Annual Convention Sets Records, Impresses New CEO
The first-ever Texas venue for the TBM Owners and Pilot
Association convention set a new record this month, with over 70
aircraft and more than 200 attendees at the September 5-9 event in
Horseshoe Bay.
"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," said John Hayes, TBMOPA's
President.
"We thank our friends at EADS Socata for their support at this
year's convention," he added.
The convention also made an impression with Jean-Michel
Léonard, EADS Socata's recently appointed Chairman and
CEO.
"This was my first visit to the TBM Owners and Pilots
Association annual convention", Léonard said. "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."
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 TBM's 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 attendee 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, MI at the Cherry Capital Airport and the Grand Traverse
Resort and Spa in September of 2008.
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.