Massey University Signs Up for 14 Diamond Training Aircraft
Hawker Pacific and New Zealand-based Massey University grabbed the GA news headlines at Avalon by announcing a deal close to US$5 million for 14 Diamond training aircraft.
Hawker Pacific will supply 12 new Diamond DA-40 singled engine four seater and two DA42 L360 twin engine aircraft to the University over a six month period with deliveries scheduled to begin mid year.
The DA-40s will be powered by the Lycoming IO-360-M1A Avgas engine and the DA42L360s, by two counter-rotating Lycoming IO-360 (180hp) powerplants.
Tony Jones, Hawker Pacific’s Senior Vice President, Aircraft Sales & Flight Services Group, said: “Massey University selected Diamond aircraft for their training fleet because of its state-of-the-art design, Garmin G1000 glass cockpit and leading edge technology as well as the economy, safety and performance of the aircraft.
“The University conducted an extensive evaluation program prior to the aircraft’s selection and the DA-40 and DA42L360 best met the requirements of the University’s demanding aviation training program.”
Professor Ian Warrington, Massey’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: “It is a pleasure to be associated with Hawker Pacific and Diamond Aircraft Industries in this transaction.
“We believe the Diamond aircraft we have selected are ideally suited for our flight training needs. Our students and instructors will appreciate the performance, safety and design of the aircraft and the University will benefit from its fuel efficiency and corrosion-proof all composite airframe.”
The Diamond aircraft range also provides important synergies for operators in terms of cockpit layout and handling characteristics between single and twin engine aircraft. These benefits provide a better quality of training and ease of progress for trainees to more advanced aircraft.
A separate division of Diamond Aircraft offers type-specific simulators for both models, which ease the cost of systems familiarisation and ongoing training, especially in emergenct procedures and instrument flight training.
Rear left; Peter Maurer, President, Diamond Aircraft Industries
Rear right: Captain Ashok Poduval, General Manager, School of Aviation, Massey University
Front left: Alan Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Hawker Pacific
Front right: Professor Ian Warrington, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Massey University
