Diamond DA40 NG / TDI

Typical use: Commercial (CPL), Instrument Rating, Modern PPL

Specifications

• Seats: 4
• Cruise: 125 kt
• Stall speed, landing configuration: 58 kt
• Max demonstrated crosswind: 25 kt
• Take-off to 50 ft: 590 m
• Engine: Austro AE300 (Diesel)
• Avionics: Glass Cockpit (Garmin G1000)
• Typical hourly rate: £280–£340/hr wet
• Resale value (2025): £300,000–£480,000

Instructor insight

Like teaching in a video game. FADEC (single lever) removes mixture/prop complexity, allowing focus on airmanship. However, the long wings make it 'float' forever if approach speed is fast.

Student experience

The 'Greenhouse Effect'. The canopy does not open in flight, and on a hot UK summer day, the cockpit temp can easily hit 30°C+.