Diamond Aircraft has announced that it’s fuel-sipping, Thielert Diesel-powered DA42 TwinStar has been certified by the FAA. The type certificate will be presented by the FAA’s Director of Aircraft Certification Services, John Hickey, at a ceremony at EAA AirVenture on Thursday. The plane has been certified in Europe for almost a year and 35 have been delivered. The company is also testing a Lycoming-powered avgas version of the plane that it hopes will be certified next year. “The DA42-TDI is the world’s very first certified piston aircraft that incorporates new technology airframe, powerplant, and avionics technology,” said Peter Maurer, Diamond,’s president. The all-composite twin also sports a full Garmin G1000 panel in addition to the Thielert engines, which churn out 135 h.p. a side while burning less (cheaper) jet fuel per hour than many singles. While the Lycoming version uses 30 percent more fuel, the extra ponies (180 a side) greatly improve takeoff and climb performance. Both are on display at Diamond’s booth.
