dell30rb
Final Approach
The problem with a DA 40 in TX is the heat. The airframe has temp limitations that will ground it about 75 days a year in central TX. The other issue, also heat related, is their horrible ride in turbulence with those long wings. I flew one in TX for a few months and it beat me up a lot worse than the PA 12 did.
elaborate on the heat issue... first i've heard of it
As for the A/C comments - there are lots of STC's for the bonanza for that. Also, the ice-chest arctic air units work like a champ if you dont want to bother with the hassle and expense of adding and maintaining a/c
I know a land-baron who flies around in a nice cherokee six and loves his arctic air. Here in NC the flying days you truly need it are less than 10. Nothing special, just a clean plane. I know not the most impressive setup, but he is beyond the point where he needs to impress folks.