FS2020 - Flying the Diamond DA40NG

In this video, we take a look at starting and operating the Diamond DA40 in Microsoft Flight Simulator. Attention is paid to the quirky fuel system and glider like wings. Our flight takes us over Istanbul.

[@chunhe142]

This airplane doesn't have spark plugs and it doesn't burn AVgas, no lead, no worry. Jet A, way to go!

[@twistedyogert]

No lead here.

[@espolete]

Well explained and I really like your particular way of commenting through the video. Thanks for the video!

[@therocinante3443]

He's great!

[@elvinhsen]

You forgot fuel pump for take off :D I just had a flight in DA42 fnpt II sim, it is an awesome airplane...had to try da40 in real life, also beautiful and amazing plane...love it :))

[@MarkRobSmith]

Thanks Mr G. I've been using this aircraft constantly since getting MSFS. At the same time I've been constantly watching your videos. Both are excellent!!! Weirdly, was flying the DA40 over Bradley (in game) in your honour last night!! Keep up the great work; big fan here.

[@drewdupont1491]

These How to Fly videos are the best! I've had a general idea that the DA40 was similar to the C172 in performance/speed/etc but highlighting the quirks of each plane is very illuminating

[@mjparker900]

I've got about 60 hours in the previous version of the DA40 (not the TDI included in FS2020, mine had G1000, RPM power and mixture levers, but a separate autopilot) and found this NG version a pretty fair representation of my real world experience, especially the floating down the runway on a hot day part. I fly through the Coastal Mountains around Vancouver and that 180 degree view is awesome. Love the videos, thanks.

[@Rationalific]

Nice flight! Thank you for showing off the Diamond DA40.

[@directmantis6462]

This is the aircraft I'll be doing my training in. Such an informative video and makes me so much more excited to fly it!

[@krispyk.1786]

What a pretty plane - I’ve gotten to sit in one of these at EAA Airventure- and man the controls are SUPER light and YET the flight controls are fully metal covered!

[@AysarAburrub]

im loving this series! good stuff. Really helpful for me as a complete beginner.

[@peteallennh]

Thank you for this! I just flew the DA40 for the first time today and love it!

[@albertvanderiet]

You Sir are the Bob Ross of Flightsim 😊. Nice review.

[@Rusty_Ducksy]

Dude straight up sounds like a pilot over the comms lol. New to the channel. Fantastic vids super informative, got my sub!

[@rayhayden]

I neglected to leave a comment on my view of your video yesterday. Of note, I was primarily focused on that fuel transfer thing - which I feel is a tad goofy for them to use (I loved flying the DA20, looks like a fighter trainer with side by side seating)... anyway, I loved the entire video, and you have an excellent speaking voice for this... like my old instructors back in the day! Dropping another LIKE on your video!

[@stephenmason5682]

Very nice!! I've been playing with the DA20 as I love the SR22? But I'll now give this a burst. Thanks for the into!!

[@danp1975]

enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing! most of my real world hours are in the DV20. Looking forward to trying this in the 'new' sim

[@nickthechicken11]

Very useful video. By far my favourite aeroplane in MFS. I'm still learning how to use the second screen (ND) and setting up a FLP in-game

[@HannoRetief]

Love this type of video! Hope you do the caravan next 😁

[@vortifyne]

Amazing video, helped me getting started in FS2020!

[@daniel2603]

The visibility in this plane is the number one seller for me. I've flown high wing in real life. Not too bad for left turns in real life. But in game, high wing aircraft suck for pattern work. This Diamond is a dream because you can see everything perfectly.

[@dcviper985]

The DA40 doesn't have lead fouling on the plugs because it has neither plugs nor leaded fuel. It uses the AE300 Jet-A engine.

[@JeffroBodine1947]

Wow, Wouldn't Mr. P know that?

[@twistedyogert]

Only one model runs on Jet-A. From what I've read, most models use a regular spark-ignition engine.

