Diamond Aircraft’s DA42 Twin Star obtains first approval according to EASA

On May 13th, 2004 Diamond’s new twin, the DA42 Twin Star, received its EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification. The type certificate was received by Christian Dries, CEO of Diamond Aircraft, at the Berlin International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA 2004) only 2 ½ years after launch of the program and 18 months after first flight. “I am delighted to be receiving this certificate today, on behalf of our many valued customers, our distributors, and all our dedicated employees said Mr. Dries, “such an aggressive development and certification program was only possible thanks to the exemplary co-operation between our company and the responsible airworthiness authorities. The Twin Star certification will prove to be a defining moment in our company’s history and we are very much looking forward to seeing the DA42 alongside our 2 and 4 place single engine aircraft around the world.

With its modern carbon composite airframe, twin jet fuel burning TAE Centurion 1.7 turbo-diesel engines and the fully integrated Garmin G1000 glass flight deck, the Twin Star is the undisputed technology leader in its class. Diamond has positioned its new twin to compete with new and used light twins and high performance singles for personal use, as well as for multi engine flight training.

Building on Diamond’s proven Total Safety Concept, that has resulted in an unsurpassed safety record, Diamond sets the standard in class by offering twin engine safety at single engine acquisition and operating cost. The simplicity of powerplant operation and outstanding single engine performance and handling offer a high degree of safety formerly unavailable in this price class.

The DA42 certification marks several significant milestones:
• First Aircraft Type Certification by EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency
• First piston aircraft to incorporate new technology propulsion, avionics, and airframe
• First modern jet-fuel / diesel powered twin engine aircraft
• First certified application of the fully integrated Garmin G1000 glass cockpit

The Twin Star has been attracting much attention since its announcement, both from private individuals as well as flight training institutions. In April 2004 alone, Diamond received 122 orders for the DA42, pushing the worldwide total number of Twin Star orders to 374.

To meet the high demand and to reduce the order backlog and delivery time as quickly as possible, Diamond will be supplementing DA42 production at its Wiener Neustadt factory with final assembly of North American customer Twin Stars at its London Ontario facility.

For more information on the DA42 or Diamond’s complete line of aircraft, contact