The TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) has completed a highly successful 2022 annual convention with a large audience that brought together operators of Daher's TBM very fast turboprop aircraft and the supplier community for four days of informative sessions, safety-related briefings and networking.

Many owners flew into Smyrna/Rutherford airport for the event; all TBM versions were present from earlier-production TBM 700s and TBM 850s to the TBM 900, TBM 910, TBM 930, TBM 940 and the newest TBM 960 version.

Daher co-sponsored the convention, providing briefings and updates on the TBM aircraft family as well as exhibiting at its 'Digital Corner' and information desk with the participation of members from its TBM care team.

Aircraft division senior vice president Nicolas Chabbert says: “This year's convention underscored the continuing commitment of TBMOPA and its members in supporting flight safety across the TBM fleet, bringing the pilot community together at one of the largest meetings for a turbine-powered general aviation aircraft type.”

Vice president of customer support Raphael Maitre confirmed the company's ongoing support for the TBMOPA's activities, especially in the association's key role in maintaining and enhancing TBM pilots' proficiency and operational safety.

During three days of customised and dynamic sessions, a range of presentations from system vendors were complemented by informative briefings such as the implementation of performance-based navigation (PBN), outlined by Hughes Aerospace Corporation's Chris Baur; interpreting the weather, detailed by FAA-certificated flight instructor and former meteorologist Dr Scott Dennstaedt; and maintenance tips explained by TBM owner and former astronaut John Grunsfeld.

TBMOPA chairman Brian Dunsirn thanked Daher for its continued co-sponsorship of the annual convention, and recognised the company for its close working relationship with the association: “This relationship is truly unique within the general aviation sector, and it has never been stronger. Together, Daher and TBMOPA have marked many achievements with the emphasis on flight safety and the goal of further improving the TBM ownership experience.”

With Daher's integration of the Kodiak aircraft into the its aircraft family, TBMOPA is now opening the association's membership to Kodiak owners and operators. It has proposed an initial six month complementary membership, and 15 Kodiak owners and operators have accepted this offer to date.

A total of $120,000 was raised during the live auction for the TBMOPA Foundation, charity that contributes scholarships for aspiring pilots, including disabled individuals and veterans, as well as providing support for organisations that donate airlift services to help those in need. The Foundation also runs the TBM Safety Seminar programme, and it developed the TIPS advanced training programme for TBM pilots' recurrent training.

The 2023 TBMOPA annual convention will be held in Colorado Springs from 6-10 September.