[@huntertito6987]

My DA40 uses a l-360 engine so yes it does have Lead fouling

[@dcviper985]

@@huntertito6987 the DA40 in the sim...

[@stevemoss1182]

@@twistedyogert Of all the Diamond airplanes only one model the Da xlt runs on 100LL, - all the others, the Da 40 ng, the Da 50 rg, the Da 42 and the Da 62 are all diesel engines running on Jet-A.

[@heinrichmarais3753]

Thank you so much! Great video as always.

[@gabybaber6231]

My uncle owns this plain and I have been flighting it a lot recently. Its a lot to offer!

[@Zadonitz]

Awesome video! I would love to see an RNAV approach on the DA40 TDI!

[@Chasa-zz6ld]

The DA40NG is the same plane as the AAFC (Australian Airforce Cadets) use for training on flight simulator and irl we did it today in flight simulator and we are really good but our AC (Aircraft’s Man) he was making it really hard and making us look down and ever we’re but the front but we did good so yeah. Also it is a really expensive plane with a fully glass cockpit

[@funnymancomedygaming1098]

Same, I am apart of AAFC too. We were lucky enough to go for a flight in one of these planes, It is really nice inside too.

[@JonathanPeel]

There is a game setting that lets you increase the amount of boats in the water, and cars on the freeway. It doesn't add enough boats to actually look like what a coastal town ever does, but it's cool to see a few more. You can increase AI airport traffic in the same place.

[@bankabled]

Thank you for this very helpful video.

[@peterandersson3812]

Checking the tacho? Fouled spark plugs? The DA40 has a diesel engine, so no tacho and no spark plugs. The glow plug warning isn't a malfunction warning: since the fuel self-combusts after compression the cylinder needs to be heated a bit before start. That's what the glow plugs do. No issue in Turkey, but on a cold day in Scandinavia you need to wait for a while. We had a diesel converted C172 in our club some five-ten years ago with the same Thielert engine as the DA40. Love the Single Lever Control!

[@bosslife92]

"Now we're gonna be climbing at a speed of 72 knots, which is roughly what I have it at now." > has 79 knots and increasing > proceeds to continue climbing with over 90 knots for several hundred feet Also, you should not use flight director if you are going to ignore what it tells you.

[@michaelchomiczewski7937]

Nice realistic ATC comms. Just like in real life :-)

[@ultrasuperkiller]

2 years late but one thing i’ve been taught on this plane that i ddt see you do (but maybe because it would be boring for the video) is engine temperature handling This aircraft (according to our POH) needs a 2 minute idle time followed by 1400 RPM at startup & a 2 minute idle before shitting the engine down due to the turbo on the aircraft

[@ted363636]

My go to plane. Thanks!

[@therocinante3443]

Hey man! You can have boats! You can adjust the amount of marine traffic in the g traffic settings, I believe you'll see boats if you crank that up :)

[@thegood9]

I think they finally improved the sound somewhat on the latest update (early june 2021). Before this, the loop points stuck out like a sore thumb and it really took you out of the immersion.

[@JenniferinIllinois]

Haven't tried the Diamond aircraft yet but looks like I need to give this one a try and let my 172 get some rest. 😉

[@kyleschieler1298]

Interesting to watch! My flight academy has about 50 2018 DA40NG and a couple DA42. Operations are almost exact haha.

[@bike0662]

Lift?

[@kyleschieler1298]

@@bike0662 Yeah, finishing up my multi rating right now. Last rating!

[@bike0662]

@@kyleschieler1298 heck yeah man Congratulations! I work on yalls airplanes in the hanger haha

[@Simulatom]

Eu estava muito confuso com relação ao desequilíbrio deste combustível. Você me ajudou demais, obrigado!

[@rackum44]

Great video Thanks

[@blairbrewer6227]

So. Now that you've got some good time in the sim, what are the best aircraft to use? As in which are most bugless, etc. I have the mooney and 182 as well? Which are most complete aircraft at this point? :) Thanks in advance for any input.

