Just recently, I had the opportunity to take a demo flight in the Diamond DA62 Twin Engine, and one word has stayed with me ever since: simple.

As you’ll discover throughout this Diamond DA62 review, the aircraft is remarkably easy to fly. In fact, there were several moments during the flight when I found myself wondering if I had forgotten something. Should I adjust the fuel mixture? Was it time to fine-tune the propeller controls? The answer, surprisingly, was no. Thanks to the aircraft’s modern design and advanced engine management systems, many of the tasks that have traditionally been part of every multi-engine checklist have either been automated or significantly simplified.

This isn’t just about convenience—it represents a broader shift in modern twin engine aircraft design. Manufacturers such as Diamond Aircraft have focused on reducing pilot workload through automation while maintaining the performance and safety standards expected from professional multi-engine airplanes. Features that once demanded constant attention now operate seamlessly in the background, allowing pilots to concentrate more on flying the aircraft and maintaining situational awareness.

Rather than discussing every specification—which can easily be found on Diamond Aircraft’s official website—this article focuses on what it’s actually like to fly the Diamond DA62 Twin Engine. Numbers and technical data certainly matter, but they only tell part of the story. The real question is how the aircraft feels in the air, how naturally it responds to control inputs, and whether its innovative technology genuinely improves the overall flying experience.

Previous Multi-Engine Experience

Before describing the flight itself, it’s worth providing some context about my own multi-engine background.

Over the years I’ve logged time in several classic twin engine aircraft, including the Beech Duchess and the Piper Seminole. However, the majority of my multi-engine experience has been in the Piper Twin Comanche, where I completed both my commercial multi-engine and multi-engine instructor ratings. I also conducted virtually all of my multi-engine instruction in the Twin Comanche, giving me thousands of opportunities to observe how different aircraft handle during training, normal operations, and engine-out procedures.

Because of that experience, my impressions of the Diamond DA62 are naturally shaped by years of flying more traditional piston twins. That comparison makes the differences even more noticeable and, in many cases, surprisingly impressive. With that background in mind, let’s step into the cockpit and see what makes this modern Diamond DA62 Twin Engine stand out from the aircraft that came before it.

Diamond DA62 Interior

First Impressions Inside the Cabin

Let’s begin with something that surprisingly becomes one of the first impressions of any aircraft—getting inside it.

The Diamond DA62 Twin Engine immediately shows that its designers approached even this simple task differently. Diamond Aircraft seems to be one step ahead of many traditional manufacturers by incorporating several thoughtful features that make entering and exiting the aircraft significantly easier. It may sound like a small detail, but after years of climbing into various twin engine aircraft, it’s something pilots and passengers quickly learn to appreciate.

The first thing you’ll notice is the rear passenger door. Unlike many older piston twins, where passengers often have to squeeze through the front seats or awkwardly climb over the wing, the DA62 provides dedicated access to the middle and rear seating areas. It’s a welcome improvement over my Twin Comanche days, when boarding usually involved opening the pilot’s door, folding the seat forward, and performing what many multi-engine pilots jokingly call the “wing shuffle” just to help passengers get inside.

Thoughtful Design for Pilots and Passengers

Diamond has also paid close attention to the pilot’s experience. Both the pilot and co-pilot positions feature sturdy handholds integrated into the composite airframe, making it much easier to lower yourself into the cockpit. Similar grab handles exist in the DA40, but on the Diamond DA62 they are incorporated directly into the aircraft’s structure, giving the cockpit a cleaner and more modern appearance.

Another surprisingly useful feature is that the front sections of both seats fold upward, creating noticeably more room for entering the cockpit. It may sound like a minor design choice, but anyone with long legs—or, as I jokingly like to say, NBA players wearing size 17 shoes—will immediately appreciate the additional space. Humorous comparisons aside, this is one of those practical improvements that makes everyday flying more comfortable without attracting much attention.

Perhaps even more importantly, these same features make leaving the aircraft just as easy. After landing, shutting down the engines, and climbing out, you won’t ruin your best Chuck Yeager impression by awkwardly stumbling onto the ramp. While entering a modern twin engine aircraft still requires a bit more coordination than stepping into a car, Diamond’s engineers have clearly invested considerable effort in making the entire process feel as natural and comfortable as possible.

From the very beginning, the Diamond DA62 Twin Engine gives the impression that every detail has been designed with both pilot workload and passenger comfort in mind—a philosophy that continues throughout the rest of the aircraft.

Diamond DA62 Flight Controls

A Different Way to Fly

Another feature you’ll notice the moment you settle into the cockpit of the Diamond DA62 Twin Engine is the control stick. Like other Diamond Aircraft models, the DA62 uses a centrally mounted stick positioned directly in front of both the pilot and co-pilot rather than the traditional control yoke found in many light aircraft.

Whether a stick is better than a yoke is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some pilots enjoy the familiar feel of a conventional yoke, while others appreciate the more direct connection a center stick provides. Personally, I’ve always found that flying with a stick feels more natural and intuitive, and if you’re already a fan of this type of control system, the Diamond DA62 certainly won’t disappoint.

