Today I just had my first intro flight lesson, was supposed to go up in a piper warrior but it went in to get painted, so the only option was a da-20. I said ya sure, and it was awsome, what a sharp looking airplane, and it really just wants to fly , it seems like to me it just wants to go faster. When landing there was not much of a crosswind but we still landed hard, to me it seemed swirly. I do like the simplicity of the dash, everything seems just to make sense and user friendly. Though I have nothing else to compare it to. What are your thoughts, should I just stick with this airplane to get my private pilots license or should I consider a piper warrior or a Cessna 152?
Great points! The diamond was a strange transition for me as well. I think it really is a great platform for several reasons. It’s easier to go from a stick and rudder to a yoke setup in my opinion. It’s also way easier to go from a free castering nose wheel control to actual steerable nose wheel like a Cessna etc. the diamond is also in my opinion harder to master taking off with than any other plane. If you can figure out the rudder pedal dance you’re golden. And lastly the PoH is the most under informed poh by any aircraft I’ve flown. Meaning the crosswind charts. Cruise charts. Are quite challenging to master vs Cessna 172. So long winded story made short. If you can master a da20. You can master anything. Above all I agree, they do want to go faster. I also love the pilot view aspects of this airframe.
Thank you for the great information. I think I will take your advice and stick with the da-20 I have scheduled my next flight with it next Wednesday at 10 am
I did all of my PPL part 61 in a da20. I got my IR done in a piper Cherokee and Archer and I’m still flying them working on my commercial. All great planes but I really miss those diamonds. Really unique aircrafts, I miss pulling down that canopy and flying that stick. Good times.
Im happy for you! How has it been going? I stated working on my PPL last year after, I feel like I had been waiting since I was a 10 years old , its something that I always wanted to do and never doubted that I would do. It just took 25 years of wanting it before I could actually afford it!
@@michaeljacques7336 It has been SO AMAZING!!! I had my first solo flight a few days ago and I'm just so excited to keep going. It's a fun little plane to fly and can do so much. My first solo flight is on my channel if you're curious :)
Having 10h of lessons on the da20, including my first solo, I really like its flight characteristics, the stall is very gentle and easy to recover. My biggest problem with it is landing, the thing just wants to keep flying! So my touchdowns are usually on the flat side
Ive just starting flying the Da20 with a Rotax engine. Still getting used to taxiing her other than that its just a blast. Easy to fly and both fast and fuel efficient at the same time. Could not think of a better aircraft to train and hour build on. Love seeing her getting some recognition especially from over seas :)
the rotax is a terrible engine. It overheats on hot days in a climb, difficult to maintain, parts are insanely expensive and its nearly impossible to find someone to work on the engines. Also support out of Canada is abysmal. Oh, the engine is underpowered too, so you will get barely 500 fpm with 2 people. The C-1 is a different animal, the continental IO240B filxes almost all these proplems
DA20 is a great plane. I got my licence in a DA20-C1 in Florida. Back home in Germany I now fly a DA20, building hours for fun. I would say that (in my opinion), it's a much better plane with the Rotax engine. It's so much lighter and just better suited to such a light plane. It's a really responsive engine and holds it's power far better at altitude than the traditional engine. I'm not suggesting Rotax is always better than conventional, just in this application, the Rotax is so well suited. In the Rotax models we also have constant speed (adjustable) prop too.
Well like the czech sport cruiser and other caster wheel trikes, you don't need to counter brake to steer, if you're at a comfortable speed gentle Rudder taps can keep you straight and or turning if you have the clearance to do so.
@@SirDrifto but I do agree with you learning to fly a trike with a catering nose wheel is a great stepping stone for anyone who wants to get a tail wheel endorsement.
I flew these for about 10 hours when I was a kid, and an hour in a Cesna 152 and 172, and about an hour in a random glider once. I read a comment about the DA20 being difficult to land, but it's the only place I've ever landed, so I just assumed all planes were like that. Maybe I'll fly one again in the future.