[@adselrecom]

You've earned a sub sir

[@Magicmarker231]

Yeah, I prefer the DA-40TDI. But only because it gives me more frames on my system and the sunscreen is semitransparent. Don't need the G1000/autopilot. And it flies smooth like a glider at the lowest attitudes. My favourite plane atm. ;o)

[@dazecm]

Great stuff.

[@andrewmgoss]

Great video. Any chance we can see how approach mode works in this aircraft?

[@cristiansandor4435]

Nice video. Can you tell me please what do you use as head tracking?

[@c0dexus]

For some reason the fuel transfer pump works in this version of the plane (NG) but not in the TDI version.

[@mark_lhr3]

Wonderful. This is the flight sim version of Bob Ross (the Joy of Painting). This is the perfect antidote to the stresses of the ScamDemic.

[@coffeeguy6673]

HI, I've just flown this lovely aircraft here in the UK and landed at RAF Wittering, when taxiing I used the rudder to turn but it wasn't wanting to turn very much, is there an option anywhere to use the nosewheel do you know ?

[@valrak9877]

Why do planes have those manual fuel selection or pump systems? Is there any reason of why automatic systems that equalize both tanks aren't used? I think it would be rather easy to implement compared to the rest of electronic stuff going on.

[@K0nst4nt1n96]

If the fuel is contaminated in one tank you could just switch. If it happens automatically you would contaminate both tanks. Also if you have a fuel leak the system would feed fuel to the leaking tank.

[@chrisschneider7609]

I have to get this plane below 40% to be off the warning light... No where near 100knts. I was hoping you had a secret for that... Or do we just ignore the red flashing?

[@bankabled]

Nice one.

[@davidstockman1456]

Ap is very useful ya know

[@kenanklctepe6550]

Let me know if you come to Istanbul. The beer's on me.

[@johnneal5623]

Didn’t turn the fuel pumps on before takeoff.

[@johnneal5623]

Probably won’t let you on Flight sim haha

[@nikita_kozlov]

What does the fuel pump switch on the left do?

[@johnneal5623]

Increased the fuel flow to the engine , you turn them on for takeoffs and landings.

[@larrylarragueta368]

What hardware are you using with MS Flight Sim 2020 to fly the DA40? (Flight Stick, Rudder Pedals, etc)

[@whateveriam12]

I use a Saitek yoke without pedals.

[@ozsimflyer]

So cruising at 8000’ at load of 60%, RPM is in the yellow at 2140. Is that ok to fly at that RPM for extended periods of time? Thanks again for another great video.

[@joshsater4044]

I've got 80 hours in this plane in MSFS2020 and my RPM is pretty much -always- in the yellow unless I'm descending.

[@abingdonboy]

Cruise is at 75% and 120 indicated, that’s what the plane is designed to cruise at

[@TawichVirangkur]

Great video as always. Just one question on landing lights, when should they be turned on and off? In some videos, landing lights should be turned on if you fly below 10,000 ft, is this correct? After watching so many videos, I'm getting confused. Thanks.

[@thecorporatepilotdad]

ON within 10 miles of an airport and below 10,000 feet and takeoff and landing. AIM 4-3-23

[@TawichVirangkur]

@@thecorporatepilotdad Many thanks.

[@thecorporatepilotdad]

@@TawichVirangkur I recognized your name. Aren't you a subscriber of my channel?

[@TawichVirangkur]

@@thecorporatepilotdad yes, I watch too many flight sim videos. 🥰

[@thecorporatepilotdad]

@@TawichVirangkur Nothing wrong with that at all. Don't we all?

[@JeffroBodine1947]

Mr. P, wouldn't that taxi using the brake to do that mess up the rubber on the front wheel.?

