Here’s a look from the starboard side of that Diamond DA-40, flying at about 2500 feet over Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA, looking to the south.
It was a beautiful, clear day over southeastern Pennsylvania, but from just north of Reading, there was a wall of clouds that blocked my flight into the hinterlands. Too bad. I was looking forward to a long flight, visiting some friends, and then winging back home. Ah well, still a good day. That Diamond is a nice cruiser.
Here’s a photo of the Diamond DA-40 I mentioned in the previous post. This airplane is one slippery bird. It’s made of composite materials, which means no rivets, just a few screws here and there, and fairings to reduce drag around key components.
All that smoothness means you can get a bit more speed out of 180 horsepower as compared to the same amount of ponies in the front of a Cessna 172. Of course, there’s more to it than that, including a different wing design and so forth. Either way, the Diamond DA-40 is a great plane. I’ve flown it on a few cross country journeys now, getting used to the electronics and handling characteristics. Plus, the visibility through that canopy is amazing.
Don’t forget, ALWAYS do your checklist.
Recently, I was checked out in the Diamond DA-40 airplane. This is a great single engine aircraft. It has a slippery profile, which means it will easily cruise at 125 knots using its 180 horsepower efficiently. I’ve taken it on a few short cross county flights in anticipation of some longer trips. Stay tuned for photos and videos. Nothing just yet, because I don’t fool around with the cameras until I’m very comfortable handling the airplane. Soon, hopefully, the video archive will be augmented with some great footage from up there. Remember, ALWAYS do your checklist.
As long as we’re on the subject of flying, here’s a video showing a takeoff from Brandywine Airport, a touch and go landing at Easton, MD, and another landing back at Brandywine. Let’s head out to the flight line.
Checklists are one way pilots are sure to cover all the steps for a given portion of the flight. They come in handy for all types of things, too, not just flying. Make one for yourself, perhaps for packing your vacation suitcase. See you at the airport soon.
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