diamondaviators.net

Could become an interesting alternative to Garmin G5s for my DA20, provided these devices:

1) Become certified
2) Have a bright, readable display at all angles
3) Can be easily field installed in the same or even less time than G5s
4) Can be installed by any avionics specialist, not necessarily by an approved shop with high hourly rates.
5) Do not draw too much power from the main bus
6) Early adopters do not report major problems with the units
7) The company is not sued to bankuptcy by Garmin just as it is about to start selling units.

Yup, for now, just monitor progress. I have pinged them to look at including the DA40 on the AML.

Rich, me too. Hope many steam DA40 flyers are in line with us ... would be a dream to have this solution working as advertised.

In reality I'm just waiting on a replacement for my iron-gyro AI. The RCA 2610 would do it, but it seems likely that one can get more stuff packed into the unit for a lesser unit price (albeit at higher installation costs). The G5 and this unit are both in that category.

I am skeptical about the efficacy of their no-probe AOA indicator. It doesn't have all the information required to accurately deduce AOA in certain atmospheric conditions. There is, in fact, some disclosure on their website to this effect.

For now my AI continues to work fine. But when it fails it'll force my hand, depending on what's available at the time.

Herewith an exchange I had with aerovonics support:

Me:
I'd likely be interested in the AV-30 for replacing my AI when it becomes available for certified A/C. More specifically I have an early Diamond DA40 with an electrically driven AI, and a GNS530W. It'd be great if this model variant could wind up on the AML. When it comes to this instrumentation there's nothing really special about these airplanes relative to all sorts of ubiquitous aircraft such as Cessnas and Pipers.

Jeff:
Hi Rich,
The DA40 is composite correct? Do you know if there is any inherent lighting / HIRF protection built into the body of that aircraft?
In general, we have to test to higher levels for composite aircraft, which is what we are planning on doing, but there may be some mitigation put in place by Diamond.

Me:
DA 40 does have lightning protection, with discharge wicks and conductive layer throughout. Periodic testing of the continuity of the conductive paths is required maintenance.
BTW, the DA20 does not have this protection and is not approved for flight in IMC by Diamond.

Jeff:
Ah, that is why I have heard different things about the Diamond aircraft. Makes sense now..