Flew this state of the art plane what do you think she is?http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/125898.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/125899.jpg

DA42?

Jimmi Full marks and quick ;-)Yes a twinstarhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/125900.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/125901.jpg

Yeuch! That chrome trim is so tacky! Looks like a 70's Japanese car!Allcott

I don't think I like the looks of the Twinstar too much, I like the more conventional looking :) Those side intakes on the engines look pretty evil though }(

My nearest flying club have bought a DA40 (single engine) so I've had a chance to see it. I think the Diamond aircraft look pretty good. They have the kind of look that you either love or hate, though.

Having flown this aircraft I was very disappointed with the performance.Initially the Twinstar claimed 206 kts at 12000 feet reality is 155 kts TAS at 10000 feet.Low level at 5000 feet and 70% power indicated airspeed was a poor 127 kts so 50 kts down on the initial claims :-(Peter

Peter,What is the single engine climb performance at 5000?and is it also stick rather than a yoke like the DA40? I like stick on a decathlon etc..but not on the Diamond.Manny

>and is it also stick rather than a yoke like the DA40? I like>stick on a decathlon etc..but not on the Diamond.>My preference is definately for the "sticks" in the DA40, but then I'm not a fan of yokes............connected by sloppy chains, cog wheels, & whatever.. :D And I even like the looks of this twin.Ladamson

The more interesting story, in my opinion, is how that left engine came to be stopped at such a high altitude! I'm only a lowly flight student so far, but the sight of that prop standing still in the breeze is enough to make me need to go change shorts ;-)

>The more interesting story, in my opinion, is how that left>engine came to be stopped at such a high altitude! I'm only a>lowly flight student so far, but the sight of that prop>standing still in the breeze is enough to make me need to go>change shorts ;-)Perhaps that has to do with the camera? I know moving props will "freeze" in photos I've taken if certain settings aren't adjusted. Edit: Oh, you're probably joking. I feel dumb now. :D

If the DA42's cockpit roominess, or rather lack thereof, is similar to the DA40 then I won't be flying one anytime soon. I did a 1.2 hour checkout in a G1000 DA40 a couple months ago and the cockpit is just not big enough for me, especially knee room (I'm 6'4"). The Cirrus cockpit is *far* more roomy and comfortable. The Cirrus *is* missing one propeller though...Dave Blevins

No trick photography we simply shut it down so a genuine stopped prop.Peter

The more interesting story, in my opinion, is how that left engine came to be stopped at such a high altitude!