First flight in the DA50 RG: notes from the Engadin

Samedan, at 1,707 m, is Europe's highest scheduled airport. The DA50 RG handles it like home turf: constant-speed prop, turbocharger and a long high-altitude wing profile.

We depart toward Maloja, turn over St. Moritz and reach FL95 in twelve minutes. The cabin stays quiet, the G1000 NXi renders weather over Eastern Switzerland.

Verdict: high-alpine pilots benefit enormously from the turbo diesel — cruise at FL120 with comfortable reserves.