TBM 850: A Jet With a Prop

Isabel Goyer

Monday, May 16, 2011 at 07:06 PM ET

Verified

TBM 850

Key Takeaways:

The TBM 850 is a high-performance, single-engine turboprop praised for its speed (320 knots true), efficiency, and suitability for long-distance flights.
A significant enhancement is its Garmin G1000 avionics suite, which improved reliability, reduced weight, and streamlined the cockpit experience.
The "850" model introduced increased power (up to 850 shp for cruise) and a higher maximum ramp weight, further boosting its performance and capability over previous versions.
The TBM 850 successfully competes with light jets by offering lower operating costs, an easier pilot transition, and a mature, reliable design that has sustained its market presence for over two decades.

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__Flight level 280 in a TBM 850 was just perfect for us coming out of Peachtree in Georgia, headed down to cozy North Perry Airport near Fort Lauderdale in south Florida. On a really long trip we could have climbed up to FL 310, lost a few knots, saved a few gallons per hour and been perfectly happy. But the airplane we were flying, while RVSM-ready, wasn’t yet RVSM-approved. On that trip, it didn’t matter. We were happy with the few extra knots we got down at 280.

The airplane we were flying was a very special TBM 850 built to commemorate a milestone the likes of which none of us has seen before, the 100th anniversary of an airplane manufacturer.