Factory Visit for New DA40 XLT Aircraft
Prof Brett Molesworth, Head of School, and Malcolm Good, Director of the Flying Operations Unit, visited the Diamond Aircraft Industries plant in London, Ontario, to conduct factory acceptance testing on the first of six new DA40 XLT aircraft.
All six aeroplanes are in various stages of construction and assembly, the last of which (40.1250) has just had its shell fabricated.
Apparently, it is easier to install wiring looms if the shell of the aeroplane is on its side. Hopefully, this is the last time 40.1247 finds itself in this orientation.
The eagle eyed among you might notice a different coloured panel to the existing DA40s, a nice matte black. Also, a crash “axe” fitted in front of the pilot’s seat that more like a crash chisel to me. Very sharp though.
Here is 40.1246, which has just had it’s Lycoming IO-360-M1A engine and Hartzell propeller installed. This is one of the final stages in the assembly process.
The redesigned higher undercarriage legs make the aeroplane geometry limited, which helps reduce the risk of tailstrike.