DA40 online at Schofields

Bankstown's Schofields Flying Club has welcomed a slick, sexy new addition to its fleet in the form of a new Diamond DA40-180 XLS.

VH-DIV was flight-tested in the Nov/Dec 2009 issue of Australian Flying, and for those yet to have had the pleasure of flying a DA40 we dare say any pilot would soon fall in love with the aircraft. The aircraft is owned by GA Rentals.

The four-place composite aircraft is fitted with a Garmin G1000 glass flight deck and Schofields is offering it for training, endorsements and private hire. The DA40 is powered by a 180hp Lycoming IO-360-M1A3 blade composite constant speed propeller, cruises at 130 KTAS, has an 836kg BEW and a 1200kg MTOW, five hours endurance, and a plush leather interior.

To privately hire VH-DIV, a pilot must hold the following qualifications: PPL, CSU endorsement, two hours on type in the last 90 days, and undergo an initil dual check. The club has developed a special introductory package for anyone wishing to hire the DA40 that includes a one-day ground school and two hours flying training. For more information on this training package click here.

Read our flight test of the Diamond DA40-180 XLS here.