Keilir Aviation Academy, based in Keflavik Airport, Iceland, received on 27.08.2009 a fleet of 2 DA40 TDI and 1 DA42 NG twin-engine aircraft. The full fleet will be in service at Keilir Aviation Academy Keflavik Airport campus within the next 2 weeks.
The DA42 NG is the Austro Engine 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 Austro Engine AE300 (170hp each) engines, the industry-standard Garmin G1000 glass flightdeck, and the flight into known icing certification."Keilir decided on Diamond fleet of training aircraft for several reasons. The fuel economy of the DA-20 is outstanding. As a proven trainer for the USAF this selection was not difficult and the aircraft is simple to maintain while still being equipped with GPS and Mode S transponder," says Kari Karason, Head of Training, Keilir Aviation Academy.
"The DA-40TDI will be used for IFR training. Featuring the G1000 those aircraft are perfect for the airline oriented students as the Electronic Flight Instrument System closely resembles those systems on current airliners. The fuel economy with 20 ltr/hr consumption of JET-A1 is very convenient in flight operations of this kind," he continues.
"The DA-42NG was chosen for several reasons. The aircraft is certified for flight into known ice. This ensures continued operations during winter in Iceland and the aircrafts Premium maintenance program is ensuring that operations will run smoothly. The aircraft will be used for Commercial Pilots training, including instruction on the GFC700 autoflight system which is integrated into the G1000. This includes training LNAV and VNAV approaches with autoflight system engaged but furthermore the Flight Director is also being used to introduce pilots to the commercial environment. The engines are perfect for training as they are liquid cooled, making simulated engine failures possible in cold environment. At last, the single engine performance of the DA-42NG is such that it can safely cross any mountain range in Iceland," Kari Karason comments his decision for the DA42 NG.
Stating on the selection of Diamond Aircraft , Kari Karason, says "We are very excited about starting operations on our new equipment and are confident that Diamond aircraft supports our fleet introduction with the same effort they have been supporting us in the past."
"Keilir is the perfect example of a successful Flight Academy start up and with the modern aircraft range DA20, DA40 TDI G1000 and the new DA42 NG, they have the perfect tools to step in a promising future with their operations," says Bernhard Gruber, Fleet Sales Manager of Diamond Aircraft Industries. "With the combination of the Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck on both DA40 and DA42 aircraft and the Garmin GFC700 autopilot on the DA42 NG, the Diesel / Jet A1 powered engines with single lever control and the demanding meterological conditions in Iceland, Keilir Aviaiton Academy will provide highest quality pilots to the airline industry. Diamond Aircraft is proud to be part of this venture."
Diamond Aircraft is the leading manufacturer of a complete line of modern flight training aircraft, ranging from the economical 2 seat DV20 Katana, now again available, to the 4 seat DA40 single and DA42 twin, both available with turbo-diesel engines. Diamond also produces certified high fidelity model specific flight training devices.For more information on Diamond Aircraft, visit <link http: www.diamond-air.at>www.diamond-air.at
Keilir Aviation Academy offers professional flight training, headed by highly experienced staff of airline pilots and instructors along with excellent affordable housing and brand new Diamond DA20, DA40 and DA42 aircraft. As a former NATO base in Iceland, Keflavik International Airport (BIKF) has two 3000m runways and is the Icelandic gateway between Europe and the United States. The international air traffic is an added bonus to the pilot training experience. Excellent airline connections from Keflavík to the U.K. give trainee pilots many daily options on flights to London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow. For more information on Keilir Aviation, visit <link http: en.keilir.net external-link-new-window>en.keilir.net