What a DG-400 costs, how far it flies, and what it costs to keep
PlaneFox tracks 3 DG-400 aircraft for sale and re-reads every one of them from the broker and dealer sites it watches, so the figures below move when the market moves. Every number on this page is measured from those live listings, not taken from a published price guide.
What does a DG Flugzeugbau DG-400 cost to own?
A DG Flugzeugbau DG-400 costs about EUR 588 a month to run, or about EUR 76 for every flight hour when it is flown 150 hours a year.
More questions about the DG-400
How much does a DG-400 cost?
What is the price range for a used DG-400?
How many DG-400 aircraft are for sale right now?
Where can I find a DG-400 for sale?
What should I check when buying a used DG-400?
About the DG Flugzeugbau DG-400
Aircraft overview
The DG Flugzeugbau DG-400 is a single seat, self launching motor glider developed from the DG high performance sailplane line originally produced by Glaser-Dirks, the predecessor of DG Flugzeugbau. The type first flew in the early 1980s and was built through the late 1980s into the early 1990s. It matters in the used market because it combines true sailplane performance with independent launch capability, avoiding reliance on aerotow or winch operations while retaining the handling and soaring focus of a competition class glider.
Performance & specifications
The DG Flugzeugbau DG-400 uses a retractable engine and propeller installation mounted behind the cockpit, intended primarily for self launch and sustainer use rather than cross country powered cruising. The commonly fitted powerplant is the Rotax 505, a two stroke, two cylinder engine of about 43 hp. Typical configurations use a 17 m wing, with some aircraft equipped for 15 m operation depending on certification and installed tips. Published sailplane performance is in the high performance class, with best glide commonly quoted around the low to mid 40:1 range, depending on configuration and condition. Powered climb is adequate for self launching when operated within weight, temperature and runway limits, but buyers should treat engine performance as highly dependent on maintenance standard and rigging.
Cabin & avionics
The cockpit is a single seat sailplane layout with a reclined seating position, clear canopy, side stick style controls on many examples, and limited baggage provision. The DG Flugzeugbau DG-400 is not associated with integrated glass cockpit suites such as Garmin Perspective or Garmin G1000. Typical panels include airspeed indicator, altimeter, mechanical or electronic variometer, compass, radio and engine instruments. Many used examples have been updated with modern soaring avionics such as flight computers, GPS navigation, FLARM or compatible traffic awareness equipment, transponders and electronic varios.
Buying & value
Buyers should evaluate the DG Flugzeugbau DG-400 as both a sailplane and a powered aircraft. Important checks include engine hours and overhaul status, propeller and pylon mechanism condition, fuel system condition, retractable landing gear operation, control rigging, airworthiness directive compliance, canopy condition and complete logbook continuity. Wing finish condition is particularly important on composite gliders, since refinishing can be costly. Market value is usually positioned above comparable pure gliders of similar age, but below newer self launching types with more modern engines and avionics. Well documented aircraft with fresh inspections, reliable engine operation and contemporary soaring instruments generally command stronger interest.