Excited to introduce myself after completing a thorough deep-dive of all the prior threads (well, at least going back to ~2016). Huge Diamond fanboy since an old friend flew them in IFT at USAFA in the mid-2000s (he eventually ended up as a Viper pilot). I am going place an order for a 2025 DA-40NG...very soon. Probably under Diamond Share. In regular contact with Lifestyle...heavy research mode (I do not even take a #2 without a detailed plan). The catch? I have precisely zero real-life hours (yet) in any Diamond Aircraft.
My short life aviation story (common pattern for GA, I think):
- Relatives: Grandfather was a B-17 gunner in WWII [527th BS - 379th BG(H) - 8 AAF], survived and engrossed me with stories.
- 1980s: Instead of cartoons, watched 1,000s of hours of the Discovery Wings channel (Weekday Wings, Wings, Wings II, Sea Wings, Wings of the Red Star, and Wings of the Luftwaffe). That sh*t was my childhood jam.
- 1990s: Took a few flight lessons but not enough cash tips from Bennigans to stay aloft. Saved for future PPL instead...
- 2000s: Once I could afford to do it all in 2-3 intensive months, I got my PPL out of KSMO! Logged about 90h in 172s flying around LA and short strips to Vegas with friends. Some Stearman aerobatics time. Poor again.
- 2010s: Worked as a govie, then worked in private sector, drank, traveled, lived overseas in Toulouse supporting Airbus A350 flight test and A320 production...saved cash, no flying. Then had 2 kids!
- 2020s: Survived the pandemic, settled back in the DC area (never moving again!).
- 2023: Financials no longer a impediment. Decided to re-aviate. Flying out of KHEF via Aviation Adventures with an outstanding CFI EliasK. Learning today's technology (wow!) since I grew up on gauges. On the hangar waitlist at KHEF...Fall 2024? Want to stick a DA-40NG into it...CAVU.
- KHEF
Jeff (wolffj)
Dave (CFIDave)
David (DavidS)
Abraham (abraham425)
- KBWI
Derek (manatee)
- AirCon is a must in my region, esp. with aftermarket JetShades. Some expressed disappointment in the cooling capacity of the system but, IMHO, it should simply make things tolerable on a July day until you can get up to altitude, right?
- Even if they may cost more, use official DA Service Centers especially for engine maintenance. Nearest recommendation to me is SouthTecAviation out of Salisbury, NC. (example: not tightening the dual hose clamps on the intake hose, after removing to acces gearbox oil filter. NOTE: accessible to pilot and should be checked after maintenance).
- Warn A&Ps that prop is extremely fragile (especially trailing edges) and the covers should be on at all times during maintenance.
- Buy Bruce's covers, engine plugs, and a "Brett fin" (to keep the nose wheel straight
- Expect break in period (and expenses) in the first 100hrs...along with some Canadian production imperfections
- The rear cabin latch can break when overextended...several reported mishaps there. Maybe restrict the full motion with a cable.
- Operating costs vary but at 400hrs/yr = ~$215/hr (maintenance hovers around $50/hr of that total). Current went rental rates around $200/hr for classic DA40s.
- Labor costs around $125-150/hr and a 100hr, 300hr services should cost ~$1,500 & ~$2,500 - respectively. Annual ~$5,000.
- NG vs XLS comes down to pilot preference and geographic area. IMO, this is aviation and everything we pay partially covers a company's R&D into XYZ. The portion of R&D you donate to the manufacturer decreases over time until, at some point, you decide the risk:reward balance is positive. I'll post an interesting thread on this debate soon...
Mike