In the area of single engine 4 place aircraft that are sold in volume new as personal aircraft most would agree there are essentially three main aircraft. The Cessna 182T, the Cirrus SR20 and the Diamond DA40. We exclude the C172 because though it is a tried and true training aircraft, its speed limits it as a highly usable traveling aircraft on the same level as the three named above.

The chart above shows sales data for these three comparable models from 2004 through 2011.

Review of the numbers indicates something that many folks might not have guessed and that is the Diamond DA40 has been the top seller in the category 6 out of 8 years. The Cirrus SR20 for all its marketing hype, parachute and sales feet on the street has never topped the chart or out sold the DA40 and has been in third place in 5 of 8 years.

The total unit sales count for these three aircraft from 2004 through 2011 is shown in the chart above. The Diamond DA40 stands out as the the clear leader over all. The most surprising part again is the lead the DA40 commands over the Cirrus SR20.

As all pilots know the market for general aviation aircraft contracted significantly from 2008-2010. The bottom appears to have been found and the industry projects significant growth going forward. In 2011 the break out for the three aircraft we are analyzing showed that the Cessna 182 sales had dropped to 25% market share that the Diamond DA40 had gained further market share.  Most notable in the year to year data was that the DA40 increased from 57 to 72 from 2010 to 2011, a 26% increase, where as the C182 dropped 37.5% and the Cirrus was only up 14% year over year for 2010 to 2011.

The source of our data is the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) which tracks and publishes all member manufacturers sales and delivery statistics.

Summary

This analysis shows that among these three competing aircraft  sales of all three have dropped significantly due to the general market conditions in the period viewed.  The DA40 has been the consistent leader of the pack and appears to be on a stronger growth curve in the present market solidifying a dominant market share position. The reasons for these sales results is not within the scope of this article but it is hoped that if you are seeking to purchase an aircraft this data will assist you in putting the relative market positions of these aircraft into focus.

This presentation provides a detailed explanation of what they did to dramatically improve the performance of the aircraft. Stay tuned for availability announcements.

Where: Fly to Marsh Harbor (MYAM) located on Abaco in the Bahamas. Captain Robbie of Pura Vida will pick you up at the Boat Harbor Marina and take you to Lubbers Cay to enjoy your own private island paradise. Perfect!

When: Anytime you need a break

How: If you are not familiar with how to make international flights to the Bahamas then we recommend you get involved with Bahamas Habitat to learn the ropes of flying to the island. They have a pilot briefing video on their website. Sign up for their info for notices about future group flights.

What to do: The flying is beautiful, the boating on crystal clear waters is devine, diving, snorkeling, beaching, shelling, exploring and the local seafood are all outstanding. If you are into fishing then you have found the best. Captain Robbie and his well equipped “Freespool” sport fishing boat stand ready at the dock to ply the deep blue of the Atlantic for billfish and delicious dinner! There is also a 4 bedroom catamaran available by the day or week. Everything you need for the ultimate adventure getaway!

Visit for more details: http://www.puravidacottages.com/thecottages.htm

The way these planes are produced with this “magic material” is fascinating. This video shows how the process works at the Diamond Aircraft factory. Any one considering the purchase of an aircraft will usually come to the logical conclusion that glass is the only way to go once they understand all its unique advantages of safety, durability, economy and usability.

One of the most enjoyable things we get to do here at GlassPilot.com is actually use these wonderful airplanes we are always talking about and providing for sale. We search out special fly-in destinations and adventures to alert our readers so they can take full advantage of the lifestyle changing potential of their aircraft.  Today we are here to tell you that if you have not flown to Maine then you need to add that to your list of things to do!

Over Labor Day this year I needed to pick up a Diamond DA40 XLS I had bought that was based in New Hampshire. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to combine a little business with pleasure so my wife and I packed up and headed North. The aircraft was ready to go and in outstanding shape (Aircraft for sale: see photos & details). We took off from the old Pease Airforce Base KPSM in Portsmouth NH which used to be a Strategic Air Command base so the runway is only 11,321ft!

Upon departure we stayed at 1000ft all the way up the coast to KBHB – Bar Harbor Maine. This is simple a “must do flight”. The coast is so scenic and dramatic with its lighthouses, rocky shore, mountains, quaint villages, boats and lots of lobster pots. My wife was simply pointing and saying wow the whole way. You’ll pass Kennebunkport, Portland, Rockland and numerous villages which all look so quaint and classic Maine from the air with their boat packed harbors and lobster pot buoys dotting every inch of water. The extreme visibility the Diamond DA40 XLS offers makes a trip like this a truly magical experience.

When you arrive at KBHB it is a must to circle Acadia National Park and see the splendor of the pink granite peaks of Cadillac Mountain on Mount Desert Island. If we still used film this would be the preverbal ”Film Gobbler!” Take time to study the island from the air as you’ll be exploring it by foot, bike, car or bus during your visit. Passing to the north you’ll fly in over Frenchman’s Bay with Bar Harbor on your left and the airport just a bit further to the west. Be on the alert for traffic including biplane sight seeing craft, gliders and of course other private and some commuter aircraft coming in to KBHB.

As fly-in destinations go you’ll find few better than Bar Harbor. The amazing  scenery is complimented by a great airport and easy access to transportation. There are two car rental agencies in the little terminal and the FREE buses run on a regular schedule to take you on to the island. The free busses are there to encourage you to skip the car and enjoy the island by  bus and bikes. The propane powered buses all have bike racks to make the process work wonderfully. Several shops in Bar Harbor offer “comfort mountain bikes” that are truly comfortable with soft seats and suspensions. Not having a car was a blessing for us and made moving around easy. If you are in a hurry grab a cab as the airport bus does up to 45 minutes due to the stops along the way. The cab is less than $40 and is over in about 15 minutes.

There are beautiful carriage trails throughout the park that are fantastic for touring the park. You can take the bus out to a starting point and ride till you’ve had enough and catch the bus back. They are all graded so none of the hills are extreme and there are lots of easy and flat loops. What could be better?

You’ll have your choice of Bed & Breakfast Inn’s and various motel & hotel options to suit many different styles. The village of Bar Harbor has lots of fun shops, great food and plenty of exploring to do by foot or bike. After two days all we could say was, “we have got to plan to come back!”. Next time we’ll take advantage of whale watching tours, kayaking and some more hiking.

If you are looking for an active adventure for the whole family or a romantic get away for you and your partner you could do no better than a flight to Bar Harbor Maine. I’ve included some photos here and a link to our entire suite of photos. Feel free to leave comments or questions.

Join in the relief efforts of Bahamas Habitat in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

The organization is coordinating pilots, volunteers, donors and others to mount a response to the remote islands of the Bahamas.

I assure you that if you support this group financially, your funds will be well used. You see I am the President and Chairman of the organization! Your donations are tax deductible.

Pilots with planes have the opportunity to fly missions delivering relief supplies. Signup on their website www.bahamashabitat.org now for updates and mission notifications.

Loren French of Eagle Colorado purchased his DA20 through John Armstrong our GlassPilot publisher and filmed this great video of his pick up and flight from Maryland to his home base in Colorado over 1300 nautical miles.

You’ll see from the video the DA20 is quite the performer. Congratulations Loren! Enjoy your new plane!