DA62 or DA42

[Mike Jones]

Have been reading this forum with great interest, so much really useful/practical content would almost allow you to buy a plane without actually seeing one! I currently fly a 2008 Cirrus SR22 G3 Perspective which has been brilliant and was about the best bang for buck to do proper distance flying. I have retrofitted Beringer Brakes (brilliant), Flightsteam, CIES senders, LED position and strobe so it is about as good as it is possible to get I am in the process of retiring and my intention is to get an IR over the next 12 months and spend more time flying. I am based in the UK and would hope to fly around Europe. I do have a few people that use the Cirrus and expect annual hours of about 150.

The easy decision is to go for a Diamond (thinking man's Cirrus). I am totally sold on jetA1 having just spent €900 on AVGAS to fly the 22 to Rome. So now to the dilemma, 62 or 42? The limitation of the 22 is load, to go any distance it's 3 people or 1/2 tanks. The 42 strikes me as pretty similar to the Cirrus with the advantage Jet A1 and two engines which means 3 decent sized chaps plus luggage?

So the 62 is probably more than I need but being early 60's I am very aware that you can't take your money with you and health can step in at any time. I am probably less concerned about capital cost as opposed to running costs. I do like the idea of a new aircraft (giving me time to get IR and Multi-Engine) and it seems the a new 62 with all the latest updates and properly equipped is without equal in GA. Putting aside the JetA1 advantage can anyone provide some maintenance costs post warranty as there do seem to be some big differences in the posts. The Cirrus is about €10-12k p.a. (with some engine/parachute funds set aside from that) which is fine. Clearly warranty is great in the short term but I did read about gearbox inspections/replacements which sounded painful, I assume the 42 and 62 will be quite similar in terms of running costs (same engines). In terms of specification it would be all the options except for Sat Com as I would probably use Golze ADL solution.

Going to see Gemstone (UK distributor) next week to see them both in the flesh!

Look forward to your thoughts.

[Soareyes]

The DA42 has a lower useful load and shorter range than a G3 SR22. The DA62 has more useful load than an SR22, a similar range. The cruise speeds and fuel burn are similar for all depending on whether the SR is turbo and on the altitudes flown.

Beringer brakes can be retrofit to older, lower gross weight 42s but are unavailable on a -V1 DA42 or DA62.

It may be different in Europe but in the US maintenance on a Diamond is less convenient and more expensive than on a Cirrus.

[photoSteveZ]

Beringer wheels and brakes are just now becoming available for the DA62.

[Ed McDonald]

I specified Beringer brakes in my purchase agreement so when they are available my bird will be retrofitted.

As far as the DA62 vs DA42, if you have the money get the DA62 - it is wide-body comfort or the difference between coach (economy) and business class.

[MackAttack]

In the same age bracket as you with a DA62 on order. I did my multi training in a DA42-VI - loved the plane, but not nearly as comfortable as a Cirrus for travel. If you can afford a 62 you will be much more comfortable. Plus you can spec one with 4, 5 or 7 seats. If you get a 4- or 5-seat version, you will have a very large useful load with full fuel (I ordered mine with 5 seats but am considering the 4-seat "VIP" version with reclining seats and a center console). I note that in some parts of the US, Jet-A is now more expensive than AvGas (not sure what things are like in Europe). However, I expect that to change back to normal over time. And I believe your basic assumption that direct operating costs will be similar between the two but note that insurance for the 62 will be commensurately more expensive given the higher hull value.

PS - owned a 2007 G3 TN Avidyne Cirrus and really liked it; got my instrument rating in it also. Definitely recommend you get that taken care of before taking delivery of the twin.

[Colin]

Took a ride recently in a DA62 to go to lunch. Absolutely gorgeous plane. All sorts of little things better in that than in our DA42, especially for a long haul. I miss the visibility a little, but I know you adjust to that over time and learn where to look for the view. It seems like the maintenance costs are very similar and if I had the money to pile into the asset I'd order a DA62.

[CFIDave]

Having owned a DA42-VI for 4 years, and now a DA62 for five years, get the DA62 if you can afford the capital cost difference. Maintenance is the same, since all the systems are virtually identical.

While performance is similar, the DA62 is definitely more comfortable, spacious, and hauls more. It's even big enough to load 2 full-size road bicycles in the back without removing any bike wheels. 2 couples can fly very comfortably in the DA62 with all their luggage, and you won't need to ask your passengers for their weights.

[MackAttack]

Amending my earlier post: I don’t think the 4-seat option I mention above has been certified, at least not in the US. However, there are pictures of it and some Diamond video footage of it, so I do expect it to be forthcoming and it may already be certified in Europe. Either way, the seating options can be changed along the way as your missions change (obviously for a cost), which is a nice option in a -62. Thanks

[ememic99]

DA62 is logical choice assuming you can take capital cost difference. Of course the insurance will be a bit higher, due to higher hull value but it seems that it's less an issue than in the US. For Europe 5-seater in optimal choice because of 1999 kg MTOW and avoiding IFR route charges. It's the same aircraft as 2300 kg MTOW with different paperwork

[ememic99]

The DA42 has a lower useful load and shorter range than a G3 SR22.

No it doesn't. SR22 G3 range 1170 NM, useful load 530 kg. DA42-VI range 1215 NM, useful load 589 kg (DA42 TDI 435 kg).