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Diamond DA62 EASA-certified

Diamond’s DA62 has been certified in Europe. Photo courtesy of Diamond Aircraft.

Austria’s Diamond Aircraft celebrated European certification of the new flagship of the company fleet, displaying the diesel piston twin DA62 at Aero Friedrichshafen in a new paint scheme.

The DA62 (announced in 2012 as the DA52) is available in two basic configurations: with five seats and a 4,407-pound maximum takeoff weight, and seven seats with a 5,071-pound limit. Both configurations are powered by a pair of Austro Engine AE 330 engines producing 180 horsepower on Jet A-1, and pulling the twin at 160 knots while burning 5.9 gallons per hour on each side.

The five-seat configuration can stretch its legs to 1,314 nautical miles, according to detailed specifications (with side-by-side comparisons) posted on the company website. The seven-seat version has a maximum range of 1,285 nautical miles; both configurations carry 86 gallons of fuel.

The company has applied for FAA approval and hopes to have that type certificate by March or April of 2016, a spokesperson said in an email responding to questions about availability and price. At current exchange rates, both basic configurations (4,407 pounds and 5,071 pounds) have the same price, just over $1 million (€920,000). The seven-seat configuration, fully-equipped (though excluding optional air conditioning) is $1.1 million at current exchange rates.

A change in the production process has removed restrictions on paint options, and the DA62 displayed at Aero sported a two-tone metallic gray paint scheme with white accent stripes, a dramatic difference from the predominantly white paint on previous test aircraft. Owners may choose any color, the company noted.

Diamond reported that a dozen DA62 orders have been taken so far.

From left, Patrick Ky, EASA Executive Director, hands over the DA62 EASA certificate to Christian Dries, Diamond Aircraft CEO at AERO Friedrichshafen. Photo courtesy of Diamond Aircraft.
Jim Moore
Jim Moore
Managing Editor-Digital Media
Digital Media Managing Editor Jim Moore joined AOPA in 2011 and is an instrument-rated private pilot, as well as a certificated remote pilot, who enjoys competition aerobatics and flying drones.
Topics: Aviation Industry, AERO Friedrichshafen, Events

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