The Diamond Luxury Path: Upgrading from the DA40 to the DA50 RG

Why the DA50 is the New King of High-Performance Pistons

The Diamond DA50 RG combines efficiency, performance, and luxury in ways few aircraft can match. It's faster than a DA40, more economical than most comparable singles, and positioned between high-performance pistons and light twins. For pilots wanting maximum capability without sacrificing efficiency or single-engine simplicity, the DA50 RG is unsurpassed.

The DA40: The Epitome of Safety, Efficiency, and Modern Design

The Diamond DA40 has become the default choice for modern general aviation. Its monocoque composite fuselage offers corrosion resistance, superior strength-to-weight ratio, and exceptional durability. The Jet-A burning engines make it the most economical single-engine aircraft operating in volume.

The DA40 is comfortable, stable, and predictable. It cruises at 140-160 knots on 8-9 GPH—remarkable efficiency. Insurance is reasonable, maintenance is straightforward, and the modern avionics are unmatched. For private flying, it's nearly perfect.

But the DA40 has a ceiling. Useful load is modest (1,050-1,200 lbs), meaning careful weight management with four people. Fixed landing gear costs drag in cruise. And while efficient, the DA40 isn't the fastest aircraft in its class. These constraints don't diminish the DA40; they just clarify its design mission: maximum efficiency, not maximum performance.

The DA50 RG: 5-Seats, Retractable Gear, and 300-hp Jet-A Power

Retractable Landing Gear

Like the Arrow and other complex aircraft, the DA50 RG features retractable tricycle landing gear. The benefits are identical: reduced drag in cruise, improved performance, and the sophisticated systems management that comes with gear operations.

Single-Lever Power Control (FADEC)

Modern DA50 RG models feature FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) in some variants. This means you control power with a single lever; the engine management computer handles fuel mixture, ignition timing, and optimizations automatically. This reduces pilot workload and improves reliability—a welcome improvement over traditional throttle and mixture controls.

Jet-A Efficiency

Like the DA40, the DA50 RG burns Jet-A fuel rather than avgas. This offers massive advantages:

• Jet-A fuel is available at most airports (97% of fields)
• Jet-A typically costs $1-$2 less per gallon than avgas
• Engines can achieve lean-of-peak efficiency uncommon in avgas engines

5-Seat Cabin

The DA50 RG seats five adults plus baggage. The cabin is comfortable, modern, and sophisticated. Visibility is excellent, climate control is intuitive, and the overall experience feels more like business-class flying than general aviation.

Engine and Performance

The DA50 RG features 300+ HP Austro or Lycoming engines producing:

• Cruise speed: 180-190 knots (vs. 140-160 in DA40)
• Climb performance: 1,000+ FPM
• Service ceiling: 20,000+ feet
• Range: 1,000+ nautical miles with reserves

Key Gains: 5-Seat Cabin, Retractable Gear, Single-Lever Power

Useful Load and Seating

The DA50 RG's 1,350-1,450 lbs useful load enables true 5-seat operations. Compare to the DA40:

• DA40: 4 adults = 800 lbs, fuel = 400 lbs (4 seats comfortable but fuel-limited)
• DA50 RG: 5 adults = 1,000 lbs, fuel = 300+ lbs (5 seats with good fuel reserves)

Speed and Efficiency

Here's the remarkable part: while 80 knots faster than a DA40, the DA50 RG achieves this with similar fuel consumption:

• DA40: 140 knots at 8.5 GPH = 16.5 NM per gallon
• DA50 RG: 190 knots at 11 GPH = 17.3 NM per gallon

This means the DA50 RG is actually MORE efficient per nautical mile, despite the higher horsepower.

FADEC Advantages

Single-lever power control simplifies flying. No mixture adjustment, no carb heat management—the engine computer handles optimization. This reduces pilot workload and minimizes pilot error.

Cost of Ownership: DA40 vs. DA50 RG

Purchase Price

Used Diamond prices:

• DA40 (various models): $150,000-$280,000
• DA50 RG: $280,000-$400,000+

Financing a DA50 RG

For a typical $320,000 DA50 RG:

• $320,000, 15% down ($48,000): $272,000 loan at 7% for 15 years = $2,370/month
• $320,000, 20% down ($64,000): $256,000 loan at 7% for 15 years = $2,231/month

Annual Operating Costs (150 hours/year)

Fixed Costs:

• Insurance: $2,000-$2,500/year
• Hangar: $2,400/year
• Annual inspection: $1,200/year
• Registration: $350/year
• Total Fixed: $5,950/year

Variable Costs (150 hours):

• Jet-A fuel: 11 GPH × 150 hrs × $5/gallon = $8,250
• Maintenance: $20/hr × 150 hrs = $3,000
• Gear/prop reserve: $8/hr × 150 hrs = $1,200
• Total Variable: $12,450

Grand Total: $18,400/year ($123/hour all-in)

Frequently Asked Questions