Planes Will Arrive By Fall 2007

The ill wind that struck the Daytona Beach, FL campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University late last year has brought about something of a benefit. Students at the university will be able to enjoy a jet-like training experience a bit sooner that originally planned, when the campus takes delivery of 10 new Diamond DA42 Twin Star aircraft in the Summer and Fall semesters, 2007.

The university’s acquisition of the planes from Diamond Aircraft had been in the planning stage, but moved onto the fast track after a Christmas Day tornado destroyed most of the campus’s training fleet.

"The DA42 Twin Star will give Embry-Riddle a complete glass-cockpit fleet, starting with our single-engine aircraft and culminating with our Canadair regional jet simulator," said Tim Brady, dean of the College of Aviation at the university’s Daytona Beach campus. "We call it the 'Embry-Riddle Edge.'"

With its Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, the DA42 qualifies as a technically advanced aircraft as per the FAA -- which developed the designation with help from faculty in Embry-Riddle's aeronautical science program.

"We are pleased that Embry-Riddle has selected Diamond DA42 aircraft for its multi-engine training," said Chuck Glass, Diamond Aircraft’s director of fleet sales. "This state-of-the-art equipment will fit well with the university’s world-class professional flight training programs."

In addition to the G1000, Embry-Riddle students will also find single-lever power controls for the engine, which offers jet-like thrust control, as well as an autopilot.

Students may also get a bit of the "big airliner" feel while fueling the plane on the ramp... as the diesel-powered twin burns the same Jet-A1 fuel used by airliners, which Embry-Riddle says makes the DA42 twice as efficient as comparable dual-engine airplanes.

"The DA42 Twin Star replicates the same easy-to-operate, fuel-efficient aircraft our students will fly professionally right after they graduate," said Frank Ayers, director of flight training at the campus. "In acquiring these aircraft, we’re upholding our commitment to provide absolutely the best and latest technology to our students, as befits the leader in aviation education."

FMI: www.erau.edu, www.diamondaircraft.com