New Type Association/Factory Alliance Off To Excellent
Start
One of the most positive developments of the last few years has
been the natural tendency of certain types of aircraft owners to
congregate together to support their collective interests. Type
clubs for all manner of aircraft have not only been created, but
have come to flourish and take their place as an indispensable part
of the aviation scene... providing a sense of community and an
undeniably positive effect on the safety of all those who come
together under a common banner.
One of the newest and most promising of these type-groups is the
Diamond Aircraft Pilot's Organization (www.dapo.org) who has,
in cooperation with Diamond Aircraft, provided an extraordinary
resource for the owners and operators of all manner of Diamond
flyers... whether they be two or four seaters, motor-glider,
trainers or cross-country cruisers. The relationship between DAPO
and Diamond is an evolving one, as Diamond realizes the value of a
strong owner's association (and even provides one free year
membership to DAPO with every "NEW" plane delivery) and has
strongly encouraged its formation and growth.
The first rendition of what is assuredly an annual event took
place at Diamond Aircraft's new Flight Centre, located on the
London, Ontario airport, a short distance away from Diamond's North
American manufacturing facility. The new Flight Centre is one of
the nicest we've seen from a piston manufacturer. Brand new; its
official dedication took place during this event... a three day
affair attended by nearly 200 Diamond owners and pilots and several
dozen aircraft.
The new facility is beautifully appointed. Not only does it have
that "New Flight Centre" look and smell, but the facility includes
a well-stocked pilot shop, briefing areas, several conference
rooms, a number of smaller offices (for use by new owners, students
and Diamond personnel), a very highly-regarded airport restaurant
(the Katana Kafe), an adjacent hangar, onsite high-speed wireless
internet (even accessible in the hangar), and no lack of creature
comforts.
The inaugural event was held in conjunction with the annual
London Airshow... so as Diamond owners flew in and enjoyed the
sights, they were often escorted by P-51s, biplanes, F-18s, and
other military and airshow aircraft. The Diamond gang found that
they fit right in. An outside viewing area, right next to the
restaurant, offered an excellent place from which to enjoy the
sights and sounds of the airshow... while still staying close to
all the Diamond-oriented action. The first two days of the event
offered dozens of opportunities for learning and fact-gathering.
Diamond Aircraft staffers and other industry experts spent the days
regaling attendees with a number of seminars about every aspect of
the aircraft, systems, ownership issues, and associated info.
Topics covered included Cleveland Wheels and Brakes, Garmin
Handhelds, Mountain High Oxygen, Honeywell Autopilots,
Diamond’s Safety Concept, Hartzell Propellers, Garmin Basic
430/530, Sensenich Propellers, Textron Lycoming, Advocate Tax
consultants, DA42/D-JET update, C1 panel discussion, Garmin G1000,
The Diamond Story, MT Propellers, Garmin/Advanced 430/530, XU
Aviation (Composite Technology), Avemco Insurance, Airfleet Capital
financing, Sennheiser headsets, and a DA40 panel discussion. In and
amongst all this, there were a number of lunches and dinner
gatherings that ultimately served as serious hangar sessions as
owners grouped together to discuss their aircraft and
adventures.
To be continued...
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