Search found 2672 matches

by CFIDave
Wed Jun 26, 2013 11:19 pm
Forum: DA42 Forum
Topic: Test Flying DA 42 NG next week - any tips for a DA 40 pilot
Replies: 31
Views: 12413

Re: Test Flying DA 42 NG next week - any tips for a DA 40 pi

If you're transitioning from a DA40 to a DA42 NG model, be especially careful not to snag any body parts, shoes or clothing on the inboard wing vortex generators -- they're sharp! -- especially since you'll have to remind yourself to get on/off the BACK of the wing rather than the FRONT. 8) And to c...
by CFIDave
Tue Jun 25, 2013 8:40 pm
Forum: DA40 Forum
Topic: MT Propeller 6 year overhaul cost
Replies: 16
Views: 14365

Re: MT Propeller 6 year overhaul cost

For what it's worth, when I visited the Diamond factory in Canada last month to drop off my DA42 I got a chance to talk at some length with the Diamond factory test pilots including Bill Scott. He told me that all of the pilots there prefer the performance of the MT 3-blade prop over both the Hartze...
by CFIDave
Tue Jun 25, 2013 8:30 pm
Forum: DA40 Forum
Topic: Spare parts when flying cross-country
Replies: 10
Views: 4315

Re: Spare parts when flying cross-country

I seem to recall that the new DA40s produced in Canada no longer use the unreliable Dukes fuel pump -- I was surprised by the different fuel pump sound when I recently flew a new XLT model. So you might want to call the Canadian factory and find out what they're using these days to avoid carrying ar...
by CFIDave
Sun Jun 23, 2013 12:55 am
Forum: DA40 Forum
Topic: Cylinder Head Temps
Replies: 32
Views: 9925

Re: Cylinder Head Temps

As a new DA-40 owner, I am learning quite a bit just reading through the threads. The discussion on CHT's is very interesting. After reading the entries last night, I decided to take a good look at the CHT's throughout my flight this morning. I noticed that I could not keep the temp below 400 degre...
by CFIDave
Fri Jun 21, 2013 3:25 pm
Forum: DA42 Forum
Topic: AOPA DA42-VI Photo Shoot
Replies: 16
Views: 7255

AOPA DA42-VI Photo Shoot

OK, I don't have any DA42 photos here to display YET, but hopefully soon will. Why? Our new DA42-VI will be on the cover with a story about it in the upcoming August issue of AOPA Pilot magazine. So besides plans to display the aircraft at the Diamond exhibit at Oshkosh the last week of July, you'll...
by CFIDave
Tue Jun 18, 2013 2:49 am
Forum: Announcements
Topic: Nice Fly-in to Menorca in June!
Replies: 72
Views: 24302

Re: Nice Fly-in to Menorca in June!

DA42 VI: Dries' plane has all the options, as you would expect. Wx radar and all. Plus new upholstery, for those of you who like softer seats an improvement no doubt. Actually Christian Dries' plane doesn't have all the options -- in particular it doesn't have the major option of air conditioning, ...
by CFIDave
Mon Jun 17, 2013 2:52 pm
Forum: DA40 Forum
Topic: Magnetos on RUN UP
Replies: 10
Views: 4921

Re: Magnetos on RUN UP

Thx Dave for your feedback - That is what I am doing now. It was 90+ yesterday DA over 4600. The Mag test did operate within spec once leaned as you have suggested. My CFI also suggested that I do that. Thx. A question for you is the Mix set too rich ? Is that a serious issue I should have our mech...
by CFIDave
Mon Jun 17, 2013 1:39 am
Forum: DA40 Forum
Topic: Anti-ice coating
Replies: 26
Views: 7980

Re: Anti-ice coating

Another concern I would have is durability: how long would such a coating hold up after being pelted with sleet or small hail when flying at 150 knots? Will it survive scrubbing after each flight to remove insects?

The airfoil titanium leading edge of a TKS system and rubber boots are quite durable.
by CFIDave
Mon Jun 17, 2013 1:27 am
Forum: DA42 Forum
Topic: Engine surging
Replies: 28
Views: 11394

Re: Engine surging

Henrik is correct: The critical altitude for the Thielert/Centurion is 6000 feet, above which the engine can no longer produce 100% power. Similarly, the critical altitude for the Austro AE300 is about 11,000 feet. (For comparison, non-turbo normally-aspirated engines like the Lycoming IO-360 have a...
by CFIDave
Sun Jun 16, 2013 1:14 pm
Forum: DA40 Forum
Topic: Magnetos on RUN UP
Replies: 10
Views: 4921

Re: Magnetos on RUN UP

Im wondering why the bigger drop on both when set at rich. On a hot day, or at altitudes above sea level (i.e., higher density altitude), or if your full rich mixture is set by the factory to be slightly too rich, you will see an increase in RPM if you lean. That's simply because the engine produce...