Plane & Pilot 2017 Buyer's Guide: Piston Twins

Looking for a piston multi? You've come to the right place.

Plane & Pilot

Friday, January 20, 2017 at 08:25 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The multi-engine piston aircraft market, though small, offers diverse options ranging from dedicated flight trainers to high-performance personal and business transportation planes.
Entry-level twins, such as the Tecnam P2006T and Piper Seminole, are predominantly used for flight training, often prioritizing fuel efficiency or simplified operation.
Mid-range models like the Diamond DA42 blend training utility with personal transportation capabilities, frequently featuring modern diesel engines and advanced composite construction for efficiency.
High-end multi-engine pistons, including the Vulcanair Vr, Piper Seneca V, Diamond DA62, and Beechcraft G58 Baron, provide superior speed, payload, advanced avionics, and enhanced comfort for discerning private pilots and business travel.

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Diamond DA42

The Diamond DA42, formerly the TwinStar, may not be the headliner in Diamond’s lineup anymore, but it’s better than ever. An all-composite twin with retractable gear, the four-seater is a stalwart in the training market, where it’s popular for its low operating costs. The plane burns around 11 gph in a typical operating environment. When it was launched several years ago, the Austro-powered DA42 was a revelation. With more power than its precursor (170 hp for the Austro vs. 135 hp for the Thielerts), the DA42 finally had the power it needed for much improved single-engine performance. That’s not to say it’s merely a trainer. The DA42 will cruise as fast as 190 knots on around the same fuel burn total with two engines as a Cirrus SR22 or Cessna TTx on one. And with flight into known icing capability and advanced safety features, the DA42 can hold its own in the world of personal transportation.

Niche: Personal/Training

Base Price: $749,800

Competitors: Tecnam P2006T, Piper Seminole

Diamond DA42 Specifications

Learn more at Diamond Aircraft.

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