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Diamond DA40 Diamond Star
Diamond’s DA40 combines fuel economy with elegant good looks, super avionics and a redesigned luggage area. The result is a sleek cross-country machine that’s a joy for the whole family.
In these days of sky-high fuel prices, the well-traveled aviator is always trying to find ways to cut fuel expenses. That’s why we believe the DA40, which can cruise at 145 kts on just 10.5 gallons per hour, is perhaps the most stylish way to get where you’re going while cutting fuel costs at the same time.
One of the new breed of high-tech, composite airplanes, the DA40 Diamond Star can carry 660 pounds plus fuel to a distance of more than 600 miles with IFR reserves. That’s ample range and payload for a family of four.
 The DA40’s sleek, white composite airframe and T-tail design hail from Diamond’s early history as a motor-glider company. It has a roomy cabin, while the wings and tail taper elegantly away from the cabin as though barely connected. The airplane’s slippery aerodynamic qualities make it easy and stable to fly, while reducing drag that would otherwise erode the airplane’s fuel consumption.
The large, top-open canopy and pilot’s-side rear canopy make it easy to enter and load the airplane. And the company recently redesigned the luggage compartment and rear canopy door so that the airplane can carry more cargo — and two sets of golf clubs — behind the rear seat. There’s even a spare compartment under the luggage-area floor that can be used to store the tow bar and other flat items. These improvements make this model an even more capable family cross-country machine.
The DA40 was one of the first all-electric certified single engine aircraft. In addition to a standard panel with Garmin avionics — including dual 430s — this model can be ordered with either Avidyne or the Garmin G1000 all-glass primary flight displays. This comprehensive array of offerings provides the best avionics for every budget, making this airplane extremely reliable as a cross-country platform.
But what we like best is its family-friendly design. Sleek leather seats are comfortable and resist stains. The large glass canopy provides excellent visibility almost all the
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way around.
Different power and avionics configurations affect pricing, starting at less than $194,600 for standard avionics to nearly $230,000 for a fully-equipped G1000 model. But given the airplane’s responsive performance, reasonable carrying capacity and low fuel consumption, the price is considerably worth it.
And that’s why the Diamond DA40 Diamond Star is our pick as Bird of the Month.
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