Robin DR-400

The Robin DR‑400 is a French‑built, low‑wing, single‑engine monoplane that has become a mainstay of general‑aviation flying clubs and training schools since its debut in 1972. Produced by the historic Robin Aircraft company, the DR‑400 evolved from the earlier DR‑200 series, retaining the traditional wooden construction that gives the aircraft a light yet robust airframe. Its distinctive “cricket‑wing” design offers excellent visibility from the cockpit and contributes to gentle stall characteristics, making it especially forgiving for student pilots. Powered typically by a 115‑ to 160‑horsepower Lycoming engine, the aircraft can cruise at 200 km/h while carrying two to three passengers and a modest baggage load. Modern variants such as the DR‑400/180R incorporate improved avionics, composite wingtip extensions, and refined ergonomics, yet the core principles of simplicity, low operating costs, and reliable handling remain unchanged. Over the decades the DR‑400 has logged millions of flight hours, cementing its reputation as a workhorse of European flight training and recreational flying, and demonstrating the lasting relevance of wooden‑structure aircraft in contemporary aviation. The type is also exported to North Africa and the Middle East, where its ruggedness and economical maintenance are especially valued, and it has inspired several home‑built adaptations that preserve its classic feel.

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