D-Jet Flight Testing Resumes | Flying Friday

I’m not really of a financial stature to ever think about owning a jet nor do I think I will ever be, so naturally I don’t get too excited about jet programs. Sure I know Cessna just revamped the CJ1 and renamed it the MJet or something, but for 4 million dollars I can buy and feed a P-51 for at least a year, so I’m not really interested. Now, that said, I am kind of interested in the very light jet developments. The Cirrus Jet gets points because it sports a V-Tail, but I liked the Diamond D-Jet better. Sadly, the company ran into some financial troubles and had to put flight testing on hold.

Why the D-Jet? Well, in short because I don’t like the big scoop on top of the Cirrus Jet. There really isn’t any other reason. If I was given either I wouldn’t turn them down, but for 1+ million dollars I should like the way my jet looks, right? Call me vain, but I just don’t think the jets are different enough for anything else to sway my thoughts.

So far the flight testing is being conducted with flight test airframes 002 and 003 and the company is looking to complete the conforming aircraft which will be airframe 004. The company’s first flight since March was uneventful and consisted primarily of a systems check. Everything on D-Jet 003 checked out and the program will continue with regular flights. They didn’t give a firm date for certification, but I’ll take them at face value on forgoing NBAA and AOPA Summit to focus on the flight testing.

For more information on the D-Jet, check out Diamond’s website for the project. There are all kinds of photos and details on the jet as well as a place that you can read the latest updates on the project.

Anyway, that’s all for now. Enjoy your weekend and go fly!