The 2023 Annual Convention of the TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) further reinforced this organisation's commitment to serving the community of Daher TBM aviators with its focus on flight safety and operational efficiency.

Daher maintains a high level of support for the TBMOPA, including co-sponsorship of the 2023 Annual Convention, held in Colorado Springs earlier this month, with a presence at the event that included a team led by Nicolas Chabbert, senior vice president of Daher's aircraft division, and Raphael Maitre, vice president of customer support.

“The TBMOPA's annual convention is one of the priority gatherings for Daher each year, providing a unique opportunity to bring together customers, suppliers and our network of authorised service centres,” says Chabbert. “TBMOPA has always put the emphasis on flight safety, and I want to particularly recognise the association's emphasis on this important topic during the past 12 months through an even more comprehensive programme under the leadership of chairman Andrew Cragg.”

A record total of 323 attendees were present for four days of in-depth sessions focusing on flight operations, best practices, expert briefings and refresher courses, along with the sharing of flying experiences through networking.

Nearly 90 TBM aircraft, representing the complete product line from the cornerstone TBM 700 to the TBM 850, TBM 900, TBM 910, TBM 930, TBM 940 and the latest TBM 960 version, were gathered at Colorado Springs Municipal airport on the ramp of Cutter Aviation, a TBM authorised support centre.

“With the steadfast support of Daher as the TBM manufacturer, along with the vital contributions of many volunteers, TBMOPA has evolved a comprehensive safety programme that can be of significant benefit to members in maintaining their aircraft and aviator skills at the highest level, while also serving as a model for other general aviation owner/operator associations,” says Cragg, who concluded his year-long TBMOPA chairmanship at the convention.

During the live auction of donated TBM equipment, systems, and accessories, as well as travel experiences and adventures, a new record high of $260,000 was raised for the TBMOPA Foundation. This charity provides scholarships that enable flight training and aviation career training for pilots with a variety of physical disabilities, including wounded or disabled veterans. The Foundation also offers an annual scholarship at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for a student from an under-represented community.