Acquiring the Right Airplane Does Not Preclude Dreaming

Aircraft are not lifelong companions so pilots can play the field.

Jonathan Welsh

Monday, September 11, 2023 at 03:51 PM ET

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Many piston pilots dream about upgrading to turboprops like the TBM. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Despite being happy with his current plane "Annie," the author has developed a strong admiration for Daher's TBM turboprop singles, initially drawn by their impressive appearance and performance.
Both the author and his family appreciate the TBM: the family for its practical benefits like speed and comfort, and the author for its design and the aspiration it instilled, including pursuing instrument training.
While acknowledging "Annie" perfectly suits their current family needs and budget for shorter, low-altitude trips to smaller airports, the author maintains a long-term ambition to fly more complex, high-performance aircraft like the TBM.

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I am not one to covet my neighbor’s aircraft, even the really cool ones. After all, I am in a happy relationship with Annie, our Commander 114B, and I expect it to last a long time. Lately, though, I have admitted to having a thing for Daher’s series of TBM turboprop singles.

I trace this interest to a fly-in about 10 years ago that included a display of new aircraft, the highlight of which was a TBM. The airplane’s doors were open, but the interior was roped off. That did not matter as I could easily imagine how plush and comfortable that cabin was. The smell of leather and new carpeting wafted. This was my first meeting with a brand-new airplane and it made an impression.