Help with the DA42 steep turn

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Too_steep

Help with the DA42 steep turn

Post by Too_steep »

Hi all,
I am new to the Diamond Aircraft world here.
One thing I notice that doing a steep turn in a DA42 is very difficult. I remember CFIDave mentioned about using SVT to hold the (green circle) flight path marker on the horizon line to hold altitude.
Unfortunately, this DA42 TDI that I test-drove/test-flew didn't have that SVT.
In a C172 or some twins, I can just swipe the trim 3 times and I can "slice" the horizon perfectly. With this DA42, I am all over the place.
Is there a surefire steep turn trick for the DA42 TDI that similar to that of C172 ?

Thank You
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Re: Help with the DA42 steep turn

Post by CFIDave »

Steep turns in a DA42 aren't really different from other planes. Once you've rolled into a 45 (for Private) or 50 deg (for Commercial) bank angle, look at where the glare shield intersects the horizon -- hold that sight picture and your altitude won't vary much.

Here are the steps for DA42 TDI Commercial steep turns:
• Start at cardinal altitude (500s, 1000s MSL) above 3000 feet AGL
• Clearing turns
• 110 kts, 40% power (less than Va)
• Pick point on horizon, set heading bug
• 50° bank, add power (to approx. 50%) as necessary to hold speed/altitude
• Begin rollout 25° (½ of bank in degrees) before original heading
• Rollout complete by original point and heading
• REVERSE DIRECTION
• Rollout complete by original point and heading
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Soareyes
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Re: Help with the DA42 steep turn

Post by Soareyes »

Having recently done multi-engine training in a DA42 TDI, here are some pearls I haven't yet forgotten:

As you pass through 30 degrees of bank bump the power up a few percentage points.

During the turn hold the command bars 2 degrees above the horizon.
Current: DA42-V1

Previous: Hang gliders, Paraglider, DA40(x3), Cessna 150 Aerobat, SR22
Too_steep

Re: Help with the DA42 steep turn

Post by Too_steep »

Do you guys use any elevator trim at all?
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Re: Help with the DA42 steep turn

Post by CFIDave »

You can try elevator trim -- but given that you're only in the turn for a minute or so, it's not critical, and you then need to remember to take trim out when rolling out of the turn. Instead, consider adding power while in the turn.
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Re: Help with the DA42 steep turn

Post by tjmoody »

I'm working on my commercial multi-engine add-on in a DA42 TDI and really enjoying it.

I've found holding pitch-up at 2-2.5 degrees through the turn to be the key.
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Re: Help with the DA42 steep turn

Post by YCCA »

Look at the VSI about every second or so and push or pull the opposite..
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Re: Help with the DA42 steep turn

Post by Onethorfoot »

In addition to the points above on adding power when passing 30 degree bank and pitching up around 2.5+ degrees at the start, you fill most likely find the da42 “balloons” up when rolling out of the turn to wings level so you need to pull power back as you roll out. Just take out what you put in at the beginning and you should be fine. Otherwise you may gain 200 feet in a hurry.
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Re: Help with the DA42 steep turn

Post by yl472401 »

I used 47% Pwr for my power setting and increases to 57% during the steep turn. Pitch up first before slowly bank to ~55 degree and hold my Attitude between 3-5 degree depends on my observation of the Altitude gain or loss.
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Re: Help with the DA42 steep turn

Post by yl472401 »

Best trick is more practice. I spent a day prior my check ride and practiced to a level that I feel confident with my steep turns.
Also, depends on the temperature, pressure, altitude and aircraft weight, the power setting will vary.
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