The DA20 series is not IFR certified because it does not have adequate
protection against a lightning strike. When Diamond built them, they
did not build in any means to dissipate a lightning strike (e.g., wire
mesh embedded in the composite structure). You cannot legally file an
IFR flight plan listing a DA20 as the aircraft to be flown.

The DA40 has lightning protection integrated with the airframe and is
certified for IFR.

HTH...

Pete

On Fri, 11 Jul 2003 08:31:33 -0400, Slav Inger
wrote:

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,

- Slav Inger
- PP ASEL IA @ YIP