Diamond DA20 Adds Aspen Glass Avionics

Aspen Avionics' Evolution EFD1000 Pilot Primary Flight Display is now available as a factory option on the two-seat Diamond Aircraft DA20 for less than $8,000. That makes the DA20 the only certified glass-cockpit-equipped aircraft available for less than $200,000, according to its manufacturer. Diamond Aircraft President Peter Maurer said the glass-equipped DA20 will allow flight schools to integrate technologically advanced aircraft (TAA) training in their curriculums at much lower cost than other TAA options. Aspen-equipped DA20s coming off the assembly line will also be provisioned to accept retrofit of the follow-on Aspen EFD1000 multifunction display (MFD) expected to be certified in mid-2009. Aspen announced that it has further expanded its Approved Model List for Supplemental Type Certificates (AML-STC) to include a total of more than 650 aircraft. Recently added to the list were some heavier-iron twins, including the Beechcraft Baron 58 line; some Aerostar 600 models; and some Twin Commander 500 models.