EAA Young Eagles Hosted At AirVenture As Guests Of DAHER-SOCATA

By Robbie Culver

Nicholas Chabbert, President of SOCATA North America, announced Tuesday July 28th, 2009, at EAA's Airventure Oshkosh that a unique new "FAST" ("Fly And Share your TBM") co-ownership program is now being implemented in the European market by DAHER-SOCATA following its successful US rollout, allowing one-third or two-third share purchases in factory new TBM-850's. This program allows owner/operators to share the costs of ownership, yet still provides a guaranteed commitment of a minimum nmber of days annually that the aircraft is available for use. For purchases of a one-third share, the owner is guaranteed 100 days of aircraft use annually. Chabbert said so far 5 participants of the European version of the FAST program have moved into full-ownership positions, making the program a marketing success that adds value and enhances the ownership options available to customers.

Nicholas Chabbert

Adding to the existing authorized service center network, DAHER-SOCATA also introduced the latest partner in the dealer network by welcoming Atlantic Aero of Greensboro, NC. adding Atlantic Aero completed the goal of establishing an authorized service center within 3 hours of every US-based TBM customer.

According to a press release from DAHER-SOCATA, “Atlantic Aero is a partner of choice for DAHER-SOCATA, providing TBM operators with capabilities that range from avionics, engine, and airframe repair, to engineering support and cabin interior outfitting,” said Nicolas Chabbert, the President of SOCATA North America. “With the growing TBM fleet in North America, Atlantic Aero will reinforce our U.S. network – joining our existing East Coast service centers in Pembroke Pines, Florida to the south and Columbia Air Services, Groton, Connecticut, to the north.”

Also according to the corporations press release, Atlantic Aero is an FAA Approved Aircraft Maintenance and Repair station that was created in 1971, and concentrates on high-end, full-service maintenance for business jets and turboprop-powered transports. With a strong presence in the Eastern U.S., the company’s 24-hour coverage is supported by a team of 56 technicians at Greensboro’s Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO). Atlantic Aero’s business portfolio includes its role as the FlexJet fractional ownership program’s primary maintenance partner.

“We’re proud to add the world’s fastest single turboprop to Atlantic Aero’s aircraft maintenance capability list, and look forward to welcoming TBM customers in North Carolina at our Greensboro facility,” said Atlantic Aero President and COO Jim Spinder. “DAHER-SOCATA is an excellent company to work with, and we foresee a strong interest in this business aircraft – which is extremely efficient and affordable. We anticipate a growing activity for the TBM fleet, along with new support opportunities for us.”

The display at EAA Airventure Oshkosh featured the TBM lineup. According to SOCATA, the TBM-850 has a maximum cruise speed of 320 ktas. at 26,000 ft. (in ISA conditions). It is an 850-shp version of SOCATA’s proven six-seat TBM 700 turboprop business aircraft, and combines the cruising speed and travel times typical of light jets with highly economical direct operating costs, while offering the range and excellent payload capacity of a turboprop aircraft.

As part of the ongoing support for the EAA Young Eagle program that DAHER-SOCATA provides, two lucky Young Eagles were the guests of SOCATA at AirVenture. As detailed by SOCATA in a media presentation, SOCATA NA President Nicolas Chabbert introduced Karl Parsons and Irene Trujillo as the guests of SOCATA, whose Young Eagles activity included working at DAHER-SOCATA’s headquarters and production facility in Tarbes, France, visiting the 2009 Paris Air Show, and touring the Airbus A380 final assembly line at in Toulouse, France.

Chabbert added that DAHER-SOCATA is committed to providing a valuable experience for the internship program’s participants, and is dedicated to continuing its Young Eagles partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association. “Our ambition is to make a difference for the future of the interns who are welcomed to our company each year, and who have the opportunity to interact with SOCATA employees for a unique cultural exchange,” Chabbert explained.

FMI:  www.daher.com, www.tbm850.com