The luxury of length on that Boulder runway - I am stuck with short-field and my mind was screaming, "get down or go around!" the whole time he was lazily enjoying ground effect. ;)
Nice video and great insights since I'm considering a DA20 or DA40 as a first plane to lower cost of getting ppl and other ratings. Random question, what kind of watch are you wearing in this video?
I wonder the DA20 and PA28 which one are better for new learners? I am now in UK, the DA20 are more pricey and rare, but I really like side sticks control.
@@SirDrifto Bit overwhelming when you first set out: class D smack dab underneath class B and class C just about at climb-out from 17! I sure learned radio comms fast! Proud to say I never inadvertently bumped where I didn't belong (though there was that time I shocked my CFII when I requested a popup ILS into KDEN at 6pm at the height of the evening rush - and approach said "sure, big boy, if you think you can handle it. heading, squawk, altitude - and *everything* is going to cause wake turbulence for you,, so have fun!"). I will never forget my CFII leaning back with crossed arms waiting for me to embarrass myself (and I nailed it!) Then his facepalm when I requested and got a touch-and-go on short final. Memories! You learned to handle anything flying in Colorado! Man, I miss it!
I am always a bit more leary with high cross winds on a low wing aircraft vs high but that doesn't mean both models don't have a good cross x component. I've put the da20 down in 20+ even though the poh says 15 max
So in my opinion. I think a majority of aircraft that are entry level are yoke. If you are wanting stick and rudder this is awesome. I say get better at flying both. In my opinion the view of the diamond allows easier spotting of airports and aircraft and that is a win win for learning.
Got my ppl in one of these. Love the Katana. Also have some vids on my channel flying the da20 in the Netherlands if you like to have a look thanks for the vid 👍
In Diamonds, for best climb performance you leave them in the takeoff position. Applies to the DA40,42 and the 62. Dont know about the 50 but I assume its the same . You will notice later when he levels off they are up for cruise.
From my limited experience (10h of training in a few different da20's) I'd say it is pretty comfortable, even with an instructor besides me. I'm 182cm, or 6ft, the interior never really felt cramped. I still haven't done any long flights so I can't tell you about those. My biggest gripe is how hot the cockpit gets if you're waiting on the ground under the sun.
@@outlawrydr I know you commented a year ago, but for anyone else wondering… Weight is a big factor in this aircraft with useful load in the 400s. I’m 220 pounds and that only leaves roughly 250 pounds of useful load (on the high end). With a 180 pound passenger I would only be able to carry 11 gallons of fuel, and if it is anything like other GA aircraft 3 gallons of that is unusable.
Hi SIr Drufto, I'm a private pilot here in the UK. I noticed that you were wearing Ray Ban's during your DA20video. Would you mind sharing the model number of those sunglasses. Thanks Frank
Wider cabin bigger baggage space that you can actually reach into while flying arm rests with storage actual seats (not sitting on the fuel tank) adjustable seats a gap between the seats and center console for the checklist roller belts more foot space rudder pedals that hang from the top more head room more fuel faster lighter controls counterbalanced rudder better ventilation a canopy that doesnt unlock in flight controllable nosewheel softer brake pedals faster flap extension speeds faster manoeuvring speeds Cons: slow flight: stalls and climb out not spin certified
Crosswind ? The Diamonds have a higher demonstrated crosswind than either the Cessna’s and the Pipers. You should learn how to fly it before you bash it
In my opinion I’ve done much higher crosswinds in a 172 than I would the DA20, more than what Cessna recommends, 25kt+, the main difference is the high wing vs low wing component. You just have to be mindful with the diamond doing low wing methods on approaches . Not so much bashing it just giving my opinion. It’s a great overall aircraft.
Today I just had my first intro flight lesson, was supposed to go up in a piper warrior but it went in to get painted, so the only option was a da-20. I said ya sure, and it was awsome, what a sharp looking airplane, and it really just wants to fly , it seems like to me it just wants to go faster.
When landing there was not much of a crosswind but we still landed hard, to me it seemed swirly.
