EASA Type Certification Awarded
ANN just got early word
that Diamond's new twin, the DA42 Twin Star, received its EASA
(European Aviation Safety Agency) certification early, Thursday,
May 13th. The type certificate was received by Christian Dries, CEO
of Diamond Aircraft, at the Berlin International Aerospace
Exhibition (ILA 2004) only 2 1/2 years after launch of the program
and 18 months after first flight.
"I am delighted to be receiving this certificate today, on
behalf of our many valued customers, our distributors, and all our
dedicated employees" said Mr. Dries.
"Such an aggressive development and certification program was
only possible thanks to the exemplary co-operation between our
company and the responsible airworthiness authorities. The Twin
Star certification will prove to be a defining moment in our
company's history and we are very much looking forward to seeing
the DA42 alongside our 2 and 4 place single engine aircraft around
the world."
With its modern carbon composite airframe, twin jet fuel burning
TAE Centurion 1.7 turbo-diesel engines and the fully integrated
Garmin G1000 glass flight deck, the Twin Star is the undisputed
technology leader in its class. Diamond has positioned its new twin
to compete with new and used light twins and high performance
singles for personal use, as well as for multi engine flight
training.
Building on Diamond's proven Total Safety Concept, that has
resulted in an unsurpassed safety record, Diamond sets the standard
in class by offering twin engine safety at single engine
acquisition and operating cost. The simplicity of powerplant
operation and outstanding single engine performance and handling
offer a high degree of safety formerly unavailable in this price
class.
The DA42 certification marks several significant milestones:
- First Aircraft Type Certification by EASA, the European
Aviation Safety Agency
- First piston aircraft to incorporate new technology propulsion,
avionics, and airframe
- First modern jet-fuel / diesel powered twin engine
aircraft
- First certified application of the fully integrated Garmin
G1000 glass cockpit
122 Sold Just Last Month!
The Twin Star has been attracting much attention since its
announcement, both from private individuals as well as flight
training institutions. In April 2004 alone, Diamond received 122
orders for the DA42, pushing the worldwide total number of Twin
Star orders to 374. To meet the high demand and to reduce the order
backlog and delivery time as quickly as possible, Diamond will be
supplementing DA42 production at its Wiener Neustadt factory with
final assembly of North American customer Twin Stars at its London
Ontario facility.