FAA change could lift Diamond in USA

New definition of 'complex' aircraft opens training door

Diamond Aircraft is one step closer to having an all-encompassing roster of training aircraft for the US market.

Earlier this month, the US Federal Aviation Administration issued a "national policy" document amending the definition of "complex" aircraft to include those with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC), a change that allows flight schools to use the twin-engined, diesel-powered DA42 for commercial and flight instructor training, in addition to multi-engine training.

Previously, the FAA's definition of "complex" implied that the pilot has a separate control for propeller pitch, a function that is automated with a FADEC. With the new guidance and its other single-engined aircraft, the DA20, DA40FP and DA40-180, Diamond has all training areas covered except for a jet transition trainer. That role will ultimately be filled by the company's new D-Jet.

Peter Maurer, president of Diamond, says that although regulations did not specifically state the need for a separate control for propeller pitch (along with flaps and a retractable landing gear), the definition was open to the extent that FAA flight standards district offices could interpret the rule differently. "We were looking for national policy guidance to make it clear," he says, adding that the issue did not become "urgent" until Diamond began delivering the DA42 to flight schools this year.

Maurer says the company has delivered close to 200 DA42s worldwide, with about half being used for flight training. About 30-40 have been delivered in the USA, with about 10 in flight training schools. Maurer says similar pilot certification rule changes already apply in Europe.

Source: Flight International