I do like the simplicity of the dash, everything seems just to make sense and user friendly.
Though I have nothing else to compare it to.
What are your thoughts, should I just stick with this airplane to get my private pilots license or should I consider a piper warrior or a Cessna 152?
Great points! The diamond was a strange transition for me as well. I think it really is a great platform for several reasons. It’s easier to go from a stick and rudder to a yoke setup in my opinion. It’s also way easier to go from a free castering nose wheel control to actual steerable nose wheel like a Cessna etc. the diamond is also in my opinion harder to master taking off with than any other plane. If you can figure out the rudder pedal dance you’re golden. And lastly the PoH is the most under informed poh by any aircraft I’ve flown. Meaning the crosswind charts. Cruise charts. Are quite challenging to master vs Cessna 172. So long winded story made short. If you can master a da20. You can master anything. Above all I agree, they do want to go faster. I also love the pilot view aspects of this airframe.
And congratulations on your first flight lesson! Stick with it!
Thank you for the great information.
I think I will take your advice and stick with the da-20
I have scheduled my next flight with it next Wednesday at 10 am
Hope you got yiur ticket. Just see your response. Took me back 27 years ago when I learned to fly in the da 20. Great forgiving aircraft
@@victoryhammer4113 did you end up finishing all your ratings?
My 16 year old just completed his 3d solo, 1st cross country yesterday in the DA-20. He really likes flying. Great trainer!!
I did all of my PPL part 61 in a da20. I got my IR done in a piper Cherokee and Archer and I’m still flying them working on my commercial. All great planes but I really miss those diamonds. Really unique aircrafts, I miss pulling down that canopy and flying that stick. Good times.
I agree there is something unique about a diamond
I start my PPL training on a DA20 in two weeks, waited my whole life!
Im happy for you! How has it been going? I stated working on my PPL last year after, I feel like I had been waiting since I was a 10 years old , its something that I always wanted to do and never doubted that I would do. It just took 25 years of wanting it before I could actually afford it!
@@michaeljacques7336 It has been SO AMAZING!!! I had my first solo flight a few days ago and I'm just so excited to keep going. It's a fun little plane to fly and can do so much. My first solo flight is on my channel if you're curious :)
A very interesting video. I enjoyed your critique on the Diamond DA 20. Beautiful job on the entire video
Thank you!
I flew one for my primary flight training. I loved it!
That's awesome. What did you end up flying on after training?
Having 10h of lessons on the da20, including my first solo, I really like its flight characteristics, the stall is very gentle and easy to recover. My biggest problem with it is landing, the thing just wants to keep flying! So my touchdowns are usually on the flat side
That is awesome,. Keep up the good work. Yeah the DA20s really glide. Get comfortable doing slips. It helps.
I mean ... the ARE derived from a motor glider ... so ... yeah ...
Ive just starting flying the Da20 with a Rotax engine. Still getting used to taxiing her other than that its just a blast. Easy to fly and both fast and fuel efficient at the same time. Could not think of a better aircraft to train and hour build on. Love seeing her getting some recognition especially from over seas :)
I've heard the Rotax variant is really fun. Keep up with it!
@@SirDrifto oh it is! Amazing how much performance comes out of that small 1.2l Rotax 912 engine combined with that constant speed prop
the rotax is a terrible engine. It overheats on hot days in a climb, difficult to maintain, parts are insanely expensive and its nearly impossible to find someone to work on the engines. Also support out of Canada is abysmal. Oh, the engine is underpowered too, so you will get barely 500 fpm with 2 people. The C-1 is a different animal, the continental IO240B filxes almost all these proplems
DA20 is a great plane. I got my licence in a DA20-C1 in Florida. Back home in Germany I now fly a DA20, building hours for fun. I would say that (in my opinion), it's a much better plane with the Rotax engine. It's so much lighter and just better suited to such a light plane. It's a really responsive engine and holds it's power far better at altitude than the traditional engine. I'm not suggesting Rotax is always better than conventional, just in this application, the Rotax is so well suited. In the Rotax models we also have constant speed (adjustable) prop too.
