TBM 850 - DAHER-SOCATA, The Turboprop Aircraft Manufacturer

The European gathering of TBM owners marks a record in Mallorca, Spain

Shaelyn Mack — 2013-05-17T17:13:00Z

For its 4th edition, the TBM Owners and Pilots Association's (TBMOPA) European convention attracts a growing audience of pilots.

Tarbes, France, May 15, 2013 – The TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) – the user organization for DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 700 and TBM 850 very fast turboprop aircraft – brought together an audience of 76 participants at Mallorca, Spain for its European chapter's annual convention, held May 3-5.

A total of 23 TBM aircraft touched down at Son Bonet and Palma airports, carrying participants from Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the U.S. for three days of meetings and social events.

The weekend included a full day of technical presentations. Claude Lelaie, honorary president of TBMOPA Europe, was a guest speaker, with a presentation of the “Brake to Vacate”(BTV) Technology, based on his experience as the Airbus A380 chief test pilot. Other topics were: “Fuel reserve and alternate,” by Dirk Folens; “Torque not temp,” by Yves Houde from Pratt & Whitney Canada, and EGNOS operations by Andrew Knott, the TBMOPA's Executive director.

A companion flying program by Matthew Gouret and John Elford was also provided to help pilot companions to increase their knowledge in assisting their favorite captain and landing their TBM in case of incapacitation.

This is our largest event so far, and attendance is on the rise with new owners joining in,” stated David Fabry, the President of TBMOPA Europe. “One-third of the participants were new, and we received very good feedback from the group on all aspects of our gathering. TBMOPA membership brings owners together to enhance their knowledge on a wide array of subjects. It is making our group fly better and safer.

Stéphane Mayer, DAHER-SOCATA's President and CEO, said the company fully supports the TBMOPA association and TBM owners in Europe – as it does in the United States. “We very much enjoyed sharing this event with all European owners. The mood was excellent, the location is beautiful, and the overall content was instructive, well presented and of high quality.”

“This kind of gathering gives us excellent opportunity to know, understand and provide better service and products to our customers. It is our willingness to continue working with owners and TBMOPA Europe – along with with TBMOPA members worldwide – towards those targets.” he added.

Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Division, said TBMOPA's 2013 convention underscored the owner association's excellent working relationship with DAHER-SOCATA as the TBM aircraft manufacturer. He also noted that DAHER-SOCATA's customer support was given high marks by the TBM community, rewarding the company's continuous efforts.

The success of this year's TBMOPA European convention demonstrates our customers' growing interest on both sides of the Atlantic in seeking opportunities to meet and talk about their common passion: flying the TBM,” Chabbert concluded. “Thanks to them, the TBM very fast turboprop is now a proven aircraft, logging more than 1,100,000 flight hours in a global fleet of more than 625 TBM 850s and TBM 700s.

About the TBM Owners and Pilots Association The TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) was founded to provide owners of the ultimate personal aircraft with the ultimate ownership experience. TBMOPA focuses on safety and training as well as social events all designed to maximize the pleasure and utility of TBM ownership. For more information, visit www.tbmowners.org.

About DAHER
DAHER is a European integrated equipment and services supplier. An independent mediumsized company, DAHER develops its “industry & services” model in the aerospace, nuclear, defense and industry sectors – concentrating on three core activities: manufacturing, services and transport, which it builds into a global offer. With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers. Founded in 1863, DAHER is international with 7,500 men and women in 14 countries over the world. DAHER has a 1.1 billion-dollar annual turnover. As of December 31, 2011, it held a 2.5 billion euro backlog representing three years of turnover.

DAHER-SOCATA – which is the DAHER group's aerospace activity – boasts a global and original offering which brings together its expertise as aircraft manufacturer, airframe supplier, industrial and logistics service provider. All are backed by advanced technological specialties.

DAHER-SOCATA's expertise in these fields and the organization of their synergies enable them to provide manufacturers with specific offers in each segment of the aerospace market: commercial and military aircraft, regional aircraft, helicopters and business aircraft.

