Search found 318 matches

by Karl
Fri Aug 03, 2018 12:35 am
Forum: DA20 Forum
Topic: COM reception problems
Replies: 28
Views: 11375

Re: COM reception problems

Recently we have been getting more and more static problems and it was becoming difficult to diagnose. Our DA40 and DA42 are now 12 years old and operate over the sea every flight. We have been finding corrosion in the bonding system despite passing the bonding test. Corrosion at the static wick mou...
by Karl
Fri Aug 03, 2018 12:22 am
Forum: DA20 Forum
Topic: COM reception problems
Replies: 28
Views: 11375

Re: COM reception problems

Most avionics issues I come across can be resolved by re racking the unit. Remove the com box, inspect the pins to ensure no damage, clean with good quality contact cleaner then reinstall. This is the quickest, cheapest thing to do before paying mechanics or ordering replacement parts. It fixes most...
by Karl
Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:28 am
Forum: DA42 Forum
Topic: Sun reflector / heat shield
Replies: 15
Views: 4708

Re: Sun reflector / heat shield

A friend of mine in Thailand buys domestic heat proofing materials and simply cuts it to fit.
Cheap, light weight and apparently effective.
by Karl
Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:08 am
Forum: DA42 Forum
Topic: STC for Muffler
Replies: 2
Views: 1096

Re: STC for Muffler

Good question Colin, I will try and get some information from my contacts at the factory.

Strange thing is we fly a lot of hours here and never had an exhaust fail but the brackets that were added are not very good.
by Karl
Wed Jul 25, 2018 6:02 am
Forum: DA40 Forum
Topic: Dynamic propeller balancing
Replies: 9
Views: 2041

Re: Dynamic propeller balancing

Dynamic balancing = biggest bang for the buck you will ever get. Once you have seen it done, if you watch the process, you will kick yourself in the ass for not having it done sooner. Having dynamic balancing done is a no brainier. Agreed, without a doubt. But make sure the guys doing it are traine...
by Karl
Wed Jul 25, 2018 5:58 am
Forum: Hangar Talk
Topic: Stupid pilot tricks
Replies: 9
Views: 2707

Re: Stupid pilot tricks

Some years ago in the UK, a (non Diamond) pilot lost control during a landing at a grass strip and hit a large bail of straw off the side of the runway. He and his passenger were seen to push the aircraft back and later take off. At some point in the following flight they called the tower and the tr...
by Karl
Tue Jul 10, 2018 1:27 am
Forum: DA42 Forum
Topic: Data Path Failure
Replies: 42
Views: 21296

Re: Data Path Failure

With all avionics defects your first and cheapest move is to clean the contacts. I think that has resolved probably 80% of avionics issues I have dealt with. If you are away from base and do not have contact cleaner a simple re-rack, will often do the trick. Another thing is don't be a cheap skate w...
by Karl
Mon Jul 09, 2018 6:00 am
Forum: DA20 Forum
Topic: How to value a DA20
Replies: 34
Views: 16983

Re: How to value a DA20

The plane is in my town, KRVS, I'm about 10 minutes from the FBO. The owners, husband and wife, bought the plane to get their PPL. I know the wife through common patients and just stumbled on to the fact that they had the plane and were training in it. She explained the safety and fun of the plane ...
by Karl
Fri Jun 29, 2018 5:53 am
Forum: DA42 Forum
Topic: ECU failure message and some questions on DA42NG
Replies: 7
Views: 2779

Re: ECU failure message and some questions on DA42NG

Just a side issue: "Alternate Air back to normal": that is easier said than done in the DA42NG! The lever cannot just be pushed back into its original position. Have to end the flight, let engine cool down, open cowling and with the help of another person pull the actuation wire in the en...
by Karl
Tue Jun 12, 2018 8:02 am
Forum: Hangar Talk
Topic: Good news for Diamond?
Replies: 34
Views: 10393

Re: Good news for Diamond?

we should soon see if Diamond Austria comes out with an avgas Lycoming iE2 (FADEC) 375 hp TEO-540 retractable version of its new DA50: a "Cirrus SR22T-killer" designed for the North American market. This is the same engine that Technam is installing on its new P2012 twin going into servic...