Diamond DA-42 Twinstar

[3DFreak576]

Just thought I'd share what I'll be getting my multiengine rating in this fall. Riddle purchased 10 of these bad boys...

[Kiwi]

I would really like to know how a 6ft 4 guy will fit in that thing with three fair adults as pax, I always thought it looked a little bigger than that but the pics might be out of whack.

Anyone got any time in one and comments please. These run on Jet A1 or Diesel correct???

Kiwi

[3DFreak576]

Um, not quite sure of the size, we should be getting our first one here in a few weeks so i'll be able to let you know, its really hardr to tell from the pics

yes, the 2 turbo diesel engines run on Jet A1

[pitviper51]

that is by far the coolest looking twin iv seen yet, looks like a rutan design but i could be wrong haha cant wait to see detail on that, a model would ROCK!!
mike

[RightThrust]

I saw one where I work at the Ocala airport. The main reason for ERAU choosing the twin star is to save money on fuel. Tuition prices and flight training prices will continue to rise, however. If you the students are transitioning from that airplane in regional jets or something then that's not bad but the twinstar really takes away alot of the power management you got with the Seminoles. Even the seminoles are a joke to fly with the counter-rotating props. The twin star is as close as you can get with a light twin to a jet with the FADEC engines but they're losing some skills that can be taught by using that airplane. As with everything, it's ALL about money.

-Kelly

[Twizlair]

I recently got the chance to sit in one at a local airport they are very roomy for the size. I am 6'1" with 39" legs. i cram into a 172 and the twin star was a very good fit 6'4" should not be a problem.

[Kiwi]

Twizlair,

Thanks for that mate. I always thought they were a full sized twin in so much as they are good for four adults. The economy from them is bloody out of this world. I think they flew the Atlantic on less than $200 in gas or 200 liters. Something like that,

The engines are also multi fuel rated. You can fill it with Jet A1 or Diesel or a mixture of both. Engine management is a one lever function I believe. The FADEC does all the work for you but I'm sure you can still do SE stuff with em as well.

They sure look like a RUTAN and they sure are quick for the money.

Kiwi

[N726AC]

Are they still considered a complex with FADEC ?? I think the FAA is looking at a new rating because of that.

[N726AC]

I know they sure sound 'funny'.

[Eury]

Those are very cool looking planes. I flew my Baron into Minneapolis Flying Cloud airport last year, and they had one on the ramp, one of the sexiest GA aircraft I've seen. Turns out they're a dealer, they offered me a test flight, but I had somewhere I had to go downtown, so I couldn't take them up on it. God that was stupid, I should have made the time. Not that I'm in any postition to buy one, but it would have been cool to fly, they are a very cool plane. I'm jealous that the Riddle guys are getting to train in them, I got my Multi in a crappy Seminole at Flight Safety in Vero Beach.

[Twizlair]

	Quote: Originally Posted by N726AC
	Are they still considered a complex with FADEC ?? I think the FAA is looking at a new rating because of that.

My understand is the aircraft is still considered a complex high performance twin for rating to fly.
The one here in ABQ. 5,500 MSL will pull up and climb out at better than 1,200 FPM. They do sound very weird and the pilot said that seeing manifold pressures in the 60-70's is just wrong after flying his 421 at 25-28. I was very skeptical when i first saw it because i can't even fit in a DA20 and it is a tight fit for me in DA40. Fuel consumption at cruise is about the same a C-172SP. Cost to operate per hour is down around $45 per hour including all costs of ownershop.
If you get a chance to sit or fly in one take it they are neat little planes. the trailing link gear is very cool for landing.

[Ando]

I was almost going to fly those too, but I left LeTourneau University when they ordered theirs and went to another flight university that is still flying a old Cessena 310. Those are some awsome planes...