Advise on New DA40 XLT Configuration

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CFIDave
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Re: Advise on New DA40 XLT Configuration

Post by CFIDave »

I'm pretty sure this has been posted here on DAN before, but here's a document from Diamond (2008) that compared the 3 different propellers available for the Lycoming DA40:
2008-06-DA40props.pdf
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dmloftus
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Re: Advise on New DA40 XLT Configuration

Post by dmloftus »

I have 50 gal tanks and would highly recommend them. Flew Chicago to Atlanta nonstop today and burned 38 gallons. Would never try that with 40 gal tanks. 50 gal tanks will usually outfly my bladder if I'm with passengers, but flying alone or with less sensitive friends/family I can easily use DPee bags and fly 23/22 LOP at 8gph and 140kts for >5 hours without stopping. Having that extra 140-160nm range saves a lot of time on longer flights, and makes most of my east coast flights nonstop.
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dant
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Re: Advise on New DA40 XLT Configuration

Post by dant »

Actual Empty Weight 1754 (Empty 1746 + GFC700 +24 Hartzell Composite Prop -16)
Check the wiki for some actual empty weights for planes. I doubt you're going to get under 1800, and expect closer to 1820 due to the mystery 50# from the XLS transition.

https://www.diamondaviators.net/wiki/in ... .26B_Graph
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Rich
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Re: Advise on New DA40 XLT Configuration

Post by Rich »

dant wrote: Fri Oct 28, 2022 3:18 am
Actual Empty Weight 1754 (Empty 1746 + GFC700 +24 Hartzell Composite Prop -16)
Check the wiki for some actual empty weights for planes. I doubt you're going to get under 1800, and expect closer to 1820 due to the mystery 50# from the XLS transition.

https://www.diamondaviators.net/wiki/in ... .26B_Graph
The increments for the AP and prop look correct but, sadly, Dan is likely correct. On the wiki there are real-world data for a number of DA40s and there's not a single one from 2008 onward that's less that 1810 lb. I have found that, universally, all aircraft show "basic" empty weights in their sales-oriented specs that are significantly lower than real-world aircraft deliver. Diamond is no exception. Some of it is options selected by the buyer, but when you back those out, you find that the basic weight is fiction.

Also from the wiki data, close examination suggests that use of an MT or Hartzell composite (they are essentially identical in weight) rather than the Aluminum prop will move the empty CG rearward by an amount that is significant when the limit imposed on a 50-gallon plane is considered.

I would love to find out that Diamond has refined the manufacturing process and the 1754 basic weight is close to realistic.
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Re: Advise on New DA40 XLT Configuration

Post by laserpilot »

I’m also in the process of going from NG May delivery to Lycoming August delivery. Thanks for sharing all this knowledge. We would also like to fly to private grass strips so best prop for that appreciated. And also mostly with wife and small kid.
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Joey
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Re: Advise on New DA40 XLT Configuration

Post by Joey »

50 gal tanks are nice for cross country flight, especially in IFR with reserves needed. I generally keep it filled to 30 gallons if I want to take 4 people but we have to leave the anvil collection in the hangar. :D

I started out with the 3-blade composite prop, had a 3/16" nick in the tip of one blade on tow separate occaisions with resulting shipment to MT facility in FL for repair. After the second one, I replaced the prop with an Aluminum Hartzel model, and any nicks from sucking up rocks can be handled by the local A&P. Worst case, it's a simple shipment to a prop overhaul shop, not a giant shipping box.

When I installed the aluminum prop, I removed the 16# of nose ballast and the net gain/loss was 0 pounds weight and the same CG range.
I have noticed a slight improvement in top end and climb and the maintainability is much improved.

I'm also not using the GDL-69 and switched to the WX on ADS-b.

Enjoy your new XLT!
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Re: Advise on New DA40 XLT Configuration

Post by laserpilot »

Done, changed from NG to XLT. Unfortunately 2022 prices went up already on January 15. Delivery now not May but August. Thanks to all advice a 50G with standard prop. Ditched the SAM because a Garmin GI 275 will outperform all backup instruments. And no GDL 69.

Good think is the take off performance is what I need flying from private strips.
DA40 NG will be N268PA
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