Simple Controls with Modern Functionality

One of the things I immediately appreciated was how uncluttered the stick design is. Rather than being overloaded with switches and buttons, it provides exactly what the pilot needs. Integrated into the control stick are an autopilot disconnect button, electric trim controls, a push-to-talk switch, and a Control Wheel Steering (CWS) button. Everything falls naturally under your hand, allowing you to keep your attention outside the cockpit while making quick adjustments when necessary.

The electric trim deserves special mention. Pilots who have spent time flying older Cessnas may understand the feeling of trim switches that can sometimes seem a little stiff or inconsistent. On the Diamond DA62 Twin Engine, however, the trim controls feel noticeably smoother and require very little effort to operate. While I initially thought the trim response was slightly slower than I expected, that impression quickly disappeared once airborne.

The reason is simple: the aircraft itself is exceptionally well balanced. Control forces remain light throughout normal flight, so only small trim adjustments are needed to keep the airplane perfectly in balance. Rather than constantly chasing the trim, as can happen in some older aircraft, the DA62 allows the pilot to make minor corrections and simply enjoy flying. It’s another example of how modern design and thoughtful engineering work together to reduce pilot workload while maintaining excellent handling qualities.

Austro Engines – Diesel Power

Starting the Engines Couldn’t Be Easier

After climbing into the Diamond DA62 Twin Engine, fastening the seat belts, and getting comfortable in the cockpit, it was finally time to start the engines. Mentally, I was preparing for the familiar routine I’d performed countless times in other multi-engine aircraft—open the checklist, verify the mixture, adjust the throttles, monitor engine instruments, and work through a fairly detailed starting sequence.

Instead, the demonstration pilot simply told me to switch on the engine master. Then he pointed to the start button and asked me to press it for a few seconds.

That was it.

A moment later, the left Austro diesel engine came to life smoothly and almost effortlessly. I honestly paused for a second, wondering if I had missed part of the procedure. Had we skipped a checklist item? Was there something else I was supposed to do? No—the engine was already running perfectly. Starting the right engine was just as straightforward. In many ways, it felt less like starting an aircraft engine and more like starting a modern car.

Of course, if it’s the first flight of the day and the engines are cold, the glow plugs may require a short warm-up period before start-up. Even then, the process remains remarkably simple and largely automatic. Compared with older piston-powered twin engine aircraft, the difference is striking.

FADEC Changes the Experience

Much of this simplicity comes from the DA62’s Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. Instead of requiring the pilot to manage mixture settings, propeller controls, and various engine parameters manually, the electronic engine management system continuously monitors and optimizes engine operation throughout every phase of flight. This significantly reduces pilot workload while helping improve efficiency, reliability, and engine longevity.

Coming from years of flying a Twin Comanche, where each engine seemed to have its own personality—and sometimes its own preferred starting ritual—the contrast was almost unbelievable. Starting those engines occasionally felt like a carefully choreographed routine involving throttle position, mixture adjustments, and perhaps a little luck if the engine happened to be hot.

The Diamond DA62 Twin Engine removes almost all of that complexity. What once demanded experience and constant attention has become a simple, repeatable process that takes only seconds. It’s one of the clearest examples of how modern twin engine aircraft are using technology not to replace pilots, but to eliminate unnecessary workload and allow them to focus on what matters most: flying the airplane safely.

Flying the Diamond DA62

A Modern Twin That Inspires Confidence

Enough talking about systems and technology—it’s time for the part every pilot really cares about: flying.

The weather certainly wasn’t ideal for a first flight. Winds were around 19 knots with gusts reaching approximately 32 knots, creating a fairly bumpy climb out on a warm afternoon near Houston. Fortunately, the Diamond DA62 Twin Engine handled the conditions remarkably well. Despite the turbulence, the aircraft never felt uncomfortable or difficult to control, immediately inspiring confidence from the pilot’s seat.

Once airborne, the first thing I noticed was how light and responsive the controls felt. The center stick provides excellent feedback without being overly sensitive, allowing smooth and precise control inputs throughout the flight. Steep turns were enjoyable, with the aircraft responding naturally while maintaining excellent stability. During slow flight, the handling became slightly softer—as expected—but never unpredictable. Even at lower airspeeds, the DA62 remained responsive and easy to control, exactly what you would hope to find in a modern twin engine aircraft.

Predictable Stall Characteristics

We also evaluated the aircraft’s stall behavior. For the demonstration, the throttles were brought back to idle, the landing gear was extended, and the flaps were set to the takeoff position. As the airspeed decreased, the airplane provided the familiar aerodynamic buffet that signals an approaching stall.

Continuing to increase the angle of attack all the way to the aft control stop produced one of the most docile stalls I’ve experienced in a light twin. Rather than dropping a wing aggressively or pitching sharply nose-down, the aircraft simply settled into a gentle, mushy descent while the nose remained above the horizon. I wasn’t paying close attention to the exact rate of descent, but what stood out was how calm and predictable the entire maneuver felt.

For student pilots and experienced aviators alike, these forgiving flight characteristics make the Diamond DA62 an excellent platform for both training and everyday flying. The aircraft communicates clearly with the pilot and behaves exactly as expected throughout the maneuver, reinforcing confidence rather than creating unnecessary surprises.

