Ferry Flight: Daher TBM 940

The TBM turboprop makes quick and comfortable work of the North Atlantic track.

Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 04:25 PM ET

Verified

The Daher TBM 940 can glide up to 70 nm when operating at 120 kias at FL 310, in the event of an engine malfunction, according to its POH. [Credit: Julie Boatman]

Key Takeaways:

The author joined veteran pilot Margrit Waltz on a transatlantic ferry flight of a new Daher TBM 940 from Tarbes, France, to Groton, Connecticut, navigating challenging mid-November North Atlantic weather.
The TBM 940 showcased impressive performance, including a rapid climb rate, high cruising speed, and comfortable cabin, successfully managing conditions like strong crosswinds and frigid temperatures.
The journey provided insights into the routines and realities of ferry flying, including minor in-flight alerts (ITT HI, DOOR warning) that were competently addressed, and highlighted the contrast between flying a state-of-the-art aircraft and the difficulties faced by other ferry pilots.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Editor’s Note: This article is part of a three-part series on the Daher TBM 960. Read more about the aircraft and the manufacturing process behind Daher’s flagship TBM series.

It was an incredible invitation. Daher and veteran ferry pilot Margrit Waltz asked me to join her on the flight that would bring serial No. 1400, a 940—from its final position in the hangars at Daher in Tarbes (LFBT) across the Atlantic Ocean to Columbia Aviation, in Groton, Connecticut (KGON).