Diamond Aircraft Da40

Single Piston

The Diamond DA40 Diamond Star is an Austrian-built single-engine four-seat aircraft that has become one of the most popular training and personal touring platforms since its introduction in 1997. Built almost entirely from composite materials, the DA40 features a distinctive T-tail, low wing, and bubble canopy that provides exceptional visibility for both instruction and cross-country flying. Its efficient Lycoming IO-360 engine and sleek aerodynamic design deliver cruise speeds around 140 knots while burning just 8-9 gallons per hour, making it significantly more economical than comparable aluminum trainers. The DA40's handling characteristics and safety record have made it a favorite among flight schools worldwide. The aircraft's benign stall behavior, excellent spin resistance, and crashworthy composite fuselage contribute to one of the best safety records in general aviation. Diamond's use of a castering nosewheel and side-stick controls gives the cockpit a modern feel that prepares students for transition to glass-cockpit jets, while the Garmin G1000 avionics suite (standard on most variants) provides training on systems found in far larger aircraft. The type's 8.5:1 glide ratio—exceptional for a powered single—offers an additional safety margin during engine-out scenarios. SkyMeter has tracked 22 flights across 6 airframes and 2 operators, with MEYER LARRY the largest observed operator.