Diamond 20 Katana

Single Piston· 327 globally registered

The Diamond DA20 Katana is an Austrian two-seat trainer that revolutionized flight instruction when it entered service in 1993 as one of the first all-composite aircraft certified for ab-initio training. Built by Diamond Aircraft in Wiener Neustadt, the DA20 features a sleek glider-like design with a T-tail, bubble canopy, and exceptional visibility that makes it ideal for teaching stick-and-rudder skills. Its composite construction delivers a smooth, quiet ride and outstanding fuel efficiency—the Katana burns just 5 to 6 gallons per hour, roughly half what comparable metal trainers consume. Powered by a modest 125-horsepower Continental IO-240 engine in the most common C1 variant, the DA20 cruises at around 110 knots and climbs at 800 feet per minute, performance that's adequate for training missions while keeping operating costs low. The aircraft's benign stall characteristics, harmonized controls, and forgiving handling have made it a favorite at flight schools worldwide, where it competes directly with the Cessna 152 and Piper Tomahawk. The Katana's low wing loading and efficient wing design also give it respectable glide performance, a trait inherited from Diamond's motorglider heritage. More than 1,000 DA20s have been delivered globally, and the type remains in production today with updated avionics and powerplant options. Its combination of modern materials, low fuel burn, and excellent training ergonomics has secured its place as a standard primary trainer across North America, Europe, and Asia. SkyMeter has tracked 2,925 flights across 341 airframes and 89 operators, with SHORTT AIRCRAFT LEASING LLC the largest observed operator.