Shell. I have UVFuel, but it doesn't seem to do that much that often. CAA is the most amazing.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
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N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
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Colin
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Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Post by Colin »

And I wish ForeFlight would finish their acquisition of JetFuelX and incorporate it into their maps. That would be SO helpful.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
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ememic99
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Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Post by ememic99 »

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)?
3 hours of training plus 5 hours of ferry flight with instructor which I used for additional training in various G1000 staff.
What did you guys do for the check ride/flight test that were specific/pertaining to the DA42?
Perfecting G1000 to impress the examiner :D
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N503TS
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Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Post by N503TS »

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 spent about 12 hours back in 2009 to get my commercial multi rating. Already had my single commercial back then and about 800 hours in the 40 at that point. Flew a few Seminoles and Cessna 310s since then but just bought a 42. It was like riding a bike- transition to the 42 from the 40 is very easy and insurance only required an IPC and BFR.
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cptndavid
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Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Post by cptndavid »

Compared to the Baron I owned the transition to my 42 was as I was told "stupid simple" one lever, easy single engine out. and really low fuel burn. CFI Dave did the required 5 hour training with me, and if you live near VA I would call him.
clueless_newbie

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Post by clueless_newbie »

I got the chance to visit DFC London to inquire about the DA42 training/familiarization.
I already have my multi engine/IFR with G1000 on PA44. DFC London is the closest FTU within my domicile.
I didn't get the warm and fuzzy feeling about the FTU for some reason.
Perhaps I came at a wrong time or rubbed people the wrong way.
Several flight instructors there insinuated that the FTU was exclusively catering to the University of Western Ontario Commercial Aviation Management program students.
When will be the best time to train over there? Is there someone in particular who does the DA42 training?

Thank you for the info in advance.
Guest

Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Post by Guest »

I just had my first experience with DA42, still not sure which engines but suspect 135hp Continental. I'm a new pilot, with ~130 hours in 172 and DA40. Smattering of time in Super D and SR22.
My time in the left seat was a quick 30 minute lesson but for what its worth, my impressions: Very familiar looking environment relative to DA40; other than FADEC controls and dual engine instruments, sorta identical. Feels a lot heavier than I expected. Does not spring lightly into the air like 40. once flying, controls are heavier, surprised how much rudder it needed. However feels similar in cruise to the 40. Feels very similar in the pattern although everything is 15-20 kts faster. Despite speedier approach speeds and speed at the flare, very gentle touchdown that was disproportionately good relative to skill applied. (sits higher than DA40 also, so sight picture slightly higher) . Seems way under-braked, seemed to take forever to get slowed down. Instructor complained it uses same brake equipment as DA40 and if true that seems like an error.
I liked it, a lot, would love to try a VI.
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carym
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Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Post by carym »

The plane is much heavier than a DA40 so it will take longer to slow down on the runway. I rarely used braking to slow down but they are very effective when needed. In fact, be very careful when braking because it is very easy to flat spot a tire (don't ask how I know). Handling a twin on the ground is not the same as a single, and it takes some time to get used to how to manage a twin.
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Colin
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Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Post by Colin »

Have had three flat tires in my DA42 so far, but I have had more flat tires in my DA40 over the 11yrs I owned it than any other pilot I know. So despite two CFIIs riding with me to look for mistakes, I feel it *must* be pilot error. Although I am now in the San Juan Islands and a DA42 instructor here with hundreds of hours teaching in them said, "They put little boy wheels on it, but big boy brakes."

That's why I am thinking of the upgrades wheels and brakes.

I thought the plane felt heavy on my first few flights. After a hundred hours it just felt like "the plane."
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
colin@mightycheese.com * send email rather than PM
http://www.flyingsummers.com
N972RD DA42 G1000 2.0 s/n 42.AC100 (sold!)
N971RD DA40 G1000 s/n 40.508 (traded)
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dselder1962
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Re: Transitioning to DA42 questions

Post by dselder1962 »

I am waiting on my 42-VI arriving hopefully in the next couple of months. I have been reading up everything I can get my hands on and came across this in my searches. Seems to be from Diamond. I found it very useful.
http://www.marcus.aero/wp-content/uploa ... uts_V4.pdf
I found the same presentation on a few different sites so it seems to be widely distributed, though not on Diamond's site itself.

David
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