Katana DA-20 Basic Training

DA-20

The Austrian-built DV20 Katana was certified in 1993, and the first Canadian-built model was delivered in 1995. It received the Flight Magazine Eagle Award, for best light aircraft in the same year. 1997 marked the delivery of the 500th DV20.

KATANA DA-20 (4)

The basic models of the DA20, The A1 Katana, based on the DV20 Katana, is powered by a Rotax 912 engine rated for 80 or 100 hp (60 or 75 kW) and has a constant-speed propeller.

• Features

  The DA20 is intended for a similar role as the Cessna 150, but there are many differences between the two aircraft. The DA20 has a higher cruise speed and rate of climb, control sticks (as opposed to yokes), composite construction, a canopy, low wings, a single fuel tank, a T-tail, and a castering nosewheel. Performance is significantly increased by the liberal use of composites and tapered wingtips which reduces the effects of induced drag.

• Certification

  The DA20-A1 is certificated under CARs 523 in Canada and under FAR 23 in the USA. In 2004, Diamond received Chinese certification for the DA20. It also holds JAA certification, too. Although the DA20 is available with instrumentation and avionics suitable for flight under instrument flight rules (IFR), its composite airframe lacks lightning protection and thus does not qualify for IFR certification. The DA20 is certified in the utility category, and it is permissible to intentionally spin it with flaps in the full up position.

• Handling

  Because the nose wheel of the DA20 is not linked to the rudder pedals, turns while taxiing must be made with differential braking, with rudder steering becoming more effective as airspeed increases. The DA-20 possesses a higher glide ratio than many of its competitors. The glide ratio of DA20-A1 is 14:1. For comparison, the Cessna 150, another two-seat trainer, has a glide ratio of 7:1. The DA20's high glide ratio can pose a challenge for students if a no-flap landing is necessary. This can be greatly lessened with a moderate forward slip. The higher glide ratio is a significant advantage in the event of an engine failure as it allows the aircraft to reach a greater number of potential landing areas from the same altitude.

• Crew accommodation

  The DA20's bubble canopy provides good visibility. Small windows on either side of the canopy can be opened on the ground and in flight to provide cockpit ventilation. This canopy design, however, lets in an above-average amount of sunlight into the cockpit, increasing the cockpit's initial temperature. The DA20's seats are recumbent and are not adjustable, instead the rudder pedals are adjustable fore and aft to accommodate pilots of different height. The fixed seats provide better occupant crash protection.