Well like the czech sport cruiser and other caster wheel trikes, you don't need to counter brake to steer, if you're at a comfortable speed gentle Rudder taps can keep you straight and or turning if you have the clearance to do so.
The rudder taps is a good method indeed 👌
@@SirDrifto but I do agree with you learning to fly a trike with a catering nose wheel is a great stepping stone for anyone who wants to get a tail wheel endorsement.
I flew these for about 10 hours when I was a kid, and an hour in a Cesna 152 and 172, and about an hour in a random glider once. I read a comment about the DA20 being difficult to land, but it's the only place I've ever landed, so I just assumed all planes were like that. Maybe I'll fly one again in the future.
They just glide forever. If you can get that down to a T, they are great flying planes.
Love the VDO gauges… reminds me of my1974 VW Bettle.
The luxury of length on that Boulder runway - I am stuck with short-field and my mind was screaming, "get down or go around!" the whole time he was lazily enjoying ground effect. ;)
I few other cons..no IFR capability and very little cargo space. A few other nice things, it's a bit wider than a 152. Max crosswind is 20 Kts.
The steering inputs you describe are the same as in an old Aero Commander I used to fly.
Nice video and great insights since I'm considering a DA20 or DA40 as a first plane to lower cost of getting ppl and other ratings. Random question, what kind of watch are you wearing in this video?
Thank you! Great planes indeed. I'm rocking the AV-8 Hawker Hurricane for a watch ⌚️ 😎
@@SirDrifto thaks! I'll check it out
That is a great airplane. I also love the D4. I’ve got probably 100 hours maybe 200 hours between the two.
im down in Ken Caryl. lets flyyyyy
I wonder the DA20 and PA28 which one are better for new learners? I am now in UK, the DA20 are more pricey and rare, but I really like side sticks control.
Great video, Thank You ! 👍
Thanks for watching!
Sir Drifto Im 65 and getting enamored w small planes. Maybe too late to pursue PPL but thoroughly enjoying learning yr vids. 👍
@@OscarDad thank you ! More to come!
My ears perked up when you said Colorado. My home base was KAPA.
KAPA is a great airport!
@@SirDrifto Bit overwhelming when you first set out: class D smack dab underneath class B and class C just about at climb-out from 17! I sure learned radio comms fast! Proud to say I never inadvertently bumped where I didn't belong (though there was that time I shocked my CFII when I requested a popup ILS into KDEN at 6pm at the height of the evening rush - and approach said "sure, big boy, if you think you can handle it. heading, squawk, altitude - and *everything* is going to cause wake turbulence for you,, so have fun!"). I will never forget my CFII leaning back with crossed arms waiting for me to embarrass myself (and I nailed it!) Then his facepalm when I requested and got a touch-and-go on short final. Memories! You learned to handle anything flying in Colorado! Man, I miss it!
How is the crosswind component on the da50 or 62? Love your videos!
I am always a bit more leary with high cross winds on a low wing aircraft vs high but that doesn't mean both models don't have a good cross x component. I've put the da20 down in 20+ even though the poh says 15 max
Hey Drifto, love your videos, keep posting.
Can you tell me what kind of watch you’re wearing. It’s really nice. Thank you!
Great video and information. Would this be a better option for beginner ppl training than a Cessna 150?
So in my opinion. I think a majority of aircraft that are entry level are yoke. If you are wanting stick and rudder this is awesome. I say get better at flying both. In my opinion the view of the diamond allows easier spotting of airports and aircraft and that is a win win for learning.
@@SirDrifto Thanks for your input!
You always fly around with your flaps in the takeoff position?
Got my ppl in one of these. Love the Katana. Also have some vids on my channel flying the da20 in the Netherlands if you like to have a look thanks for the vid 👍
Hello Sir Drifto, nice video. I really like your knee pad can you tell me what is it is like to get one
thank you, its made by flyboys, great product
@@SirDrifto thank you
Es muy parecido al piper tomahawk
Love the DA-20! Also that was the least effective 'clear prop' I've ever heard.
