I will be transitioning to this aircraft in the next week and would like to get some more information about it. Does, or has, anyone ever taught in this plane? I have already downloaded and read the POH off the Diamondstar website. I guess Im looking for 1. Even more technical info on it in terms of systems 2. Some kind of checklist would be nice to start learning flows and stuff 3. Things to watch out for when you are training someone in it (example: In a 172 you have to be very careful not to over rotate and hit the tail on a softfield T/O). I think Riddle used to, or still does, train in the DA20/DA40. If any Grads or current student have any good training materials that they are willing to share, I would reappy appreciate it! Thanks all
Diamondstar DA20
- Thread starter Gunnar971
- Start date
Boris Badenov
Fortis Leader
Flows? Systems? Transitioning? It's a flying weedwacker dude, relax and try to have some fun before this becomes a Job.
Giggity
Well-Known Member
1. Its not a diamondstar.... its a diamond da20
2. Free castering nose wheel and differental braking catches most 172 guys
3. It uses alot of rudder and the flight controls are very sensitive
4. If you are even close to hitting the tail in a 172
you would have already smacked the 20's tail and skidded for 100 feet5. Its a very easy plane to fly.... but make sure if you are smooth and not jerky with the controls "my biggest pet peave"
FYI- the fuel primer/boostpump is just a higher pressure setting on the standard electric boost pump
Douglas
Old School KSUX
Checklists are in the POH. Unless your looking for a special school checklist.
Lol it is a job. Ill be teaching in it next week. Sorry, should have made that more clear in the origional post
1. Its not a diamondstar.... its a diamond da20
2. Free castering nose wheel and differental braking catches most 172 guys
3. It uses alot of rudder and the flight controls are very sensitive
4. If you are even close to hitting the tail in a 172
5. Its a very easy plane to fly.... but make sure if you are smooth and not jerky with the controls "my biggest pet peave"
FYI- the fuel primer/boostpump is just a higher pressure setting on the standard electric boost pump
Thank you sir. For the record, I have never been close to hitting the tail in a 172, but it is (or was) a reoccuring problem with my previous place of employment :beer:
USMCmech
Well-Known Member
+1
Diamond took their motorglider, chopped about 8 feet off of each wing, dropped a bigger engine in it, and the Katana/Eclipse is the result.
That is the key when learning this airplane, it's REALLY slippery (vs the 172) and LOVES to float if you are hot and/or high. Making a no flap landing is actually the most difficult part of the transition, drag it in low and slow enough that you are slightly uncomfortable, and you'll still float.
Free castering nosewheel takes a few minutes to get used to, but you'll pick it up quickly.
It handles great, think Mazda Miata vs Cessna's pickup truck.
Yes very true, I guess I was just looking for something a little more condensed to make studying easier. As opposed to lugging around a 260 page binder. Maybe Ill just take the procedures and make my own "condensed" version
yea the glide ratio is suppose to be something like 11:1 vs a 172 which is about 7:1ish. dont come in fast on final!! haha. Thanks for the input
KSCessnaDriver
Well-Known Member
My DA20 advice. Don't be fast on final, don't let students get lazy with the rudders, make sure you get to spin the thing some (if its permitted, I know the A models had some issues with that) . You flying the A1 or the C1 model? I would give you some cruise speeds for the C1, but they can vary depending on equipment (wheel pants, prop STC, etc...). 6 pack, Aspen or G500 panel?
Edit: You can get the entire POH from the Diamond website, if you didn't already know that.
Edit: You can get the entire POH from the Diamond website, if you didn't already know that.
Douglas
Old School KSUX
Ah, I apologize, didn't realize you were an instructor.
USMCmech
Well-Known Member
A couple of Gotchas that came up with transitioning pilots,
Check out the required equipment list, the normal "tomato flames" list is there, but there is also a bunch of other things that are REQUIRED by Diamond. Namely ALL the engine instruments are req'd. You can't go around the pattern if the EGT is inop.
Also it is NOT certified for IMC. This was done because lightning protection would have been too expensive. You can practice IFR all you want, and most airplanes have all the nessacery instruments, but you many not go through any clouds. If you get stuck on top and need to shoot an approach to get back on the ground, technially you would have to declare an Emergency.
It's just a little cooler than a blast oven during the summer with the canopy closed. You can't have the canopy open when the engine is running. Take a towel for your seat and change them out between lessons.
Check out the required equipment list, the normal "tomato flames" list is there, but there is also a bunch of other things that are REQUIRED by Diamond. Namely ALL the engine instruments are req'd. You can't go around the pattern if the EGT is inop.
Also it is NOT certified for IMC. This was done because lightning protection would have been too expensive. You can practice IFR all you want, and most airplanes have all the nessacery instruments, but you many not go through any clouds. If you get stuck on top and need to shoot an approach to get back on the ground, technially you would have to declare an Emergency.
It's just a little cooler than a blast oven during the summer with the canopy closed. You can't have the canopy open when the engine is running. Take a towel for your seat and change them out between lessons.
Murdoughnut
Well sized member
The damn thing made my back hurt.
SeanD
Well-Known Member
Ill echo what someone else said about being fast on final. Its an extremely light airplane. Let the glide ratio do the work. The steering is pretty annoying. I never felt comfortable riding the brakes to get the thing to turn. You pull or push the rudder pedals to fit. The seats are extremely uncomfortable after the first 20 minutes. The most important thing to remember? Keep it light. The weight limit makes a huge difference with this airplane. I personally didn't like the way the airplane handled here in a desert environment. However, the visibility from the canopy is stunning and by far the best I have ever experienced.
One more thing, if its sunny dont forget to wear sun screen.
One more thing, if its sunny dont forget to wear sun screen.
Screaming_Emu
Well-Known Member
Fixed it!
I loved the DA-20. Fun airplane to fly and instruct in.
Its been a while since I've flown it, so that's all I have to add.
SeanD
Well-Known Member
Ive heard this too. I think it stems from an accident in AZ some years back involving a private pilot that put one in a spin and failed to recover it.
USMCmech
Well-Known Member
It spins great, but it won't "recover" from a "spin" by letting go and covering your eyes like a 172 will.
Idle, step on the opposite rudder, push the nose down, wait.
R
Roger, Roger
Guest
Not having flown the DA20, but with some time in it's big big brother the DA42, I will attest to the truth of both of these statements.
As for systems, a motorcycle is probably more complex.
KSCessnaDriver
Well-Known Member
I know there was an AD on the A1 models, because someone managed to get their foot stuck up around the rudder pedals and whatever else was down there. Basically they had to placard them no spins, or add some sort of protective plate, IIRC.
ralphbrynard
New Member
DA 20 is an excellent aircraft for training. Sensitive controls, differential braking isn't too intense. Stalls are extremely tame. Concur with the exessive float.