Diamond Scores EASA Approval on DA50 Retract

The latest in the Diamond single-engine piston line, the DA50RG, achieved a significant milestone, announced on September 9, with its certification under EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) secured. The certification will allow for deliveries to begin in the first quarter of 2021, according to the company.

Diamond Aircraft debuted the DA50RG in June, clearly well on its way to approval. The five-seat retract is powered by an already EASA-certified twin-turbocharged, liquid-cooled, six-cylinder 300 hp Continental CD-300, which features a dual redundant FADEC (full authority digital engine control) system with direct injection, an integrated gearbox, and propeller governor. The engine uses diesel fuel, including jet-A, and the company projects an average fuel consumption of 9 gph at the aircraft’s predicted maximum range.

The new model will also purportedly feature Diamond’s famous low-speed handling flight characteristics, facilitated by double slotted flaps for high lift, in an all-carbon composite airframe. Up front, the DA50RG will offer a Garmin avionics suite, including the G1000 NXi with a three-axis GFC 700 autopilot coming standard.

In a press release, Diamond Aircraft Austria CEO Liqun (Frank) Zhang noted, "We are extremely proud to have received EASA type certification for our single engine flagship, the DA50 RG. The Diamond Aircraft team has done a tremendous job to make this possible. With the DA50 RG we are introducing an innovative 21st-century retract single that we are convinced the market is missing.” FAA approval is currently under development, with that certification expected by the close of 2021.