DA-40 Lycoming and steam

[Jayw]

Hello Forum,

I have been a watcher for years and time for me to finally make the plunge. I am looking for a sub-200k DA-40 with the lycoming and steam gauges that has great bones to update the electronics eventually. I will be using the plane to earn my PPL. I am in a situation where I am hiring a pilot to fly in a colleagues V-35 for work and would rather use that time to get the PPL. The plane will then be used on blue bird days to fly for work. Any leads are appreciated! I did consider the SR22 and 206/182 but leaning more towards the safety and efficiency of the DA-40.

Have a great week!

Jay

[Lance Murray]

Good choice. I have always thought the steam gage airplanes to be superior to the G1000 airplanes. They are far lighter with a better CG. The KAP-140 is a downside but it still does the job.

[Steve]

There aren't a lot of those airplanes available - production from 2001 to 2003 was not as numerous. Plus those of us 'early Diamond adopters' like our airplanes and tend to keep 'em for a long time. I've owned mine for nearly 24 years! Would I like to have a DA-50? Maybe, if it would fit in my hangar and I needed to get rid of $1.5M in cash.

The KAP 140 is fine for me, especially since my airplane is the only one I've ever flown (including the ones I flew in the Navy) that has a functioning autopilot!