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The Diamond DA42 is a four-seat, twin-engine light aircraft designed for efficiency, training, and multi-engine capability with real-world utility. It blends modern materials, diesel/Jet-A fuel engines and a glass-cockpit environment to deliver a compelling package.
Capacity: Seats one pilot and up to three passengers—ideal for training, small group travel, or owner-pilot twin operations.
Performance & Efficiency:
Powered by two Austro AE 300 turbocharged diesel/Jet-A engines (~168 hp each) in the current version.
Maximum speed around 197 knots (~365 km/h).
Fuel consumption remarkably low for a twin: around 10.4 US gallons per hour (≈39.4 litres/h) at 60 % power.
Range & Altitude:
Range up to approximately 1,210-1,300 nautical miles in favorable configuration.
Service ceiling and performance allow the aircraft to operate efficiently in higher altitudes, helping avoid weather and traffic.
Design & Technology:
Composite airframe gives light-weight and aerodynamic benefits.
Modern avionics (typically Garmin G1000 or equivalent) for contemporary operational standards.
Twin engines provide added safety margin: in case of one engine failure, the aircraft remains controllable.
Operational versatility: Suitable for multi-engine training, owner-pilots upgrading into twins, aerial surveillance/mission roles, and efficient small group travel.
For pilots wanting to move into twin-engine flying without the large leap in complexity and cost of turboprops, the DA42 offers a very smart bridge. It combines twin-engine safety, modern fuel economy, contemporary avionics and four-seat practicality in one package. It works well for training institutions as well as owners who fly longer legs and want the redundancy of two engines.
Though very efficient, operating two engines still incurs higher costs (maintenance, fuel, inspections) compared to a comparable single-engine aircraft.
Payload and weight-balance must be managed: with full fuel and four occupants, baggage/extra load may be limited depending on variant.
Performance varies significantly depending on variant (e.g., earlier gasoline versions, diesel/Jet-A versions) — so check the specific airframe’s configuration and hours.
Twin-engine operations demand proper pilot training in engine-out procedures, asymmetric thrust control and higher operational discipline.