TBM owners park up in style for annual bash

MORE than 70 Socata TBM aircraft flew from all over the world to the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA for the annual TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) convention.

The furthest travellers were a crew of the French Army Aviation transport squadron, whose journey from Rennes Air Force base in France to Idaho took 24 flight hours.

During the four-day event, participants attended various technical conferences, forums and 'recreational activities'. Among the speakers was Al Haynes, a retired United Airlines captain who miraculously survived the crash landing of his DC 10 after the loss of the hydraulic systems in 1989.

TBMOPA chairman, Tom Evernham said, "TBMOPA was founded to enhance the safety and ownership experience for the TBM family. Our annual convention is our largest opportunity to meet with our membership as well as with Socata and other vendors. This year's meeting broke all records."

W: www.socata.com