The awesome Diamond Star DA-40-180
Our 2005 Diamond’s DA40 is a low-wing 4-seat composite airplane that is suitable for everything from primary flight training to personal transportation through hard IFR conditions. The airplane can cruise as fast as 147 knots on 9.5 gallons per hour of fuel through its 4-cylinder 180hp fuel-injected Lycoming engine with constant speed prop.
Features
Max Speed: 158 ktas
1,120 fpm Climb
Fuel Injected Lycoming IO360 (180hp)
Constant speed MT or Hartzell prop
G1000 flight deck available
Advanced IFR training
Superb performance
Our Diamond Star is equipped the incredible Garmin G-1000, making the DA40 the most advanced, high-tech plane we’ve ever offered. It has the best visibility of any General Aviation aircraft ever built.
We have added the following options to our Diamond Star:
Garmin GTX33 Integrated Mode S Transponder with Traffic Information Service (TIS)
Honeywell KAP140 Autopilot, with Altitude Hold and Preselect
Performance landing gear
Extended range fuel tanks
4-way baggage compartment
Premium leather interior
The following is standard equipment on our Diamond Star
Garmin GDU1040, 10 inch primary flight display (PFD), wide horizon, three-axis flight dynamics, air speed, altitude, vertical speed
Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) with 360-degree and arc modes
Garmin GDU1040, 10 inch multi function display (MFD)
Garmin Integrated VFR Terrain Awareness System
Remote Avionics Equipment Mounting Rack
Garmin GDC74 integrated, Digital Air Data Computer, constant display of TAS, CAS, Wind Direction, VSI and TAT
Garmin GRS77 Solid-state Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS)
Dual Garmin GIA63 Integrated radio modules, IFR-approved GPS; VHF navigation with ILS; and VHF communication with 16-watt transceivers
Garmin GEA71 Airframe / Engine Interface Unit
Garmin GMA1347 Digital Audio Controller with digital ATC playback recording
Garmin GMU44 Magnetometer
G1000 Interface for Honeywell KAP 140 2-axis Autopilot
Integrally lit, laser etched polycarbonate switch panel overlays
Centrally located standby instrumentation, including:
Electric Attitude Indicator
Airspeed Indicator
Altimeter
Magnetic Direction Indicator
Hartzell 2-blade, constant speed propeller.
Quotes from AOPA Pilot magazine review
“The visibility, especially critical in formation flying, was the best of any aircraft I have flown. I mentioned to (John) Gauch that I felt I was on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise – only the “on screen” view wraps around the pilot for more than 180 degrees, an unobstructed picture window on the world.”
“The aircraft was loaded without a pound to spare – three big guys and lots of bags. To show off the airplane’s cargo capabilities, Gauch brought a pair of skis along. Yet we leapt off the ground and climbed out at more than 1,000 fpm.
“Cabin room was excellent. The noise level was low. All attempts to make the Star do something scary failed. Landings were as easy as those in the simplest trainer. Short-field takeoffs used an estimated takeoff roll of 250 feet and a a landing to a full stop soaked up only 300 feet.”
Specifications
Powerplant – Lycoming IO360-M1A 180hp
Length – 26.3 ft
Height– 6.6 ft
Wingspan – 39.4 ft
Wing Area – 145 sq ft
Seats – 4
Maximum gross weight – 2,535 lb
Useful load – 821 lb
Fuel capacity with extended tanks – 50 gal
Performance
Takeoff distance, 50-ft obstacle – 1,150 ft
Max crosswind component – 20 kt
Rate of climb, sea level – 1,070 fpm
Cruise, 75% – 147 kts
Service Ceiling – 16,400 feet
Distinguishing Features
The things that distinguish the DA40 from its competitors such as the Cirrus SR20 and the Cessna 172/182 are the following:
exceptional visibility through Plexiglas canopies
higher airspeeds and efficiencies than the Cessnas
lower stall speeds and easier handling than the Cirrus
all-electric instruments
center-mounted stick
cavernous rear canopy for loading bulky cargo into back seats
Want more information? Check out our online airplane checkout course.