FLIGHT TRAINING. Flight School.
- The Business Case
- The Program
- About Our Fleet
- Testimonials
- Diamond Simulation
- Learn More About Becoming a DFC
- Train with the Best brochure
The Business Case
Flying is a passion. Flight training is a business.
Whether you run a small FBO or a large University program, cost is a major driver. Flight training aircraft are business tools. They need to meet the mission, be safe, and generate the maximum possible margin for your business.
Anything less and you don't compete.
What is the right aircraft for your business?
That depends on the type of pilot being trained, what level they are being trained to, and what the utilization will be. No single aircraft model meets all training needs. Diamond's dedication to flight training has shaped our product line of modern fuel efficient aircraft, each with a specific training application in mind. From ab-initio through IFR, commercial or multi-engine training, Diamond has an aircraft to match your mission.
The choices you make today will define your future success.
Considerations
Choosing a new aircraft is a big decision - consider:
- Capital Cost
- Resale Value and Track Record
- Fuel Cost
- Parts Cost
- Labor Cost
- AOG
- Fuel Availability
- A.D. History
- Insurance
- Mission - get the right tool for the job
- Fleet commonality
- Glass cockpits
- Utilization
- Proven flight training track record
Capital Cost
Lease, finance or purchase, the true cost of any aircraft is defined as much by its resale value as its purchase price.
Resale Value and Track Record
Diamond's rugged composite airframes reduce the visible wear and tear (hangar rash), are designed for easy refurbishment, have no life limit and have been proven in over 2 million flight hours and over a decade of operation in the U.S.. The modern, fuel efficient design will appeal for many years to come.
Fuel Cost
Fuel costs have become the single largest hourly expense for many high utilization operators, exceeding even capital and insurance costs. Where will this trend go? No one knows, but up is a safe bet! That's why Diamond is bullish on aerodynamic efficiency and even alternative fuel powerplants. The unmatched efficiency of a Diamond means that you'll be competitive regardless of where fuel prices go.
Example:
Consider that a DA40 will cruise between 20 and 25kts faster than a new traditional metal aircraft powered by the identical powerplant. Diamond's low stall speed and docile handling characteristics at low speeds mean that this performance advantage can be safely traded for fuel savings by operating at lower power settings. Adopting such fuel saving strategies will not only reduce direct fuel costs, it will also reduce the wear and tear on the engine and other components.
The Benefits of Efficiency:
It's simple: less drag = less thrust = less power = less fuel
Consider this:
A 2gph saving over 100 hours per month can easily translate into a third or more of a typical monthly payment - and that's at today's fuel costs! Fuel is the single largest hourly expense for many high utilization operators, exceeding even capital and insurance costs.
Parts Cost
Parts can be a significant part of overall operating costs. Have you checked the airframe parts cost of the aircraft you are considering? We build our parts to last and price them low.
Labor Cost
Good A&P's cost good money and they are worth it. Diamond places special emphasis on reducing wasted time and labor costs with modular design and easily accessed inspection items.
AOG
When it's flying, the aircraft generates revenue, when it's AOG, it costs money. Demonstrated reliability gives you confidence that unscheduled downtime is minimized, not only for the cost of repair, but for the lost opportunity cost.
Fuel Availability
Will Avgas be available in 5 years? In 10? We don't know either but we hedged our bets by developing multifuel compatible fuel systems for all our aircraft and investing in alternative fuel technology including automotive and jet fuel - just in case.
A.D. History
A.D.'s waste money, time, cause AOG and result from safety issues. Compare the aircraft you are considering at www.faa.gov.
Insurance
Diamond's safety record and economical repairability have resulted in low premiums for Diamond operators.
Mission - get the right tool for the job
If a high percentage of your training only needs two seats, why pay for four? If you train pilots that won't see a glass cockpit for many years, do you need to train with glass equipped aircraft? Diamond's complete fleet and range of options lets you efficiently tailor the aircraft to the mission. PPL, CPL, ATP, CFI, CFII, SEL, MEL.
Fleet commonality
Ask any successful commercial operator and they will tell you that fleet commonality simply makes business sense. Diamond offers all the advantages of fleet commonality including minimized instructor standardization, rapid student transition, reduced parts inventories and maintenance training.
Glass cockpits
As the lead OEM for the Garmin G1000, we are often asked about investing in glass: Should you invest in glass - that depends on what you are preparing your students for. Which is the best glass cockpit - the one that offers the maximum upgradeability and isn't obsoleted by changing hardware. Diamond is uniquely positioned to answer your questions without bias as we are the only OEM offering aircraft with a choice of Garmin, Aspen or conventional cockpit.
Utilization
Diamond designs its aircraft with high utilization in mind. For example, our DA42 offers known ice certification, keeping your students safe and allowing you to launch when reported thin ice layers would otherwise keep you grounded. How many days were your twins grounded last winter?
