I have been in three shared-owner flying groups and am currently 1/2 owner of a DA20-A1, actually 1/2 owner of the corporation that owns the airplane. In every case, each of the owners put up an equal share to buy the airplane or buy a share of the corporation that we set up to own the airplane. Tha...

Regarding the exhaust system springs, it is good practice to run a bead of high temp RTV (the red stuff) down the length of each spring on at least one side. This absorbs and mitigates the vibration stresses on the springs which is the cause of many spring failures. The heat muff should be removed f...

I used to fly a pusher and used a yaw string. I was told that it would not work on a tractor, but being the skeptic I am, I tried it and it works just as well on a tractor as a pusher. Cost is zero and it is always in your field of view when you are looking outside. I suggest marking a straight cent...

Jim,

That is an example, and reminder to me, that when doing a pre-flight inspection we should use not only our eyes but our fingers/hands to touch, try and pry. I don't always do this but know to do so. Thanks for the reminder and glad you found the cause.

...the first aircraft produced with Mexican parts had composite wing panels de-laminate in flight! Cessna had to relearn how to build composite parts properly.... In 1982, I was working in Mexico, supervising the electrical and mechanical systems installation in a new Delco plant being built. The se...

To help preclude the need for steering with brakes during take-off, whenever possible, I start my take-off roll pointed to the right side of the runway about 30 degrees so that the left turning tendency will bring the nose around to centerline. I adjust throttle advance rate to make this all happen ...

....I have never understood why the Avionics Master is in close proximity to the Fuel Pump switch....

Not all designers at Diamond thought the close proximity of fuel pump and master was a good idea. The DA20-A1 has Fuel Pump switch on far left of switch row and Master on far right of switch row.

Never heard that in my DA20-A1. Before next flight, if it were mine, I would carefully inspect everything having to do with the canopy, including latches, hinge, stabilizer bars, essentially all attach points, plus rubber seal and side windows. If something is coming loose, even a non mechanically i...

...What's that white stuff on the ground?

Steve (in TX)...


Texas dandruff?

If the manual calls for 5606 and does not list any alternatives, then you should use 5606. The AMM for my DA20-A1 states: "Only brake fluid meeting the MIL H 5606A specification should be used." The DA20 has Cleveland Brakes and Matco master cylinders. It is available and still used in lot...