For more information, visit www.daher.com

TBMOPA European Gathering in Mallorca

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Bartolini Air Maintenance in Poland is named as a DAHER-SOCATA TBM Service Center

Shaelyn Mack — 2013-04-25T13:04:35Z


Bartłomiej Walas, from Bartolini Air Maintenance, TBM Service Center in Poland, with Guillaume Montreau, TBM director of sales, in charge of Poland.

DAHER-SOCATA extends its TBM support network to Central and Eastern Europe.

Friedrichshafen, Germany, April 25, 2013 – DAHER-SOCATA today announced the appointment of Bartolini Air Maintenance in Lodz, Poland as a TBM Service Center. Under terms of this agreement, Bartolini Air Maintenance is approved to perform TBM 700 and TBM 850 maintenance, as well as provide warranty support and facilitate access to both parts and technical support.

Founded in 2012 as a sister company of Bartolini Air – which is one of Poland's most well-known flight training organizations – Bartolini Air Maintenance is a diversified aircraft maintenance company located at Lodz Lublinek international airport (ICAO airport code: EPLL). Approved to EASA Part 145 standards, Bartolini Air Maintenance also is certified to handle a lare number of general aviation aircraft types. The company's facility has a 330- square-meter heated hangar, along with 1,500 square meters of apron area.

Bartolini Air Maintenance is a highly respected aviation company in Poland for the quality of its services, and we welcome the organization to our network for the benefit of our customers in this region,” commented Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of DAHER-SOCATA's Airplane Division. “DAHER-SOCATA has expanded its network of authorized service centers to ensure it can meet the needs of a growing customer base. Bartolini Air Maintenance is an excellent asset to further develop our activities in Poland, bringing solutions in standard and specific scheduled maintenance, engine support, airworthiness management and spare parts.

Dariusz Zarzycki, the Managing Director of Bartolini Air Maintenance, said his company is strategically located at Lodz airport, which is equipped with a 2,500-meter-long concrete runway and is accessible throughout the year to all types of domestic and international traffic arriving in VFR and IFR operating conditions.

Being based in Poland, our company is ideally situated to take advantage of the forecasted growth of the region.' Zarzycki added. “A young, very experienced team is fully committed to serve DAHER-SOCATA's current and future customers.

DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 850 is the world's fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the current version – and the ability to land at small airports are some of its customers' favorite features.

The worldwide TBM fleet – composed of the TBM 850 and its predecessor TBM 700 version – has surpassed the combined 1 million flight hour milestone. With more than 625 of these very fast turboprop business aircraft produced to date, the overall fleet usage now averages in excess of 120,000 flight hours annually.

The worldwide TBM fleet – composed of the TBM 850 and its predecessor TBM 700 version – has surpassed the combined 1 million flight hour milestone. With more than 625 of these very fast turboprop business aircraft produced to date, the overall fleet usage now averages in excess of 120,000 flight hours annually.

About DAHER
DAHER is a Tier-1 equipment supplier to high-technology industries. An independent intermediate-sized company, DAHER deploys its integrated equipment and services supplier model across the aerospace & defense, nuclear & energy and capital goods industries sectors, and its growth is centered on complementary sets of expertise (design and manufacturing & integrated industrial support), combined into a comprehensive global offering. With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers.

Created in 1863, DAHER is an international group, employing 7,500 staff in 14 countries across the world. DAHER generates sales of 900 million euros (1.1 billion dollars), with an order book standing at 2,580 million euros at 31/12/2011, corresponding to around 3 years of turnover.

For more information, visit www.daher.com

Bartolini Air Maintenance TBM Service Center in Poland

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DAHER-SOCATA delivers TBM 850 Elite at AERO 2013

Shaelyn Mack — 2013-04-24T12:52:38Z


Johannes von Schaesberg , CEO of Rheinland Air Service shaking hand with Nicolas Chabbert.

The 2013 Elite version of the TBM 850 Very Fast Turboprop business aircraft offers many new features and benefits.

