The 2014 annual TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) convention broke all attendance records recently with the presence of 107 TBM 700s and 850s, plus several brand-new TBM 900s - all accommodated at New Orleans' Lakefront Airport.

Attracting almost a quarter of the entire TBM fleet in North America, this became the largest fly-in convention dedicated to a single-engine turbine aircraft or small private jet - registering an increase in attendance of three percent from last year.

The 2014 TBMOPA Convention was held from October 29 to November 1 in historic New Orleans, Louisiana, with aircraft accommodated at the city’s Lakefront Airport. It included dynamic academic sessions customized for the TBM aircraft family, featuring presentations by industry leaders
and DAHER-SOCATA, as well as TBM system vendors such as Pratt and Whitney, Canada.

“The 2014 TBMOPA convention marked our best turnout to date, and enabled the TBMOPA ‘family’ to take part in much appreciated safety seminars and sessions relating to operational techniques,” explained Frank McKee, the Chairman and Director of TBMOPA. “Once again, our annual event offered an excellent way for owners to learn and socialize with each other, to meet with vendors, and talk with personnel from DAHER-SOCATA. The social events encouraged further discussions about flying and offered the means to develop friendships.”

McKee expressed his appreciation to vendors who provided support and financial contributions for the TBMOPA’s charitable foundation. In 2014, more than $100k was raised to provide, among other things, scholarships for disabled veterans to learn to fly through the non-profit Able Flight association.

Stéphane Mayer, DAHER-SOCATA’s President and CEO, took the opportunity of a U.S.-bound TBM 900 ferry flight to join the convention. He said the TBM 900’s recent introduction as the latest TBM aircraft family member has raised interest throughout the aviation community, which was reflected in the presence of newcomers at this year’s event.