Diamond has the plane (and a new DA42-VI and a new DA40 with the FADEC engine) touring the Pacific Coast. I snagged a ride in Long Beach and took it out to Catalina.

Quite an amazing machine, but way more than I need right now. I know I'll blink and have grandkids, so I'll keep it filed for later.

I was impressed on some things but not too excited about the older DA42 I flew, especially at the cost. but the new 42's are much more impressive, and now this DA62 is pretty damn cool and can finally keep up with my old 1970's Baron. Slick looking. Would love to check out the 62. Great writeup!

Full FIKI and pressurization and they'd have a class winner.

FIKI & pressurization ain't gonna happen with just 2 X 180Hp

The safety record of all of the Diamond aircraft is undisputed and when it does crash fatalities are very unlikely as is post crash fire. They are doing something right.

This also is a 21st century airplane and if I had the cash it is no contest, this is the plane.

Nice write-up, Colin. Really love what they're doing.

It's a 1,3M? plane and your 7! passengers have still to scramble over the wings.
Would be a no go for me.

I think the $1.3mm price tag (although about normal for a new light twin today) would be what was the "no go" for me.

It sounds awesome.

It needs a side stick. I HATE, and I mean HATE that center stick thing. I want my lap for gadgets. Not a stick. Side stick or traditional yoke please.

It's out of my league and I don't see flying anything other than my SR for many years, but to me, there is nothing more intuitive than a stick. I really like a lot about this plane.

100% agree. Was a partner in a DA40XLS for a few years, it wasn't a particularly good traveling plane and a big part of that was the center stick, the rudder pedal track, and the non-adjustable seat. It was to the point that neither my wife nor my dad would sit up front with me (which I was fine with, i prefer the right seat empty), and I was in pain after 90 minutes (unfortunately the sales flight was only 30 minutes or so). I was hoping they'd change all of those on the '62. But I still see the stick and the rudder pedal track.

The SR22's side yoke (it's not a stick) is totally different and is excellent. I've flown ~700hrs in one of those, and it's by far my favorite control type. A normal yoke is second. Never flown a true sidestick (Cessna 400 / F16 / etc). Center stick is good in a Decathlon or Husky, but I don't like it for traveling in IMC.

Colin - nice writeup, thanks.

A friend of mine as a DA42 and he gave me a demo. Lets say I was not impressed.

-very tight cabin, Im 6ft 1 @225# and I felt like the clown in the toy car.
-with those long wing its very unstable in the air.
-underpower and slowww.
- ok it sips the fuel and it starts easy, that's about it.

That DA62 needs 250-300 hp per side min to have some fun.

its no Baron.

Add - it's a COMPLETE non-event with one engine out.

Why negative opinion on the center stick? I have done multiple long (multi-day, 4-8 hours per day) cross countries in Super Cubs and a Glassaire Sportsman 2+2) with center sticks and no autopilots. I find it much easier to hand fly with a stick than a yoke for prolonged periods because you can rest your arm on your leg and fly with fingertips.

I have never done instrument flying with a stick, so I can't comment on aspect.