Friedrichshafen, Germany, April 24, 2013 – At the AERO show today, DAHERSOCATA delivered a new 2013 model year TBM 850 Elite aircraft to Rheinland Air Service (RAS), its TBM Distributor and Service Center Operator for Austria and Germany.

The aircraft is fitted with the 2013 Elite special package, featuring a deluxe Black Onyx leather interior with a storage cabinet, carbon-fiber fittings, and 14 Volt DC power plugs. Other features include Garmin's Synthetic Vision System dynamic terrain imaging, the Chartview electronic chart database, and the GSR 56 Iridium satellite datalink transceiver for global connectivity – providing on-demand weather information and text/voice communications. Additional safety options in the 2013 Elite package are a GPS-linked emergency locator transmitter, and a pulsed light system that alternately flashes the landing, taxi and recognition lights 45 times-per-minute to increase the aircraft's visibility.

DAHER-SOCATA's extended Exclusive Maintenance Program, which lowers scheduled maintenance costs for five years or 1,000 hours, is also included. For 2013, DAHER-SOCATA has introduced a New Maintenance Program (NMP), with recommended maintenance intervals of 200 hours (instead of the previous 100 hours) or 12 months – whichever occurs first. The NMP is available on new aircraft, while previously-delivered TBM 850 can be transitioned to the NMP during their annual inspection. The year-long program is completed by the CAMP tracking system, which enables owners to easily follow an aircraft's maintenance.

We salute the commercial efforts of our distributor, Rheinland Air Service, whose team has been very active since last year's AERO show. Since then, RAS has sold two TBM 850 Elite and ordered two more for this year,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of DAHER-SOCATA's Airplane Division. “This demonstrates the strong market interest in our new version with its convertible cabin, along with enhancements to the aircraft's comprehensive maintenance program – all of which increases the already high value of our TBM 850 aircraft for both owners and operators.

DAHER-SOCATA developed the TBM 850 Elite to offer owners the unique capability of tailoring the passenger cabin to meet their changing needs. Its middle seats can be oriented in a forward-facing position, while the rear seats are removable. In just 30 minutes, the TBM 850 Elite can be reconfigured in a four-seat cabin – tripling the luggage storage capacity, while doubling the maximum luggage weight.

We thank DAHER-SOCATA for the TBM 850 we took delivery of today. It is our third Elite model, the first two having been sold to customers,” said Johannes Graf von Schaesberg, CEO of RAS. “This TBM 850 will be used as a demonstrator plane, but we expect to sell it very quickly because of the strong demand. A fourth Elite is already on order for one of our customers.” He added.

About the TBM 850
DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 850 is the world's fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the current version – as well as the ability to land at small airports are some of its customers' favorite features.

About DAHER
DAHER is a Tier-1 equipment supplier to high-technology industries. An independent intermediate-sized company, DAHER deploys its integrated equipment and services supplier model across the aerospace & defense, nuclear & energy and capital goods industries sectors, and its growth is centered on complementary sets of expertise (design and manufacturing & integrated industrial support), combined into a comprehensive global offering. With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers.

Created in 1863, DAHER is an international group, employing 7,500 staff in 14 countries across the world. DAHER generates sales of 900 million euros (1.1 billion dollars), with an order book standing at 2,580 million euros at 31/12/2011, corresponding to around 3 years of turnover.

For more information, visit www.daher.com

TBM 850 Elite 2013 at Aero

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TWO STUDENTS EARN EAA/DAHER-SOCATA SCHOLARSHIPS

Shaelyn Mack — 2013-04-22T13:28:00Z

New features and benefits in the latest version of DAHER-SOCATA's very fast turboprop business aircraft continues to attract new customers

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — April 23, 2013 – Kalena Glover of Prescott, Ariz., and William McAleer of Birmingham, Ala., will receive the work internships of a lifetime, as they have been named recipients of this year's EAA/DAHER-SOCATA International Scholarships.

