Fri, Nov 12, 2010
ANN recently had the chance to fly the Diamond DA40XLS, and the
airplane offers some significant upgrades over the company's base
model airplane.
The airplane flown by ANN is equipped with the new scimitar
prop, which gives the airplane some additional speed and climb
performance, according to Premier Aircraft Sales Regional Sales
Manager Michael Fabianac. He said the airplane flew to St.
Augustine, FL from Ft, Meyers at about 147 knots consuming about
10.5 GPH for the flight.
The high-end DA40 also sports leather seat covers, and,
according to Fabianac, more comfortable seating, including
increased back support for long cross-country flights.
Diamond claims the airplane is already the safest airplane in
GA. It comes with a Garmin G1000 FMS and is powered by a 180 hp
Lycoming IO-360-M1A. Visibility is great through the airplanes
canopy which features lot of perspex. Fabianac told ANN that the
improvements on the XLS model are all on the inside ... "creature
comforts" like the leather seats and increased support. He said
getting into the DA40XLS is more like getting into a Lexus or a
Mercedes.
Air conditioning is also an option on the airplane, which
requires about two weeks of downtime as a retrofit on an older DA40
model.
The scimitar prop makes for a very smooth ride in the DA40XLS.
The prop is standard in the upgraded model, and Fabianac told ANN
that it is also available as a retrofit for any DA40 model. He said
the prop accounts for 5 knots of airspeed and about 200 fpm of
climb performance.
More News
Light Gun A handheld directional light signaling device which emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or red light as selected by the tower controller. The color and type of>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: JAARS, Inc. For decades now, we’ve landed planes on narrow rivers and towering mountains. We’ve outfitted boats and vehicles to reach villages that rarely se>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]
Aircraft Conflict Predicted conflict, within EDST of two aircraft, or between aircraft and airspace. A Red alert is used for conflicts when the predicted minimum separation is 5 na>[...]