Utah Valley University’s Aviation Program Expands Flight Training Fleet

Where once two aircraft types were used for VFR and IFR training, new DA40 XLT’s will fulfill both roles in one modern aircraft.

UVU Aviation has been using DA40 aircraft with the Lycoming Power Plant for the past twelve years. Alan Dennis, UVU Aviation’s Chief Flight Instructor, explains, “When the DA20 C1 fleet needed replacing, the DA40 XLT was the obvious choice. Having a single aircraft type for each VFR and IFR training will make it easier for our maintenance department to control fleet availability. It also curbs the learning curve when our students progress from private pilot to instrument training.”

“We are happy to support the growth of the UVU Aviation program” said Scott McFadzean, CEO of Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc, “the new DA40 XLT’s with the four seat configuration allows UVU’s students to sit in the backseat and observe their peers, helping to decrease overall training time.”

Dan Sutliff, the UVU Faculty Lead for Flight Training, agrees. “Operating all four-place aircraft allows for student observers to go along on almost any flight, giving them the opportunity to learn by watching another student and instructor, without any pressure on them to perform.”

“Thanks to their excellent manufacturing, the planes are expected to be able to last for a long time despite their frequent use,” Alan Dennis says, “The DA40 is the true workhorse of our fleet. With the Lycoming engine, it has proven to be a rugged and reliable training aircraft.”

John James, Chief of Maintenance, explains why these aircraft are so significant. “Diamond is extremely proud of the fleet of aircraft created for UVU, as the painting of the 9 aircraft is the first for the DA40s in North America.  We have started something new.  I have received many compliments on our fleet from many individuals in our program and outside of it as well. Our fleet with the new paint scheme and logos looks great from the air and ground.”

The collaboration of Diamond and Utah Valley University is expected to change the future of the UVU Aviation program. 

FMI: www.uvu.edu/aviation