Slav Inger writes:

I'm planning on transitioning from a PA-28-181 to Diamond models (DA20C1
and then to DA40). I'd like to use the DA40 for longer trips and DA20
for putzing around the airport practicing IFR approaches, possibly in
IMC. There isn't a question as to DA40's IFR capability, but I'm
running into a bit of an issue with the DA20. The smaller DA20's
equipment is top of the line and meets the minimum IFR equipment list
per FAR 91.205. Here's the rub: I'm being told that it isn't IFR
capable because it doesn't have the static wicks on the trailing edges
of the wings. I have never ever heard of wicks being a requirement for
IFR flight. So what's the deal here, does the claim "airplane isn't IFR
legal even though it meets the minimum IFR equipment list" have any
validity? Curious,

Composite aircraft need some kind of a metal mesh built into the
airframe so that they can handle a lightning strike without completely
delaminating. The Katana will never usable for IFR because it has no
such mesh. The Star, I think, has that mesh, as do other IFR
composites like the SR20/22.


All the best,


David

--
David Megginson, , http://www.megginson.com/