The TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) gathered in Charleston, South Carolina, this week for its annual convention, bringing a record number of Daher TBM airplanes together at the Charleston Executive Airport (KJZI). Lined up perfectly along one of the taxiways were more than 100 of the sleek single-engine turboprops, representing nearly one quarter of the North American TBM fleet.
The convention spanned from October 7 through 11. More than 325 attendees, including about 150 TBM owners, enjoyed lectures regarding the airplane itself and the Pratt & Whitney Canada engine that powers it, as well as some more general topics, such as ADS-B, airmanship and high altitude operations.
In addition to the lectures, the convention featured presentations by retired Commander of Air Force One Col. Mark Tillman, NASA Astronaut Storey Musgrave and TBM ferry pilot Margrit Waltz. Another special treat was served up before the convention’s gala dinner, which was held on the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, when two French Army TBM 700 pilots performed an aerial demonstration with their airplanes.
Next year’s TBMOPA Convention is set to take place in Phoenix, Arizona, September 21 through 25.
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