Austro engined DA42 twin makes a successful crossing
DIAMOND’S newly certified DA42 NG, powered by two AustroEngine AE300 170 hp turbo-diesel powerplants, has been flown across theAtlantic to the Oshkosh air show EAA AirVenture 2009.Pilotedby Martin Scherrer, Manager of Flight Operations at Diamond AirborneSensing, the flight from Diamond’s headquarters in Wiener Neustadt,Austria to it’s facility in London, Ontario, Canada took 27.5 hours total,flown in 7 legs ranging from 3 to 4.5 hours over 2.5 days. Fuel stopsincluded Dortmund, Germany – Wick, Scotland – Reykjavik, Iceland –Narsarsuaq, Greenland – Goose Bay and Quebec, Canada.“The enginesmaintained the performance to the desired altitude (FL140) withoutdegradation of power, which was very helpful when climbing throughicing layers on the way up. The flight was performed without anyproblems whatsoever, with the engines running very smooth and stable,”said Martin Scherrer. “The flight was very pleasant. The low noise andvibration levels reduce fatigue, the seats with memory foam inserts,adjustable lumbar support and backrests are very ergonomic and the newtaller canopy and electrically adjustable rudder pedals accommodated my6’7” height comfortably.”All flights were flown at FL 140, at 65%power, 155 KTAS, with a fuel burn of only 5.6 gph per engine. Theaircraft is a stock DA42 NG, without ferry tanks.