The internship program is now in its seventh year. Each recipient receives a five-week internship at DAHERSOCATA's Tarbes facility in France, located in the shadow of the Pyrenees Mountains, followed by a week at the EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh where they'll help Socata during EAA AirVenture 2013. All travel, lodging, and work experience is included, as well as a side trip to the Airbus facility at Toulouse. For an aspiring student working toward a career in the aviation industry, it's a dream situation.

This opportunity gives a one-of-a-kind experience for the internship recipients,” said Nicolas Chabbert, President and CEO of SOCATA North America. “They will spend time with our team in France, gaining expertise in their fields of interest – such as marketing, production, organization, design, support and service. We hope the experience will make a difference in their future careers, while also benefitting our company by working with the next-generation of aviation industry decision-makers.

While DAHER-SOCATA is currently providing American students a chance to study abroad, the company has encouraged EAA to find companies in the U.S. willing to share such an experience with young people from other parts of the world. For instance, the two interns will have the opportunity to interact with Socata employees as part of a unique cultural exchange.

DAHER-SOCATA's commitment provides an incentive, a challenge to EAA Young Eagles, an opportunity for them to explore a variety of career directions within the aviation field first hand, to see what the future holds,” said Elissa Lines, EAA's vice president of business and donor relations. “For a student, nothing is more important. The cultural exchange, the educational opportunities, and the impact on their lives are tremendous.

Glover is a senior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, majoring in aerospace engineering. She is a former EAA Young Eagle and Air Academy attendee. Her career goal is to work on the management side of aircraft and spacecraft design and contribute to the development of new aircraft or spacecraft.

McAleer is a junior at Auburn University, majoring in industrial and systems engineering. He already holds a commercial pilot certificate, and has a career goal of using both his aviation experience and engineering education in the aviation industry.

About DAHER-SOCATA
One of the world's leading general aviation manufacturers with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911, including the Very Fast Turboprop TBM 850, DAHER-SOCATA forms the aerospace & defense branch of the DAHER Group, European integrated equipment and services supplier. In addition to aerospace, DAHER specializes in two other sectors: nuclear and capital good industries, and developing in three fields of expertise: manufacturing, services and transport, which enable it to offer a comprehensive package.

About EAA
EAA embodies the spirit of aviation through the world's most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA's 177,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

For more information, visit www.daher.com

Daaher-Socata Interns named

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The TBM 850 customer base grows with another order signed at Florida's Sun'n Fun event

Shaelyn Mack — 2013-04-16T10:50:00Z

New features and benefits in the latest version of DAHER-SOCATA's very fast turboprop business aircraft continues to attract new customers

Lakeland, Florida, April 16, 2013 – DAHER-SOCATA today announced the sale of a TBM 850 Elite very fast turboprop in its newest Model Year 2013 version, with the deal concluded during this month's 39th Annual Sun'n Fun International Fly-In & Expo at Florida's Lakeland Linder Airport.

The aircraft was purchased by a Canadian private customer through Columbia Aircraft Sales, DAHER-SOCATA's TBM distributor for the Northeastern United States and Canada.

This sale confirms the TBM 850 Elite version's success since its introduction at last year's Sun'n Fun air show,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of DAHER-SOCATA's Airplane Division, and President of SOCATA North America. “It underscores that our improvements and enhancements to the aircraft's comprehensive maintenance program meet the market's expectations.

DAHER-SOCATA offers a special package for its Model Year 2013 featuring such benefits as a deluxe leather interior with a storage cabinet, wooden or carbon-fiber fittings, and 14-Volt DC power plugs. This package also includes DAHER-SOCATA's Highly Extended Exclusive Maintenance Program, which lowers scheduled maintenance costs for five years or 1,000 hours.

For 2013, DAHER-SOCATA has introduced a New Maintenance Program (NMP), with recommended maintenance intervals of 200 hours (instead of the previous 100 hours) or 12 months – whichever occurs first. The NMP is available on new production aircraft, while the transition for previously-delivered TBM 850 can be made during their annual inspection. The year's program is completed by the CAMP tracking system, which enables owners to easily follow an aircraft's maintenance.