[@guiluismelo]

It's something that can be done in any (or most at least) aircrafts so I don't think it does anything with the rubber but I'm no specialist

[@JeffroBodine1947]

@@guiluismelo The more I thought about it, that was probably a stupid question. With the brakes crabbing the plane, if you will, the front wheel must turn with the crabbing of the brakes. So thanks Mr. Melo for your reply.

[@claudest-gelais8456]

@Jeffrey Bennett. I used to own a Grumman American Yankee AA1B which also needed differential braking to turn. Was very easy to turn and was inconsequential as far as front tire wear goes. Owned it for 10 years, never replaced the tire lol!!!

[@MisterKatz]

My problem with this plane is the rpm control. There is no one. Its constantly red lining with 2300 rpms. It never got fixed. I can go a lot under 60 load but the rpm raises every time back on 2300. This is not how it should be.

[@mikecoffee100]

I love the mod version

[@mightyherc1]

The DA40 uses Jet-A for its diesel engine, i.e. no spark plugs.

[@Daisy_lief]

yep no lead nor sparkplugs 😅

[@matthewharrington3154]

Any idea how you control the engine temperature? I set throttle at 41% etc cruise around 3000ft but engine temp still goes into the red and sometimes overheats ?? On other aircraft you’ve got the propeller control and can control it but I can’t do that in this aircraft any help ??

[@MisterKatz]

It never got fixed. I know, its sucks

[@stephenmason5682]

Does this plane have Radio Navigation Avionics please?

[@samoeregaming4680]

You say there is a issue with the fuel valve, funny you say that I make that fuel valve in real life let’s hope there is no issue!!

[@mohdshahzlan6242]

This plane is being used in my aviation school

[@krispyk.1786]

College? I just talked to a flight school/college that uses a small fleet of these small Da4’s

[@mohdshahzlan6242]

@@krispyk.1786 My school is Asia Aeronautical Training Academy (AATA).

[@_S.H_]

This plane doesn't have the correct fuel capacity as the real plane. I reported this bug when the game was first released but it doesn't appear to have been fixed yet.

[@kjelle392]

How do you get the flightplan to show up on the right screen? It does not work for me, and it hasn't since the first update... do you use a mod?

[@dcviper985]

If you put your departure and arrival airports into the world map it should just show up. You can put them in manually using the FPL button.

[@kjelle392]

@@dcviper985 That used to work prior to the first MSFS-update. Now, it dont. Can't see the flightplan I setup before flight, nor edit the plan during flight. The plan IS there somehow, but not showing on map or in the FP-subpage.

[@JohnSmith-wj2wd]

@@kjelle392 I've encountered various UI problems where the map wouldn't open or the Navpanels wouldn't load and stay black. Unfortunately, the only thing that fixed it was reïnstalling FS2020. Thankfully it does safe your controller presets, but make sure to backup that 90GB data first before uninstalling.

[@kjelle392]

As a last desperate attempt, I deleted ALL in the Communityfolder - and used the last G1000-mod. Then it worked! Have no clue which mod that broke the sim as It was mostly scenery mods and fixes.

[@sTeFaN2164]

what checklist do you use "?

[@topofthegreen]

The fuel burn is way off in this aircraft.

[@06L]

I love Constantinople! Sadly, they are not prepared for the next 'big one'. But if I'm here WHEN it happens, I'll go under the Hagia Sophia who resisted all the others!

[@inxs52]

where is the infernal park brake on this thing ?

[@MisterKatz]

center control

[@abingdonboy]

Why did you do a flapless takeoff?

[@Jebusite100]

Because he had lots of runway

[@Enzo-ek7zk]

@@Jebusite100 da40's you always use flaps irl. its not based on runway, they jut use em everytime

[@krispyk.1786]

@@Enzo-ek7zk yeahhh…. U right - I mean one could go flap less but it’s always nice to know you got that extra lift on you

[@Enzo-ek7zk]

@@krispyk.1786 yep and at the end of a day its a sim for fun. nothing serious about it anyway. aslong as it flies then your doing something right haha

[@keithlillis7962]

Very good tutorial. I am flying the Diamond DA40NG in MSFS2020 and I have set the throttle to my Saitek X52 throttle, but I can't for the life of me find how to set the DA40 RPM. When I fly, the throttle is contolling the load, but the RPM is always high, at around 2300, which is almost red-lining. Does anyone have any advice?

