DA62, military might at AOPA Fly-In

“It’s quite a step up from the DA42 twins,” AOPA Editor at Large Tom Horne said in an AOPA Live review of the $1 million twin that he flew earlier this year in Sedona, Arizona, for an AOPA Pilot feature. “The DA62 is bigger, more powerful, has gull-wing entry doors, and its 180-horsepower Austro engines give it cruise speeds of 192 knots at 14,000 feet on only 17 gallons of Jet A per hour—total, that’s just 8 gallons per hour per engine.”

The DA62 that will be on display at the Beaufort Fly-In is part of the DiamondShare aircraft access program and will signal the launch of a multi-state demo tour along the East Coast. Demo flights in Beaufort and at other locations along the East Coast can be scheduled through LifeStyle Aviation.

The DA62 will have some competition for pilots’ attention in the aircraft display area at the Beaufort Fly-In. More than 34 aircraft are expected to be on display, including the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, and Sikorsky UH-53 helicopters. In addition, the DC-3 Clipper Tabitha May is scheduled to fly in for the display.

“From the newest FAA-certified aircraft to classic warbirds, the aircraft display at our Beaufort Fly-In has it all,” said Chris Eads, AOPA director of outreach and events. “If you love all things aviation, civilian and military, you won’t want to miss the mix of aircraft we have lined up for you.”

Pilots planning to attend the Beaufort Fly-In may want to consider volunteering to help AOPA on the airside operations before, during, or after the event. Help marshal or park some of the display aircraft and aircraft arriving and departing for the fly-in during a five- or six-hour shift. Volunteers can sign up online and will receive a free lunch, T-shirt, and cap as a thank you.