CFIDave wrote: ↑Tue Jun 15, 2021 1:23 pm
The DA40NG's maximum operating altitude is 16,400 feet -- the same as the Lycoming DA40. This is the maximum altitude that Diamond test pilots demonstrated during certification testing. If you fly above this, you'll be your own "test pilot."
It's really no different from a plane's published maximum cross-wind; the plane may exceed that limit, but factory test pilots only demonstrated the certified number.
But maximum operating altitude is not the same thing as the plane's service ceiling, which as Steve pointed out is defined as the altitude where a single-engine piston aircraft will only climb at 100 fpm (200 fpm for a twin, 500 fpm for a jet). I would expect the turbocharged DA40NG to have a service ceiling of more than 20,000 feet. But I wouldn't suggest flying that high, since it's very cold up there and you'll need to wear a mask instead of a cannula for O2.
For comparison, the DA62 has a maximum operating altitude of 20,000 feet. I know DA62 pilots who've climbed higher than that to top bad weather, and the DA62 (or DA42-VI) is climbing at least 700-800 fpm at that altitude. I've read that during development, Diamond test pilots successfully flew a DA62 above 30,000 feet, so its service ceiling is considerably higher than 20,000 feet.
Hello,
I think the statement regarding the maximum flight altitude is wrong.
In general, Diamond has certified the aircraft up to 5000m or 16400ft. Because in the "Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS)" the maximum operaitonal altitiude is stated as 16,400ft. Therefore this is a limit.
On the subject of crosswind, the manual states, maximum demonstrated crosswind component.
The maximum operating altitude is in the TCDS at EASA and FAA under "Technical Characteristics and Operational Limitations" therefore it is a limit like the maximum takeoff weight, C.G. positions, etc. You cannot say that it is only a recommendation.
It is also written in the flight manual in the recognized chapter 2 "Operational Limits".
I am also aware that a DA40 (even with Lycoming) can go higher than 16.400ft (especially if it is light
).
It is also important to note that the DA40 has no limitations on Vne in terms of altitude. However, due to the increasing TAS to IAS at altitude, above 16,400ft the Vne may have to be reduced as IAS due to flutter. Even if this is rather academic
I just wanted to mention this, because in your article one could think that the maximum flight altitude has only something to do with the verification of the certification-tests and therefore would have to be considered the same as the maximum verified crosswind component (this is not a limit - but there are certainly discussions with the insurance company in case of an accident). However, the maximum flight altitude is a limit specified in the type certificate like e.g. the maximum take-off mass.
With flying greetings
Oliver