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.

FMI: www.tbmowners.org