Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, based in Daytona Beach, Florida, has placed an order for ten Diamond DA42 L360 twin-engine aircraft. Diamond Aircraft will begin deliveries to Embry-Riddle in the Spring of 2009. The full fleet of ten DA42s will be in service at Embry-Riddle's Daytona Beach campus before the 2009-2010 academic year begins.
The DA42 L360 is the Lycoming powered version of the market-leading DA42 twin, that is in worldwide service with leading flight training schools and institutions. It is equipped with two counter-rotating Lycoming IO-360 (180hp) engines, the industry-standard G1000 glass flightdeck, and available flight into known ice certification (FIKI).
“Embry-Riddle selected the DA42 L360 because it represents the combination of a thoroughly modern airframe and the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, with a tried and true power plant that is common across our fleet. It also provides us the option to upgrade to more advanced power plants in the future. We believe this aircraft represents the leading edge of technology, safety, and performance for our students and instructors,” said Frank Ayers, Chairman of the Flight Department, in Daytona Beach.
“It is a pleasure to be associated with the world-class flight training program at Embry-Riddle,” said Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft Industries. “The DA42 is truly the state-of-the-art aircraft for multi-engine flight training. While the students and instructors will appreciate its performance, safety, modern design and Garmin G1000 glass flight deck, the university will benefit from its fuel efficiency, corrosion-proof all composite airframe and Diamond's factory direct fleet support.”
Commenting on the selection of Diamond Aircraft, Tim Brady, Embry-Riddle's Dean of the College of Aviation said “I have high regard for Diamond's leadership, their sense of fairness, and their genuine excellence in customer relations. We are pleased to once again be in the Diamond family with this acquisition of Lycoming-powered DA42's.”
Diamond Aircraft is the leading manufacturer of a complete line of modern flight training aircraft, ranging from the economical 2 seat DA20, now available with glass cockpit, to the 4 seat DA40 single and DA42 twin, both available with either turbo-diesel or Lycoming IO-360 engines. Diamond also produces certified high fidelity model specific flight training devices.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offers more than 30 degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. The university educates more than 34,000 students annually in undergraduate and graduate programs, with accreditation pending for Embry-Riddle's first doctoral programs, in Aviation and in Engineering Physics. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Prescott, Ariz. and Daytona Beach, Fla., through the Worldwide Campus at more than 130 campus centers in the United States, Europe, Canada, and the Middle East, and through online learning.
For more information on Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, visit <link http: www.embryriddle.edu>www.embryriddle.edu
For more information on Diamond Aircraft Industries, visit <link http: www.diamond-air.at>www.diamond-air.at