Looks like you forgot to raise the flaps after takeoff?
In Diamonds, for best climb performance you leave them in the takeoff position. Applies to the DA40,42 and the 62. Dont know about the 50 but I assume its the same . You will notice later when he levels off they are up for cruise.
@@willhartsell2283 We don't use flaps for normal takeoff in the DA42.
I don't see much on this plane, do they still make it?
What’s your height? And how comfortable is it? Say for a 2-3 hour flight?
From my limited experience (10h of training in a few different da20's) I'd say it is pretty comfortable, even with an instructor besides me. I'm 182cm, or 6ft, the interior never really felt cramped. I still haven't done any long flights so I can't tell you about those. My biggest gripe is how hot the cockpit gets if you're waiting on the ground under the sun.
I’m 5,9. If you are over 6.2 it can be tight but doable.
@@SirDrifto I am 6’1 250. Working on my GA
@@outlawrydr I know you commented a year ago, but for anyone else wondering… Weight is a big factor in this aircraft with useful load in the 400s. I’m 220 pounds and that only leaves roughly 250 pounds of useful load (on the high end). With a 180 pound passenger I would only be able to carry 11 gallons of fuel, and if it is anything like other GA aircraft 3 gallons of that is unusable.
Hi SIr Drufto, I'm a private pilot here in the UK. I noticed that you were wearing Ray Ban's during your DA20video. Would you mind sharing the model number of those sunglasses. Thanks Frank
The Mazda Miata of airplanes?
Fun to fly when you get to fly them,if one crucial part breaks, you won’t be able to get parts
if i could find a nice one, i would buy it .. i am looking for 9 months nothing i like
Are they clean or more beat up?
pretty beat up
I had to finish my PPL in a da20 and hated every second of it.
The aquila a210 beats the da20 in (almost) every aspect.
Wider cabin
bigger baggage space that you can actually reach into while flying
arm rests with storage
actual seats (not sitting on the fuel tank)
adjustable seats
a gap between the seats and center console for the checklist
roller belts
more foot space
rudder pedals that hang from the top
more head room
more fuel
faster
lighter controls
counterbalanced rudder
better ventilation
a canopy that doesnt unlock in flight
controllable nosewheel
softer brake pedals
faster flap extension speeds
faster manoeuvring speeds
Cons:
slow flight: stalls and climb out
not spin certified
What’s the engine in this one?
Name song??
ya thats an older one i guess
Love the plane. But those foot pedals. They seriously look like something you'd find in a go-kart. They look and feel janky.
I guess they needed something sketchy to install
Is it considered an LSA?
No, it is not.
"Clear prop"
-looks at opposite direction of prop-
Is this a misconception that ive had?
Verifying that no one is walking toward the plane, also there’s a small port hole that I yell out of to tell outside bystsnders
@@SirDrifto ahhhh now I understand! Thank you for explaining that to me I really appreciate it!
Loved the video (except for the annoying background music)
Crosswind ? The Diamonds have a higher demonstrated crosswind than either the Cessna’s and the Pipers. You should learn how to fly it before you bash it
In my opinion I’ve done much higher crosswinds in a 172 than I would the DA20, more than what Cessna recommends, 25kt+, the main difference is the high wing vs low wing component. You just have to be mindful with the diamond doing low wing methods on approaches . Not so much bashing it just giving my opinion. It’s a great overall aircraft.
Most affordable? Old 2005 DA-20s are 140k+ for a high time ex-flight school one. How is it the cheapest?
There’s one for sale here with low time for $70k 🤷♂️
@SirDrifto fukin where? Link or gtfo. I just searched controller, barnstormers and tradeaplane after watching your video.
11:1
that is correct, i was off a bit
Yeppers, that’s what I was thinking!
Love the video, hate the background mu
Don’t say like taildrager cuz that’s not true
That's an ugly one!
But it flies nice