Diamond Da50

Single Piston

The Diamond DA50 RG represents the Austrian manufacturer's ambitious entry into the high-performance single-engine market, certified in 2017 as Diamond's largest and most capable piston aircraft to date. Built entirely from carbon fiber composite with a retractable tricycle landing gear, the DA50 combines a spacious five-seat cabin with a 300-horsepower Continental CD-300 diesel engine, delivering cruise speeds around 180 knots and a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles. The type's clean aerodynamic design and fuel-efficient Jet-A burning powerplant make it an attractive option for owner-pilots seeking cross-country capability without the operating costs of a twin, while the all-composite airframe provides exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Diamond's signature features carry over from the smaller DA40 and DA42 lines, including excellent visibility through the bubble canopy, benign handling characteristics, and a modern Garmin glass cockpit as standard equipment. The DA50 occupies a niche between traditional high-performance singles like the Cirrus SR22 and light twins, offering near-twin performance with single-engine simplicity, though its higher acquisition cost and relative newness mean the global fleet remains modest compared to established competitors. SkyMeter has tracked 114 flights across 31 airframes and 10 operators, with MORNING WINGS LLC the largest observed operator.