Diamond Considers Factory Offering If Demand Warrants

Aero-News has learned Diamond Aircraft distributor Premier Aircraft Sales, Inc. recently received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SA03674AT for installation of a fully integrated vapor cycle air conditioning system for all Lycoming-powered Diamond Aircraft DA40 series aircraft.

The Fort Lauderdale, FL-based sales outfit invested more than two years in research, design, engineering and testing to earn the STC. The 10,000 BTU DA40 Cabin Cool system, capable of cooling cabin air to 55 degrees F as measured at the vents, features an engine driven compressor, electronic control panel, a cabin air distribution system and electric fan for ground operations. Priced at $27,500 installed, the typical retrofit requires two weeks in the shop.

The system is FAA certified for installation on all Lycoming-powered, US registered DA40s and can be retrofitted to any new or in service DA40.

"We are pleased that Premier had the initiative and perseverance to develop and certify this system for the DA40," said Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft Industries. "Over the years we have had enough inquiries for air conditioning that we know there will be robust demand for this option in the hotter climates. There is truly no other aircraft on the market that combines the value, performance, fuel efficiency and now cabin comfort, offered by the DA40."

"It's been incredibly challenging to earn the FAA STC for the system -- it's a lot bigger commitment than most aircraft dealers would be in the position to undertake," said David Pomerance, Premier's chief operating officer and manager of the air conditioning project. "But our market called for it, so we said, 'let's build it.'"

Premier president Fred Ahles called the air conditioning system "a major leap forward in the comfort features available for the DA40."

The system will be sold and warrantied exclusively by Premier... though if customer response to Cabin Cool meets the levels anticipated by Premier and Diamond, the planemaker may offer the system factory-installed and certified in the future.

FMI: www.flypas.com, www.diamondaircraft.com