After logging all of my flight hours in the venerable HOAC DV20 Katana, stepping into the cockpit of a Diamond DA40 NG equipped with the Garming G100 NXi felt like trading in a nimble sports car for a luxury touring one. The upgrade was as much about passenger comfort and capability as it was about raw performance.
First Impressions
The DA40 NG looks fast even when parked in front of the hangar. Its sleek likes, composite airframe and aggresive looks give away its very modern heritage. But the real “magic” happens inside the aircraft.
As I sat down on the left seat, i was immediately struck by the main instrument panel (MIP). Wide, clean and very sleek. Gone were the familliar round dials and modest avionics of te Katana. In their place. now a panoramic digital landscape. Apparently this aircraft was also fit with the so called “synthethic vision”, offered by diamond for a shockingly high price.
Avionics: The G1000 NXi Difference
The G1000 NXI isn’t just a glass cockpit. Its a fully integrated flight deck. the system offers features like vertical navigation ( VNAV). For my flight however, we did not use this system. But for all the instrument rated pilots, it is a very fine touch. Our Da40 NG was also equipped with the Autopilot GFC 700. The autopilot comes in very handy when flying long haul!
Flight planning in the diamond star felt like a breeze. the compatible nobs felt well-made, and the moving mape with the synthetic vision made situational awareness second nature. Altough, this also has a downside. constantly staring at the avionics may even reduce your situational awarness. I could not keep my eyes off the magnificent instruments.
Interior Comfort
Flying longer legs in the Da40 NG is a more comfortable experience. the seating position is more upright, and relaxed. The front 2 seats have reclining seats, very clever! Besides, it is great to comment on the airframe integrated seats. the Seats do not slide, but are built into the airframe. The cockpit visibilty is amazing. However, I did notice that the nose is quite long. The Da40NG feels like business class compared to the the Katana. I do like the Katana being more “hands on”.
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Final Thoughts
The Da40 NG is a game changer. its easy to romanticice the stick and rudder simplicity of the Katana, and for training or local hops, its still a wonderful aircraft. But the DA40 NG brings a whole new wold within reach.