michael.g.miller wrote: ↑Wed Dec 30, 2020 6:34 am
I'm also a bit nervous. While the powerplant excites me, it's also nerve wrecking. Specialized diesel engines with limited expertise. New systems to learn. A multi engine rating. There are a lot of questions running through my head now, and I'm curious what the DA community has to say:
- What are the most likely components to fail on a cross country trip? As a non-A&P owner, can I do anything to make unscheduled stops less painful?
Mike, your apprehension is completely understandable, but I really wouldn't be so concerned.
I've put 7 years and 900 hrs on my DA42-VI - taken it all over Asia, Aus, NZ & Pac, and never been stuck anywhere.
1. The DA42/62 are great for world touring; modern, safe, reliable, twin engine across the sea & remote regions, Jet A/A1 available worldwide & you can even substitute w/diesel if necessary.
2. I've only had a few snags; both prop governors locked up at high RPM at separate occasions & had to be replaced (I see a pattern here btw); had an engine coolant valve vent some excess blue liquid with a Jackson Pollock painting across the cowling while 250nm off shore, but didn't impact engine temps. An alternator wire came loose in flight once, took 5 mins to reattach. A flat tire while sitting in the hangar. That's more or less it.
3. AOG can happen in *any* aircraft *anytime*. I've seen plenty of factory new Cirrus & legacy Cessna's stuck in various places. So you always need to be prepared - nothing particular bad about Diamonds.
4. Mechanics. Sometimes they're right next door. Sometimes you'll need them flown in overseas (doesn't matter if you're AOG in a Cirrus, Cessna or Diamond) & it can be a serious cost and hassle, but you can always get things fixed eventually.
5. When flying in remote regions or places with limited infrastructure, you simply have to be adaptable & roll with the punches; doesn't matter what you fly. Luckily most things can be solved.
Best advice I can give is probably to adopt an absolute zero squawk policy on your aircraft & follow all recommended maintenance to a tee. Don't skimp on anything.
The DA42/62 is a great airplane. It's just such an enjoyable and approachable aircraft type, with no bad habits. (by design)
I haven't regretted buying mine for a second, and while I also loved my previous avgas DA40, I would never go back to avgas or non-FADEC piston.
So go ahead & fly your DA42NG across the World, have fun & take the inevitable challenges as they come along.