Where would aircraft owners and enthusiasts’ go to get a closer look when the world’s fastest TBM850 single-engine turboprop is first introduced into South-East Asia? WingsOverAsia (WOA) provided that opportunity through organizing an exclusive hangar luncheon and aircraft viewing as part of WOA’s series of Aircraft Appreciation Program.

Joyous TBM850 owner and WOA member, Mr John Giddens who is taking delivery of the TBM850 kindly graced the occasion himself with his aircraft and senior executives from Daher-Socata also flew into Singapore from Tarbes, France to jointly host the event and present their fine aircraft with WOA. Pratt & Whitney, Garmin Aviation and Hawker Pacific executives were present as well to mingle and interact with WOA members and aircraft owners throughout the fun and interactive luncheon.

It was an exclusive yet informal gathering of like-minded aircraft enthusiasts and aircraft owners, filling up the generous hangar space kindly provided by Hawker Pacific for WOA in Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore Guest speakers from Daher-Socata, Mark Diaz & Daniel Bacou, presented a very interesting history on the oldest aircraft company in the world followed by detailed information on TBM850 and customer support information which cumulated into a touch, hear and see walk-around experience round the actual aircraft for all participants amidst a sumptuous buffet lunch. All the participants were excited to see the new TBM850 arrived at our shores, having heard rave reviews since its official launch.

The event also presented a lovely opportunity for WOA members and industrial partners to interact, learn and share the latest news and evolving technologies of GA aircrafts, and of course relax, laugh and share all recent passionate aviation pursuits.

The spanking new and shining TBM850 was on display wowed the participants with its most elegant and luxurious cabin and cockpit, as you would expect from the heritage of Daher-Socata’s best European design and quality craftsmanship. Many were sitting and gleaming in the 14.96 ft long and 4 ft in height and width cabin, which offers 6 comfortable leathers seats with adjustable backrests, folding armrest and a large folding executive table in the center all within the TBM850’s newly enhanced fully automated dual zone environment control system keeping you nice and comfortable. The aircraft cabin’s well appointed accessories consists of cabin dome lights, cabin accessible baggage compartment, access stair lighting, and individual reading lights above all seats, 14/24V power outlets, ipod music inputs, satellite phone, and many storage cabinets clearly made flying in the TBM850 delightful.

Mr Mark Diaz’s engaging walk around tour of the TBM850 won many votes for his cheerful and superb knowledge of the TBM850. A high-performance, pressurized 6 seat business turboprop powered by a 850-HP PW&C PT6A-66D (full rated power to 25,000 feet). It offers the performance of a very light jet with the economy of a single-engine turboprop. The TBM 850 airframe design employs several fail-safe structural design techniques, including the use of multiple load paths and a crack-stopper band to maximize sub-system reliability/durability and structural life.

The majority of the TBM 850 structure is manufactured from conventional aluminum alloys. The exceptionally strong wing spars, flap tracks and windshield frames are machined from solid bars of aluminum. The TBM 850 is equipped with a state-of-the-art instrumentation to monitor both aircraft power plant and major systems. Instruments are conveniently displayed on the central G1000 color 15’’ MFD.  In addition, the G1000 MFD also features 3 detailed systems synoptic for Electrical, Fuel and General systems. The integrated G1000 suite provides the pilot with an unmatched comprehensive situational awareness increasing ease of operations and security to the highest level.

Anyone who viewed the aircraft in person would without doubt understand why the TBM850 has the honor of being bestowed the world’s fastest and most desired owner-flown single-engine turbo-prop. Flying at 320kts cruise with a single-engine in luxury and having most of South-East Asia accessible in range and comfort simply tops off TBM850 list of desirables among owner-flown class of airplanes.

Events like this certainly help us enhance the connection between like-minded airplane lovers and give enthusiasts an opportunity to meet and deepen our experience and understanding for the airplanes we fly.

Till we meet at our next aircraft appreciation event, WOA thanks all who took the Saturday afternoon off to join us with their family and friends, the many industry partners who supported us and last but not least, thank Daher-Socata in France as well as Hawker Pacific Singapore for the beginning of a very wonderful industry partnership with WOA.