Increased Growth, Capability and Improved Training At EADS Socata

By ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

Andrew Knott, VP of Marketing for EADS Socata, opened the session by announcing that this was only his second day on the job. The unusual and tasteful Socata exhibit at AirVenture was filled with aviation reporters as Knott continued to say that his personal ownership of a Trinidad for 10 years helped him to know about EADS Socata customer service first hand and to gain respect for the company.

Growth and Expansion

Stephane Mayer, President and CEO of Socata Aircraft, said that the addition of more senior staff members was an illustration that Socata is growing and expanding. Mayer introduced new senior staff members, all of which will be based at the Pembeoke Pines, Florida facility.

Andrew Knott joins them as VP of Marketing. Alan Griffin joins them as Chief Pilot, and Bruno Mandon joins them as VP of Customer Support.

"They bring a wealth of experience in their respective fields to Socata and I'm sure they will contribute significantly to the success of Socata's continued US expansion," said Mayer.

Last year was a record year for Socata, they reported selling 35 aircraft in 2004 and ending the year with a backlog of 23 TBM 700s. Mayer said the company has expanded its support for North America because 80% of their aircraft are already sold there and EADS Socata wants to provide more convenient customer support.

RSVM Capability

Mayer then reported that almost 10% of its TBM 700 fleet has now been upgraded to allow RVSM operation since the program was launched early this year. The TBM 700 RVSM upgrade (which is available not only via EADS Socata maintenance locations, but also though its worldwide distributor network) includes RVSM hardware, installation and validation test flight together with full customization of the aircraft's documentation.

Also included in the program is project management throughout the entire process with the FAA issuance of the all-important "Letter of Authorization" which allows the aircraft owner to actually enter RVSM airspace.

"RVSM unlocks the full potential of the TBM 700 allowing owners to fly higher, increasing range, decreasing operating costs and allowing operators more options to top the weather" said Mayer.

Socata/Simcom Simulator Training

Socata Aircraft and SimCom also announced the expansion of SimCom's TBM 700 training programs with the addition of a new training location and increased training options. SimCom now offers Socata TBM 700 training at both of its Orlando, Florida and Scottsdale, Arizona centers. Operators now have a choice between simulator-based instruction offered at the Orlando center and in-aircraft programs offered through both the Orlando and Scottsdale centers.

Finally, and very proudly, Mayer introduced those who participated in the flight of the "Euro-Squadron", a group of more than 15 aircraft flying from Paris, France to Oshkosh via the legendary northern route - a 7,714 nm-trip of which 1,610 nm was over water and 350 nm was over the Greenland ice cap.

An EADS Socata TBM 700 single-engined turboprop escorted this group. The aircraft was originally delivered in 1991 and was the second TBM 700 manufactured. It has recently been completely upgraded to the latest TBM luxury and avionics standards by its owners Michel and David Fabry.

The TBM will also be providing transport for members of the press covering the flight of the Euro-Squadron. The TBM drew 'pathfinder' duty largely based on its speed, full-deicing, GPS navigational equipment and hazard awareness systems.

The other Socata type in the group is a TB 20 Trinidad belonging to EADS Socata's own Flying Club, the A�ro-Club L�on Morane and is flown by Dominique Deschamps, former Vice-President of Aircraft Engineering at EADS Socata (and now an Airbus flight test engineer). With 37 Transatlantic Ferry Flights, he is the most experienced pilot in the Euro-Squadron and the Squadron's technical advisor. His copilots are Fabrice Normand and Ronan Bodet, respectively EADS Socata's controller and design office engineer.

FMI www.socata.eads.net