FIRST DIAMOND DA42MPP MAKES IT HOME IN SA By Mark Mansfield CK Aerial Surveys based in Randvall, Johannesburg has recently taken delivery of its very first Diamond DA42MPP, and is currently considering a second one to join its fleet. CK Aerial Surveys, operating for eight years, currently operates an AS350B3+ and MD600N helicopters on survey At time of writing, the DA42MPP was in the process of applying for its Type Acceptance Certificate from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), which, when approved will be ZS registered. The process involves Diamond Aircraft Corporation, Elegance Group - the official Diamond representatives for Southern Africa, and CK Aerial Surveys. The DA42 MPP (Multi-Purpose Platform) is a flexible surveillance aircraft based on the DA42 Once ZS- registered, the Diamond will specialise in Aerial Survey work throughout Africa. Initially Laser Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) mapping and photography but the company is looking at Geophysical probes for exploration surveys. Survey capabilities at the moment are LiDAR Aerial Mapping (Leica systems), Thermal imagery and Geophysical Surveys (Potassium Magnetometers from GEM Geosystems in Canada). Once ZS- registered, the Diamond will specialise in Aerial Survey work throughout Africa CK Aerial Surveys, operating for eight years, currently operates an AS350B3+ and MD600N helicopters on survey, mining support and contracts throughout Africa, and has done aerial support and survey work in most of the Sub-Saharan countries in Africa as well as Madagascar. The company is also in the process of obtaining Part 135 approvals, and it currently holds a valid Part 127 Certificate and Air Services Licence. The aircraft can be deployed in security surveillance, coastal patrol, environmental enforcement and reconnaissance Elegance Group is currently, on behalf of one of its clients; in the acquisition process off the countries second Diamond DA42MPP, as well as further civil used aircraft (DA40 as well as DA42NG). The DA42 MPP (Multi-Purpose Platform) is a flexible surveillance aircraft based on the DA42 twin-engine aircraft manufactured by Diamond Aircraft Industries. The DA42 MPP has an endurance of up to 10 hours The aircraft can be deployed in security surveillance, coastal patrol, environmental enforcement, reconnaissance and geo-surveys, and can also prove a valuable asset in both maritime and land based search and rescue. Impressive endurance is the hallmark of the DA42 MPP. Survey capabilities at the moment are LiDAR Aerial Mapping (Leica systems), Thermal imagery and Geophysical Surveys The DA42 MPP has an endurance of up to 10 hours, burning less than 30 liters an hour for both engines. No other existing aircraft can meet the DA42 MPP's combination of payload flexibility and low operating costs. The bubble canopy, glass cockpit of the DA42 MPP can accommodate two crewmembers. It is equipped with a Garmin G1000 integrated flight instrument system including a primary flight display and a multi-function display.

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