Diamond Katana... What do you think?

[dmspilot00]

The temperature limitation is because of the composite airframe.

Thats exactly right. I read somewhere that the limit was 120*F, if my memory serves me. However, that is not the OAT limit, it is the limit of the temperature of the airframe. Baking in the hot sun on a hot tarmac can bring the skin temperature up significantly higher than the surrouding air temperature. That would make me nervous, but it wouldn't prevent me from flying it. As bob says you can park it in the shade for awhile.

I've never been a fan of Diamond's aircraft "styling," with the tail boom that looks like it's gonna fall off. However if I had the chance to fly one I would take advantage of it, the world of composites seems very promising performance and economy-wise. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss it, obviously they are doing something right.

By the way, Jafar, I'm sure after training in a Katana, when you go to fly the 172, you will HATE it. At least at first. You sit in it like a truck, it handles like a truck, etc. compared to the Katana, I'm sure. I didn't like it the first time I flew one, and that was coming from a 152! But I got comfortable with it after about 3-4 hours, and have liked it since. If you go to fly the 172 "for the sake of comparison and experiance" once or twice before your PPL you probably wouldn't be able to make a good comparison.
If I were you I'd just wait until after you get your PPL to try it out, when you are ready to "commit" to being checked out in it...like when you want to fly more than 1 passenger at once (unless your FBO has Diamond Stars too?).

 

[Pee_nuss]

I dunno. Any airplane that has a published maximum outside air temperature limitation is a little scarry.

Its a published limitaion.... I flew it once to get checked out but never flew one again.

The brasillia has a max temp limitation too. It also has a minimum. still a good plane.

I flew a few times in the DA-20 C1 we had at my flight school. Very docile airplane, but i wasnt a fan just due to physical limitations. The seats hurt my back, it felt like a 152, yuck.

If you have fun in the plane, stick with it. Its a fine airframe i think.

I just hate a 8 hour day in one. It also seemed to be really sensitive to the bumps in the air, lot of bounce.

good luck

nuss

 

[WrightAvia]

the Katana also has a limitation to VFR flying also...that don't keep me from flying it.

 

[midlifeflyer]

I dunno. Any airplane that has a published maximum outside air temperature limitation is a little scarry.

So you mean you actually =fly= 172 when the temperature is 120 outside?

 

[TXCAP4228]

So you mean you actually =fly= 172 when the temperature is 120 outside?

Sure, I thought EVERYBODY had airconditioning in their 172.

Just kidding about the a/c, but yes. I do fly airplanes that have been sitting out in the sun all day in the summer time. The surface temp on the airplane is certainly over 120 F. I fly them with the confidence that they will not come unglued.

 

[fracflyer]

I gave about 25 hours of dual in a Katana it's a decent trainer. However, it's not a basic trainer, nothing can take a licking like a good old 150 or 152 for learning how to land. Wasn't it Spartan that had multiple gear failures in their Katanas?

 

[Jafar]

It's been great for me, but I have nothing to compare it to. I will start flying the Diamond Star here shortly. The airport I train out of has a new one available. I may start using the Star exclusively, do my checkride in it. 180 HP, 3 bladed constant speed prop and seats four. For the price I can get it for I can't pass it up.

 

[skychaser]

I instructed in Katanas and loved it. I'd much rather fly the Katana than a 152. The visibility is great and I love the stick!
Fun airplane to fly and instruct in. We got rid of them due to
a lot of maintenance. Primarily oil temp/pressure readings
were always irratic and had to be adjusted for in maintenance.
I miss them! Have fun.