2007 TBMOPA Convention: bigger in Texas!
First Texas venue for the TBM Owners and Pilot Association convention set a new record with over 70 aircraft and more than 200 attendees
Horseshoe Bay, TX, 19 September 2007
The TBM Owners and Pilot Association (TBMOPA), the user’s organization for the EADS Socata TBM 700 and TBM 850 very fast turboprops, held a record breaking annual convention between September 5-9th in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.
“I’m glad to see our association continue to grow in strength, and as a result, we represent today the majority of the TBM user population. TBM owners are incredibly passionate about their aircraft and the convention’s academic and safety sessions were very much in demand and very well attended (with some packed sessions starting well before breakfast)”, explained John Hayes, TBMOPA’s President. “We thank our friends at EADS Socata for their support at this year’s convention.”
“This was my first visit to the TBM Owners and Pilots Association annual convention”, said Jean-Michel Léonard, EADS Socata’s recently appointed Chairman and CEO. “I was really impressed by the professionalism of the organization and our customers’ interest in our aircraft and its development. Compared to the air transport world which I come from, such an environment is very motivating.” He added.
A session on understanding WAAS approaches, new landing gear maintenance solutions (including a range of new lower-cost service offerings developed cooperatively between TBMOPA and Socata), operating tips on the TBMs PT6A engine from Pratt and Whitney Canada as well a peek into the secrets of the TBM autopilot were among some of the highlights of the working sessions.
Bruce Landsberg, director of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, covered landmark accidents and trends in GA safety. His presentation was made to a packed house of owners and vendors. This year for the first time, in addition to the academic events for owners and a wide range of social events, there was a complete range of “pinch hitter” training courses for non-flying TBMOPA companions. Companion courses included both ground training and cockpit avionics familiarization as well as in-flight training featuring right seat landings of the TBM. “This was a wonderful experience,” said Karen Frick., “This really transformed my view of flying in the TBM and made me feel much safer in case one day something might happen to my husband while we were in flight. I loved it!”
As usual, the technical sessions were balanced with social events and the opportunity to discover the great sights and sounds of central Texas. A golf competition, sight-seeing trips, a boat tour as well as excellent meals, a gala dinner and an auction completed the event.
The next TBM annual owner convention will be held in Traverse City, Michigan at the Cherry Capital Airport and the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in September of 2008.
About the TBM Owners and Pilots Association
The TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) was founded to provide owners of the ultimate personal aircraft with the ultimate ownership experience. TBMOPA focuses on safety and training as well as social events all designed to maximize the pleasure and utility of TBM ownership.
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About EADS SOCATA
EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM family of high-speed turboprops, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets. EADS Socata is expanding its customer service activities, to support its growing fleet of TBM and offer its light aviation expertise for aircraft below 5.7 tons.
Headquartered in Tarbes, France, with North American operations in Pembroke Pines, Florida, EADS Socata is a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS – a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. In 2006, EADS generated revenues of €39.4 billion and employs a workforce of about 116,000.
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Media Contacts:
| Andrew Knott | Executive Director – TBMOPA |
Tel.: +1 214 295 5208 mailto: andrew@tbmowners.org |
| Philippe de Segovia | EADS Socata |
Tel.: +33 (0)6 70 21 70 47 www.socata.eads.net mailto: philippe.de-segovia@socata.eads.net |
