In preparation of his incoming DA62, Scott purchased an essentially brand new DA42 to obtain his multi-engine rating and become familiar with the Diamond. Havens Aero was dispatched to do a logbook review, pre-purchase pre-flight and ferry the DA42 from Houston to it’s new home in Minneapolis. Scott was able to ride along as well and get familiar with the DA42 before starting training back home.
Unfortunately training was cut short. While there were no outstanding AD’s when the plane was purchased, a required inspection popped up a few weeks later. While covered by the factory there was still a matter of down time to consider. Thankfully we were able to find a quick match lining up schedules with Scott, Havens Aero and Steel Aviation to complete the MX quickly and get the plane shuttled back and forth all within a week!
Part 1
Inspired to close on the new aircraft before the end of the year, Scott and I met up in Houston where another Scott happened to be selling the 4 month old DA42. Reviewing the logbooks was a cinch and the plane and its systems all ran flawlessly. After giving the nod that it was good to move forward, we spent the afternoon hanging out in one of the greatest hangars I have ever seen.
With closing complete, we wanted to knock out at least one flight behind us on the way north to Minneapolis. Traditionally I avoid ferry flying at night but with two engines and all of the safety wrapped into a DA42, we departed for Dallas.
With tacos for dinner and a short overnight, we jumped back into the airplane to continue the journey north. While the plane could have made the trip nonstop, we purchased some fuel on the way to break up the trip, allow Scott to see another landing to get adjusted to the site picture and swap seats!
After gassing up, we had an uneventful flight back to Flying Cloud where this awesome airplane felt right at home finding it’s hangar among a Diamond flight school. After tucking in the plane, Scott shared his flight training plans and excitement with me during the drive over to MSP.
Part 2
Unfortunately, I ended up right back at MSP a couple months later. I received a call from Scott that the DA42 needed ferried to the MX shop at Steel Aviation in Dayton, Ohio; interrupting his flight training.
Thankfully, our schedules aligned with each other and Steel. The MX ferry flights and AD work were all completed in three days! It was a quick turn around but we were happy to keep Scott flying with minimal downtime where the airplane was hardly away from home.
Havens Aero 