The Fleet

Charleston's only Diamond Jet-A trainers.

No ratty 172s. No 1980s avionics. Every CRAFT student trains in modern, glass-cockpit, Jet-A turbodiesels — the same platforms regional carriers transition from.

Single-Engine · Glass

Diamond DA40 NG

Garmin G1000 NXi · 168 ktas · Jet-A turbodiesel

The DA40 NG is the modern primary trainer of choice. Composite airframe, all-glass G1000 NXi panel, and an Austro AE 300 Jet-A turbodiesel that burns 5 GPH and runs on the same fuel the airliners burn. Every CRAFT private and instrument student trains in one. The G1000 includes Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT) and the Garmin GTX 345 ADS-B system.

168
Cruise (kts)
940
Range (nm)
5.0
GPH (Jet-A)
$255
Per Hour · Wet
Fleet · 5 Aircraft
Charleston · KCHS
N650LA
N406BL
N162AT
N216DA
N970DA
Multi-Engine · Glass

Diamond DA42-VI

G1000 NXi · 197 ktas · Twin AE 300 turbodiesels

The DA42-VI is the most modern multi-engine trainer in production. Twin Austro AE 300 turbodiesels, Garmin G1000 NXi avionics, and 197-knot cruise. CRAFT students earn their multi-engine rating in the same airframe regional and corporate operators are flying. Single-lever power management, FADEC engines, and a glass cockpit that translates directly to right-seat work.

197
Cruise (kts)
1,215
Range (nm)
11.4
GPH (Jet-A)
$600
Per Hour · Wet
Fleet · 1 Aircraft
Charleston · KCHS
N42MV
AATD Redbird Sims · ×2

Redbird AATD

$100/hr · FAA-approved AATD · Available to students & rated pilots

The same simulator the airlines use for currency and training. AATD-certified, configurable to G1000-equipped DA40NG. Two units in-house so you never wait for a slot. Approved for IFR training credit (50% of required IFR time can be accomplished in our Redbird). Real-world IMC scenarios, weather, emergencies. Scan technique that locks in before you ever burn AvGas.

Sim Membership