November. 17/06
DA42 for Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor Certifications

According to a national FAA Policy document (Notice 8000.331), issued this month, airplanes equipped with retractable landing gear, flaps and FADEC – like the DA42 – meet the definition of a complex aircraft and may be used for Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor Certifications.

The operating cost benefits of the DA42, with its fuel efficient turbo-diesel engines and low drag airframe are obvious. Whether the aircraft met the definition of a complex aircraft (flaps, retractable gear and variable pitch propeller) for conducting Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor Certifications, had been an issue.The DA42 engines and propellers are FADEC controlled via a single "power lever", like modern turbine powered aircraft.

"We are very impressed with the FAA's quick response to clarifying existing regulations that were written prior to the availability of FADEC controlled piston engines,” said Chuck Glass, Director of Fleet Sales for Diamond Aircraft. "Diamond currently produces four DA42s per week, with many of them already in flight training operations internationally. We expect that this policy will increase the demand for the DA42 in the USA even more, as flight schools modernize their fleets," he added.

The award winning DA42 is the undisputed piston aircraft technology leader, with all carbon airframe, Garmin G1000 glass cockpit and FADEC controlled turbo-diesel (JET-A1) powerplants.

For more information on Diamond Aircraft visit www.diamondaircraft.com or call 888-359-3220.

To view the FAA Policy document (Notice 8000.331), please click here.