Additional safety options in the 2013 Elite package are a GPS-linked emergency locator transmitter, and a pulsed light system that alternately flashes the landing, taxi and recognition lights 45 times-per-minute to increase the aircraft's visibility.

DAHER-SOCATA developed the TBM 850 Elite to offer unique capability in tailoring the passenger cabin to meet operators' needs. Its middle seats can be oriented in a forward-facing position, while the rear seats are removable. In approximately 30 minutes, the TBM 850 Elite can be reconfigured in a four-seat cabin, increasing the luggage volume capacity by three and doubling the maximum luggage weight.

Popular options include a full avionics suite with Garmin's Synthetic Vision System dynamic terrain imaging, Chartview electronic chart database, and the GSR 56 Iridium satellite datalink transceiver for global connectivity – providing on-demand weather information, text/voice communications and near real-time position tracking.

DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 850 is the world's fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the current version – as well as the ability to land at small airports, are some of its customers' favorite features.

About DAHER
DAHER is a Tier-1 equipment supplier to high-technology industries. An independent intermediate-sized company, DAHER deploys its integrated equipment and services supplier model across the aerospace & defense, nuclear & energy and capital goods industries sectors, and its growth is centered on complementary sets of expertise (design and manufacturing & integrated industrial support), combined into a comprehensive global offering. With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers.

Created in 1863, DAHER is an international group, employing 7,500 men and women in 14 countries across the world. DAHER generates a turnover of 900 million euros (1.1 billion dollars), with an order book which stood at 2,580 million euros at 31/12/2011, corresponding to around 3 years of turnover.

For more information, visit www.daher.com

TBM 850 Elite 2013 sold at Sun'n Fun

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2013 TBM 850 Elite opens the annual air show season at Florida's Sun'n Fun event

Frédéric Phan — 2013-04-09T18:18:08Z

DAHER-SOCATA's Model Year 2013 TBM 850 Elite opens the annual air show season at Florida's Sun'n Fun event

This latest version of the company's very fast turboprop business aircraft incorporates a host of new features and benefits

Lakeland, Florida, April 9, 2013 – DAHER-SOCATA is showcasing the Model Year 2013 version of its TBM 850 Elite very fast turboprop at the 39th Annual Sun'n Fun International Fly-In & Expo, being held April 9-14 at Florida's Lakeland Linder Airport.

Compared to last year's model, an important cockpit enhancement is the integration of L-3 Avionics Systems' Trilogy™ ESI-2000 Electronic Standby Instrument (ESI), which replaces the previous electro-mechanical instrument version. As the first solidstate integrated standby system specifically created for general aviation, the advanced solid-state Trilogy™ ESI-2000 has an internal battery and easy-to-read 4 X 3-inch active matrix liquid crystal display.

The tremendous customer interest in our TBM 850 Elite version following its debut last year is confirmed in 2013 with a backlog for 30 aircraft,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of DAHER-SOCATA's Airplane Division, and President of SOCATA North America. “Without doubt, the improvements introduced inside and out, along with enhancements to the aircraft's comprehensive maintenance program, increase the already high value of our TBM 850 aircraft for both owners and operators.

The Model Year 2013 TBM 850 Elite's offering of interior colors has been extended with the choice of Mocha dark brown leather, as well as a medium grey, referred to as River Stone. In addition, the aircraft's seat backs are now perforated to improve comfort on hot days.

DAHER-SOCATA also offers a special package for its Model Year 2013 featuring such benefits as a deluxe leather interior with a storage cabinet, wooden or carbonfiber fittings and 14-Volt DC power plugs. This package also includes DAHERSOCATA's Highly Extended Exclusive Maintenance Program, which lowers scheduled maintenance costs for five years or 1,000 hours.

For 2013, DAHER-SOCATA has introduced a New Maintenance Program (NMP), with recommended maintenance intervals of 200 hours (instead of the previous 100 hours) or 12 months – whichever occurs first. The NMP is available on new production aircraft, while the transition for previously-delivered TBM 850 can be made during their annual inspection. The year's program is completed by the CAMP tracking system, which enables owners to easily follow an aircraft's maintenance.

