Diamond DA40 XLS

April 17, 2008

The Diamond DA40 XLS looking pretty over the shores of Lake Buchanan, near Llano, TX. Robert Goyer

Diamond DA40 XLS cruising back to Austin, TX. Robert Goyer

Diamond DA40 XLS en route to Austin. Robert Goyer

A delight to taxi, the Diamond DA40 XLS is shown here on the ramp at Llano Municipal. Robert Goyer

The canopy has been reshaped, making it longer on the vertical for more headroom along the side for all occupants. Robert Goyer

Frontal view of the reshaped canopy. Robert Goyer

With the combination of the G1000 system, and the addition of WAAS and the GFC 700 autopilot, the DA40 XLS is a remarkably well-equipped airplane. Robert Goyer

The PFD shows us at cruise at 5,500 feet headed east direct to Austin on a warm winter day truing 150 knots. Robert Goyer

The engine utility on the MFD offers large round-gauge graphical engine instruments and more. The electronic instruments are not a replacement for steam gauges but an improvement. Robert Goyer