N285DS
Diamond DA40-180
A sleek, composite Diamond Star with a stick instead of a yoke, terrific visibility, and 130+ knot cruise. The airplane members fight over on clear Saturdays.
Technical characteristics
- Engine
- Lycoming IO-360-M1A, 180 hp
- Propeller
- Constant-speed, 2-blade
- Cruise (75%)
- ≈ 130–135 KTAS
- Fuel capacity
- ≈ 41 gal (40 usable) — top off after flight
- Typical fuel burn
- ≈ 9–10 gph
- Useful load
- ≈ 880 lb (verify current W&B)
- Range (with reserve)
- ≈ 550 nm
- Service ceiling
- 16,400 ft
- Seats
- 4 · center-stick controls
- Avionics
- Garmin 530W + GNS 430, KAP 140 autopilot, IFR
V-speeds
| Vso (stall, landing config) | ≈ 49 KIAS |
| Vs1 (stall, clean) | ≈ 52 KIAS |
| Vx (best angle) | ≈ 66 KIAS |
| Vy (best rate) | ≈ 73 KIAS |
| Va (maneuvering, max wt) | ≈ 108 KIAS |
| Vfe (T/O / LDG flaps) | ≈ 108 / 91 KIAS |
| Vne (never exceed) | ≈ 178 KIAS |
| Best glide | ≈ 73 KIAS |
Reference only. Figures above are typical for the type, for familiarization and flight planning. The POH aboard the aircraft is the authoritative source — verify tail-specific numbers, especially useful load, against the aircraft's current weight & balance.
Who flies it, and how
Step-up pilots
Club rules require a private certificate and 100 hours total time before Diamond training, then a minimum 5-hour checkout. The stick, the constant-speed prop, and the sight picture are all part of the fun.
Travelers
The fastest ship in the fleet — 130+ knots on Skyhawk fuel burn. Book early for clear-weekend trips; everyone has the same idea.
Night flyers
The club checklist includes the night-capable revision. A one-time night checkout in the Diamond (separate from the Cessna night checkout) is required before flying it at night as PIC.
N285DS is waiting on the ramp.
Members reserve it online and pay only for the hours they fly. Come see it in person at the next monthly meeting.
Questions? Call Mark Sheprow, Membership Officer — 732.685.3473