Millen Aviation Services of Kent, England, filed a lawsuit on Dec. 17, 2007, against Diamond Aircraft Industries in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, over their Thielert diesel-powered DA40s. “The claim for damages is based on our experience with our two DA40 1.7 TDIs, their extremely poor reliability, highmaintenance costs, waiting time for spare parts and, our firm belief of their premature release to market without sufficient research, development and testing,” company partner Mike Millen said in a prepared statement. Diamond did not immediately respond to AVweb‘s request for comment. Millen would not comment on the specificsof the suit or what damages his company seeks from Diamond, but told AVweb that an Austrian court has already appointed a judge to hear the case and that Diamond Aircraft has until Jan. 17 to respond tothe lawsuit. Millen said the DA40s remain on Millen Aviation’s flight line at the Rochester Airport along with two Cessna 172s that are powered by their original Lycoming engines.
British Flight School Sues Diamond Over Diesels
Key Takeaways:
- Millen Aviation Services has filed a lawsuit against Diamond Aircraft Industries over severe reliability and high maintenance costs associated with their Thielert diesel-powered DA40 aircraft.
- The claim alleges the DA40 1.7 TDIs experienced excessive waiting times for spare parts and were prematurely released to market without sufficient testing.
- An Austrian court has appointed a judge to hear the case, and Diamond Aircraft has until January 17th to submit their response.
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