17 June 2008
Diamond Aircraft, creator of the Diamond DA40, DA42 and DA50 aircraft, has issued an update on progress in the insolvency of Thielert.
Thielert Aircraft Engines – the leading manufacturer of diesel engines for light aviation, extensively used in Diamond aircraft – went into insolvency at the end of April. Since then, there has been an often bitter public debate, principally between Diamond and Thielert, over how matters should progress.
The latest update from Diamond suggests that Diamond believes that the ‘preliminary insolvency’ period for Thielert will finish at the end of June, with that insolvency will then be declared. Diamond says that it is has registered its interest in being a ‘potential investor’. Rather gloomily, Diamond says: “Not knowing the current financial position of TAE, we do not have any reliable information as to how long TAE can continue to operate in insolvency.”
“On a positive note,” Diamond also says, “we have learned that Dr. Kuebler recognizes the need to apply resources to solve outstanding technical issues and to extend current maintenance intervals in order to have a viable product and company. Any such extension of inspection and maintenance intervals is of course in the interest of all concerned and most welcome.”
On a more practical note, Diamond says that it has met with EASA with a view to developing ‘independent support capability for the TAE engine’, as well as pursuing certification of ‘alternate means of providing parts and support for the TAE engine.’
It also confirms that it is progressing well in developing its own Austro Engine diesel powerplant, and is also looking to have the Lycoming IO-360 certified in the DA42, particularly for the American market.
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A Thielert Engine Owners Group has been set up. <a href=’http://www.thenog.org/’ target=’_blank’>ThEnOG</a> aims to fight for the interests of owners of Thielert engines, representing them in insolvency negotiations in the coming months