The Program
The world's most advanced fleet now comes with the world's most comprehensive Flight Training Program. Become a Diamond Flight Center and make the choice that will give your customers the ultimate training and aircraft rental experience while you watch your business climb to new heights. Only Diamond offers a full range of modern aircraft and training devices for all instructional and rental needs. Ask yourself: can you afford to tie your business to a single model training fleet? What will your business look like in 5 years?
Choose Diamond and give your business and your customers the ultimate flying experience.
About Our Fleet
DA20-C1 ECLIPSE
The DA20 takes new pilots from first flight through IFR, for less money than any other aircraft. Its performance and up to the minute looks attract customers. Why pay for 4 seats when you only need 2?
- TCM IO-240 with fixed pitch Sensenich
- Lowest acquisition and operating cost in the industry
- Outstanding performance
- Utility category certification to max gross weight
- 600lbs useful load
- Spin certified
- Proven flight training record
- Avionics options from basic to full IFR
- Lowest-cost certified glass cockpit trainer available
Image is important:
"The Diamond planes were favored not only for the low operating costs and excellent safety record, but for the styling. Image plays an important part. Nice new, modern aircraft are attractive to students. We use what the best flight schools in the country use."
- Bill McNeill, Chairman, Aircraft Pilot Training, Texas State Tech College
DA40 CS
The award winning Diamond Star offers the ultimate performance in class while staying true to its training heritage. First lesson or actually going places, your customers will appreciate the Diamond Star's versatility.
- Fuel Injected Lycoming IO360 (180hp)
- G1000 flight deck standard
- Advanced IFR training
- Superb performance
- Perfect for the training/rental market
BEST Certified Aircraft of the Year:
"When you look at the costs of operation, the exquisite handling, the consistently impressive maintenance reports we've been privy to, and the customer support and satisfaction stats we've been examining... well the DA40 edged out its competitor by just enough to win the title of being the BEST Certified Aircraft of the Year."
- Jim Campbell, Aero-News Network
DA42
If you want to be an airline pilot, train like one. Turbine smooth single lever powerplants, a fully integrated glass cockpit all in an efficient low drag airframe that's got serious ramp appeal.
- Standard G1000 and autopilot
- Jet fuel turbo-diesel power
- Simple, single lever FADEC operation
- Incredibly low fuel burn
- Ruggedly built
- Optional oxygen and known ice
- Optional ADF/DME
Leading Edge:
"We believe the DA42 L360 represents the leading edge of technology, safety, and performance for our students and instructors."
- Frank Ayers, Embry-Riddle, Chairman of the Flight Department, Daytona Beach
Diamond Simulation
Only Diamond Aircraft offers a complete line-up of type-specific flight training simulators. Operators and students alike benefit from economical practice time, including honing skills for emergency situations that can be scheduled irrespective of weather conditions.
- Built with real avionics
- High-end visuals
- Sophisticated instructor operating stations
- Cleaner, greener way to train
Testimonials
"No other manufacturer has a similar fleet line-up. The Diamond fleet offers a smooth transition from the DA20 2-seater, to the G1000 glass cockpit equipped four-seaters, the Diamond Star, and the twin engine DA42. Combined with the seamless integration of professional level simulation, we can offer students world class training experience and almost guaranteed success."
- Carsten Sturm, Europe-American Aviation, Naples Florida
"The Diamond DA20 provides Parks College students access to the latest flight technology. Our aviation program will grow in direct result of this investment and our students and graduates will continue to be sought out by employers."
- Brent Bowen, Ed.D., Aviation Science Department Chair
"We are extremely pleased that we chose the DA20 for our contract to train U.S. Air Force pilot and combat systems officer candidates. The Air Force is very impressed with the DA20's superb safety features, wonderful handling characteristics and outstanding fuel economy."
- Kenneth Smith, President, Doss Aviation
"We believe the DA42 L360 represents the leading edge of technology, safety, and performance for our students and instructors."
- Frank Ayers, Embry-Riddle, Chairman of the Flight Department, Daytona Beach
"We believe in Diamond as the flight training platform of the future. Our local pilot customers are excited at being able to fly one of the most modern fleets in the industry."
- Peter Anderson, President of Galvin Flying Services
Diamond Simulation
Going beyond the expected is in our genes, just look at how we're taking flight training to the next level by offering our own line of model-specific flight training devices. Built out of authentic Diamond aircraft parts, with real avionics, high-end visuals and an Instructor operating station that you would expect on high level full motion devices, our D-SIMs are as innovative as our airplanes. Built by Diamond Simulation, our sister company, D-SIM provides flight schools around the world with the best possible general aviation flight simulation devices available. At Diamond, we believe that using a simulator in your training - the way professional pilots do - increases safety, efficiency and effectiveness while offering a cleaner, greener way to train.
For more information, please click here.
- "Choosing Diamond was as much about passion as it was about logic."
Gail Eaton
DA42 Owner, Florida