[@alanfaulconbridge2261]

Diamond aircraft like the DA40 are fitted with a FADEC that gives single lever manifold pressure and prop controller. It is badly implemented in MSFS 2020 .There is a DA40 "improvement mod" that fixes this issue.

[@keithlillis7962]

@@alanfaulconbridge2261 Many thanks for the info

[@firsthalthor]

@@alanfaulconbridge2261 I wish all da-40s had fadec. The ones I fly currently don’t. They have mixture and prop controls

[@rackum44]

My RPM was red lining, I couldn't get the RPM to drop

[@pedroillanes7450]

Why when I fly this plane and I activate de ap it doesn’t climb?

[@_S.H_]

For the AP to climb you need to set 2 things: 1- Altitude target that is above your current altitude (the cyan number above you altitude scale) 2- Vertical climb method (either VS or FLC) with the desired speed of climb

[@archerzzy]

I fly this airplane in real life lol

[@franck2k5]

Hello. i have an issue with this plane i don't know how to solve. The RPM metter is always in the yellow/red area, no matter how much load i put on the throttle. I'm currently flying at 70% load, but the RPM is at 2300 (yellow). do you know what i should do to fix that or is this normal ? thanks!

[@Redadeg72]

Same here...nobody any ideas?

[@David-xe3my]

@@Redadeg72 same

[@slimsasd]

@@David-xe3my install the DA40NGX mod, that fixes the FADEC that controls the prop rpm

[@firefox3187]

Asobo didn’t model the FADEC engine control system, it auto manages the engine,prop,mixture based on throttle setting and flight data. So it’s way off correct figures. Have still not fixed this . And the mods are on for PC

[@ramon7734]

Lol you never use landing light during flight, you just use it for takeoffs and landings lol

[@saheel1850]

Yeah you do, if you’re below 10 000 ft

[@ramon7734]

@@saheel1850 no...

[@saheel1850]

@@ramon7734 Why not

[@ramon7734]

@@saheel1850 Cuz its Landing gear, you use that for take off and landing, in air you only use NAV lights, anda couple other

[@saheel1850]

@@ramon7734 The FAA recommends leaving your landing lights on below 10 000ft though, it's to be seen better. Many airlines require their pilots to leave the landing lights on below 10 000ft in their SOP

[@geertnoels7041]

4 people is no problem, even with full fuel. However, they have to be cyclists (like me) ;-)

[@captaintT]

you cant fly with 4 people and with full tank , I fly this airplane in real life

[@geertnoels7212]

@@captaintT I have a DA40NG. However I said: cyclists. You know, people that weigh very little. ;-)

[@XxXBattleStarXxX]

This thing pulls to the right like mad, annoying af

[@armand4226]

But why are you speaking so quickly ?😢

[@WanderfalkeAT]

Psst, don't call Istanbul - Constantinople when you fly in Turkey! Turk's don't like that :)

[@mikecoffee100]

It's no bodys business but The Turks ;)

[@droge192]

There's no lead in diesel fuel. Also, what's with constantly saying "automatic pilot" instead of just autopilot. Utterly pointless. You don't half rabbit on!

[@jamesmcclung5075]

Sorry,but your voice and pitch makes you hard to understand. I’m sure you know what you doing, but your delivery is your worst enemy.

[@cb4963]

no idea what you mean, i undertand everything perfectly fine.

[@amb7247]

I love his videos and the content he provides. If I can be a small critic, slow down a bit. I have to rewind to find out what you were talking about. However, no one can contest or say you do not love flying these games or the passion you provide to this channel.

[@aliasofanalias7448]

I like it