Additional safety options in the 2013 Elite package are a GPS-linked emergency locator transmitter, and a pulsed light system that alternately flashes the landing, taxi and recognition lights 45 times-per-minute to increase the aircraft's visibility.

DAHER-SOCATA developed the TBM 850 Elite to offer unique capability in tailoring the passenger cabin to meet operators' needs. Its middle seats can be oriented in a forward-facing position, while the rear seats are removable. In approximately 30 minutes, the TBM 850 Elite can be reconfigured in a four-seat cabin, increasing the luggage volume capacity by three and doubling the maximum luggage weight.

Primary technical changes in the TBM 850 Elite are the new intermediate seats, whose base is narrower; and a forward shift in positioning of the passenger oxygen system, which enables passengers to be assisted in both the cabin's six- and fourseat configurations.

Popular options include a full avionics suite with Garmin's Synthetic Vision System dynamic terrain imaging, Chartview electronic chart database, and the GSR 56 Iridium satellite datalink transceiver for global connectivity – providing on-demand weather information, text/voice communications and near real-time position tracking. DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 850 is the world's fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine.

The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the current version – as well as the ability to land at small airports are some of its customers' favorite features.

About DAHER
DAHER is a Tier-1 equipment supplier to high-technology industries. An independent intermediate-sized company, DAHER deploys its integrated equipment and services supplier model across the aerospace & defense, nuclear & energy and capital goods industries sectors, and its growth is centered on complementary sets of expertise (design and manufacturing & integrated industrial support), combined into a comprehensive global offering. With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers.
Created in 1863, DAHER is an international group, employing 7,500 men and women in 14 countries across the world. DAHER generates a turnover of 900 million euros (1.1 billion dollars), with an order book which stood at 2,580 million euros at 31/12/2011, corresponding to around 3 years of turnover.

For more information, visit www.daher.com

TBM 850 Elite Model 2013 at Sun'n Fun.pdf

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DAHER-SOCATA names Morocco's MDS Aviation as a TBM Service Center

Shaelyn Mack — 2013-03-05T19:29:00Z

• The support network for TBM very fast turboprop extends to North Africa

Tarbes, France, March 5, 2013 – DAHER-SOCATA today announced the appointment of MDS Aviation – based at Casablanca, Morocco – as an approved TBM Service Center.

Under this agreement MDS Aviation is authorized to perform maintenance on the TBM 700 and TBM 850 very fast turboprop aircraft, as well as provide warranty support and facilitate access for both parts and technical support.

Founded in 2005, MDS Aviation is an aircraft maintenance company located at Casablanca's Tit-Mellil Airport. It is EASA Part 145 approved, and has developed as a business and private aviation leader in northwestern Africa. The company is recognized by two major TBM aircraft suppliers: as a fixed base operator (FBO) for Pratt & Whitney Canada's turboprop engines; and as a dealer for Garmin avionics.

MDS Aviation is highly respected in Africa, and we welcome this organization into the TBM service network as we expand our activities in the region,” commented Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of DAHERSOCATA's Airplane Division. “This is the latest step in broadening our reach for authorized service centers, which ensures we can meet the needs for DAHER-SOCATA's customer base in providing solutions for standard and scheduled maintenance, engine support, airworthiness management and spare parts.

Didier Cornut, a founder of MDS Aviation and its managing director, noted the importance of general aviation in the vast African continent, with the company's Morocco base of operations strategically located between Africa and Europe.

We are ideally situated to take advantage of aviation's forecasted growth in the African region,” Cornut said. “Our goal is to start as a TBM service center, building up our technical expertise to support the operations of TBM and SOCATA aircraft in Africa, thereby positioning MDS Aviation for future development in partnership with DAHER-SOCATA.

DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 850 is the world's fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the current version – as well as the ability to land at small airports, are some of its customers' favorite features.

The worldwide TBM fleet – composed of the TBM 850 and its predecessor TBM 700 version – has surpassed the combined 1 million flight hour milestone. With more than 620 of these very fast turboprop business aircraft produced to date, the overall fleet usage now averages in excess of 120,000 flight hours annually.

