Thread: Diamond LSA?

Aviation News Network hinted this morning that Diamond may introduce a LSA version of the DA-20 tomorrow morning in a press conference. Being a previous owner of a G1000/DA40, I can tell you that their fit/finish/quality is unsurpassed and they, if successfully able to launch one, will be a MAJOR player in the LSA market. I've flown a 20 many times with my instructor son and it was very impressive, but I bet the payload will be a problem even if they put it on a weight watchers diet.

Here's the quote from Avnetwork news:

Diamond will also be revealing a new configuration of the DA20, on Monday August 27, that is sure to create lots of buzz, especially with flight schools and sport flyers.


Cessna beware!!!

John

The DA20 and DA40 are great airplanes. They are easy to fly, have simple systems, are durable and efficient. Visibility and handling qualities are very good. If they can make a LSA version of the DA20 (the original DA-20-A1 wasn't that far off), it should be a great airplane.

Had I been able to get a medical when I started flying, we would have gotten a DA20 instead of a CT. Slightly better performance, better landing characteristics, but not as much fuel capacity or payload.

Doug

Well, forget that! All they have done is add the new G500 panel to the DA-20, nothing more. Oh well, I thought they may have been able to trim some weight down and sneak in under the LSA rules, but that would have been impossible. They need to watch their wording since they said "sport flyers" in their press release...

John

Originally Posted by Patrnflyr

Well, forget that! All they have done is add the new G500 panel to the DA-20, nothing more. Oh well, I thought they may have been able to trim some weight down and sneak in under the LSA rules, but that would have been impossible. They need to watch their wording since they said "sport flyers" in their press release...

John

Yeah, I saw that today. A good development for the DA20 for sure, but it's nothing like a LSA derivative of the DA20. To put it in perspective, the DA20 has a MGTW of 800kg in the US - 33% over the LSA weight limit, and it's a little too speedy too.

Doug