Single-Engine Procedures

Engine-Out Performance Made Simple

No Diamond DA62 review would be complete without evaluating single-engine performance, one of the defining characteristics of any twin engine aircraft.

Following the general handling exercises, the demonstration pilot simulated an engine failure by shutting down the critical engine. Since the DA62 uses conventional propeller rotation rather than counter-rotating propellers, the left engine remains the critical engine. The shutdown procedure itself was remarkably straightforward. All that was required was switching off the left engine master, after which the propeller automatically feathered thanks to the aircraft’s FADEC-controlled engine management system.

For pilots accustomed to traditional multi-engine training, this almost feels like skipping several checklist items. The familiar sequence of identify, verify, and feather has largely been replaced by automation that performs these actions quickly and consistently, significantly reducing pilot workload during what could otherwise become a stressful situation.

Excellent Single-Engine Handling

Once the engine was secured, we explored the aircraft’s handling characteristics. The Diamond DA62 Twin Engine remained exceptionally stable. Turns toward and away from the inoperative engine required no unusual control inputs, and directional stability remained excellent throughout the exercise.

Perhaps most impressive was the aircraft’s climb performance. Even after intentionally pitching the nose upward, the DA62 maintained a positive climb with very little effort. This demonstrates just how efficiently the aircraft has been engineered for single-engine operations, giving pilots valuable performance margins should an engine failure ever occur in real-world conditions.

Restarting the engine proved just as uncomplicated as shutting it down. Activating the engine master and pressing the start button was all that was required before the engine smoothly returned to operation. Once again, the emphasis throughout the entire process was simplicity, consistency, and minimizing unnecessary cockpit workload.

FADEC Makes Engine Management Almost Invisible

As we turned back toward Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO), another realization quietly occurred to me.

The engines were perfectly synchronized.

The interesting part was that I hadn’t done anything to make that happen.

Anyone who has flown older piston twins knows the familiar routine of constantly adjusting propeller controls to synchronize engine RPM and eliminate the characteristic pulsating sound inside the cockpit. It’s simply accepted as part of flying traditional multi-engine aircraft.

In the Diamond DA62, however, the FADEC system handles all of that automatically. The pilot controls only the throttles, while the electronic engine management continuously optimizes engine and propeller operation behind the scenes. There are no mixture levers, no propeller levers, and no constant fine-tuning required during cruise.

This automation doesn’t remove the pilot from the flying experience—it simply eliminates repetitive tasks that add workload without improving safety. Throughout the flight, it became increasingly clear that every system aboard the DA62 had been designed with one goal in mind: allowing pilots to focus more on flying and less on managing engine controls.

Landing the Diamond DA62

A Surprisingly Smooth Touchdown

As the demonstration flight drew to a close, we joined a two-mile right base for Runway 32 at KCXO. The landing gear was extended, the flaps selected, and on final approach I stabilized the aircraft at approximately 85 knots.

The weather, however, wasn’t making life easy.

With winds still blowing around 19 knots and gusting to approximately 32 knots, the round-out became a little more challenging than I would have preferred—especially considering this was my very first landing in the Diamond DA62 Twin Engine.

Despite those conditions, the aircraft impressed me yet again.

The touchdown was remarkably smooth. In fact, I barely felt the main landing gear make contact with the runway. Much of that credit belongs to Diamond’s landing gear design, which absorbs landing loads exceptionally well. Under the same conditions, aircraft such as a Cessna 182 or Piper Cherokee would almost certainly have produced a noticeably firmer touchdown.

For a pilot unfamiliar with the airplane, walking away feeling satisfied after a gusty crosswind landing says a great deal about both the aircraft’s handling qualities and its forgiving landing characteristics.

An Effortless Shutdown

Taxiing back was uneventful, and the shutdown sequence continued the same philosophy that had defined the entire flight.

Fuel pumps off.

Avionics master off.

Engine master switches off.

Done.

Simple.

After spending several hours with the Diamond DA62, one word continued to summarize the experience better than any other: simplicity. Not because the aircraft lacks sophistication—quite the opposite—but because its advanced technology works quietly in the background, allowing the pilot to concentrate on flying rather than managing systems.

Conclusion

The Diamond DA62 Twin Engine represents a remarkable step forward in modern multi-engine aviation. From its FADEC-controlled Austro diesel engines and Garmin G1000 avionics to its comfortable composite cabin and forgiving flight characteristics, nearly every aspect of the aircraft has been designed to reduce pilot workload while enhancing safety and efficiency.

What impressed me most wasn’t any single feature—it was how naturally everything worked together. Engine starts, run-ups, single-engine procedures, and even shutdowns all felt intuitive and uncomplicated. Combined with excellent handling qualities and predictable flight characteristics, the DA62 delivers an experience that is both technologically advanced and genuinely enjoyable to fly.

For pilots interested in learning more about one of the most important emergency procedures following an engine failure, continue reading our guide:

👉 https://melibrary.pro/article/engine-restart-in-flight-twin-engine/