Embry-Riddle orders 10 more DA42s for pilot training

Diamond Aircraft Industries has sold 10 DA42-VI piston-twins to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) for its multi-engine pilot training course.

The first 168hp Austro AE300-powered aircraft will be delivered to the institution’s Daytona, Florida facility in April 2016, and all the examples are expected to be in service by the end of September.

Diamond has been a regular supplier of aircraft to ERAU since 2009, with 14 Textron Lycoming IO-360-powered DA42s delivered to the training provider so far.

Diamond Aircraft Industries

The DA42-VI is the third iteration of the all-composite, 11-year-old piston-twin. Introduced in 2013, the diesel-fuelled aircraft features a Garmin G1000 cockpit, has a maximum speed of 200kt (370km/h), an empty weight of 1,410kg (3,110lb) and a take-off ground roll of 1,083ft (330m).

Around 850 DA42s have been delivered to date, including 35 of the type in the first three quarters of 2015.