About DAHER
DAHER is a tier-1 equipment supplier to high-technology industries. An independent intermediate-sized company, DAHER deploys its integrated equipment and services supplier model across the Aerospace & Defence, Nuclear & Energy and Capital Goods Industries sectors, and its growth is centred on complementary sets of expertise (design and manufacturing & integrated industrial support), combined into a comprehensive global offering.

With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers.

Created in 1863, DAHER is an international group, employing 7,500 men and women in 14 countries across the world. DAHER generates a turnover of 900 million euros (1.1 billion dollars), with an order book which stood at 2,580 millions euros at 31/12/2011, corresponding to around 3 years of turnover.

For more information, visit www.daher.com

MDS new TBM Service Center in Morocco

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DAHER-SOCATA unveils its Model Year 2013 TBM 850 Elite in the U.S. market

Shaelyn Mack — 2013-02-25T14:02:52Z

• A host of benefits are incorporated in this latest version of the company's very fast turboprop business aircraft

Pembroke Pines, FL, February 25, 2013 – DAHER-SOCATA's Model Year 2013 version of its TBM 850 Elite was unveiled last friday at Florida's Boca Raton Airport for customers in the United States – which remains one of the primary markets for this very fast turboprop business aircraft.

Compared to last year's model, a cockpit enhancement is the integration of L-3 Avionics' Trilogy™ ESI-2000 Electronic Standby Instrument (ESI), which replaces the previous electro-mechanical instrument version. As the first solid-state integrated standby system specifically created for general aviation, the advanced solid-state Trilogy™ ESI-2000 has an internal battery and easy-to-read 4 X 3-inch active matrix liquid crystal display.

Based on the tremendous customer interest in the TBM 850 Elite – which debuted last year – we are continuing its production in 2013,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of DAHER-SOCATA's Airplane Division and President of SOCATA North America. “For this year, we have made further improvements inside and out, along with enhancements to the aircraft's comprehensive maintenance program.”.

The Model Year 2013 TBM 850's Elite offering of interior colors has been extended with the choice of Moccha dark brown leather, as well as a medium grey, referred to as River Stone. In addition, the aircraft's seat backs are now perforated to improve comfort on hot days.

DAHER-SOCATA also offers a special package for its Model Year 2013 that features a host of benefits such as a deluxe leather interior with a storage cabinet, wooden or carbon-fiber fittings and 14-Volt DC power plugs. This includes also DAHER-SOCATA's Highly Extended Exclusive Maintenance Program, which lowers scheduled maintenance costs for five years or 1,000 hours. In 2013, this program is completed by the CAMP maintenance tracking system, which enables the owner to easily follow its maintenance.

Additional safety options in this year's Elite package are a GPS-linked emergency locator transmitter, and a pulsed light system that alternately flashes the landing, taxi and recognition lights 45 times-per-minute to increase the aircraft's visibility.

DAHER-SOCATA developed the TBM 850 Elite to offer unique capability in tailoring the passenger cabin in meeting operators' needs. Its middle seats can be oriented in a forward-facing position, while the rear seats are removable. In approximately 30 minutes, the TBM 850 can be reconfigured in a four-seat cabin, increasing the luggage volume capacity by three and doubling the maximum luggage weight.

Primary technical changes in the TBM 850 Elite are the new intermediate seats, whose base is narrower; and a forward shift in positioning of the passenger oxygen system, which enables passengers to be assisted in both the cabin's six- and fourseat configurations.

Popular options in this package include a full avionics suite with Garmin's Synthetic Vision System dynamic terrain imaging, Chartview electronic chart database, and the GSR 56 Iridium satellite datalink transceiver for global connectivity – providing on-demand weather information, text/voice communications and near real-time position tracking.

DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 850 is the world's fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the current version – as well as the ability to land at small airports are some of its customers' favorite features.

About DAHER
DAHER is a tier-1 equipment supplier to high-technology industries. An independent intermediate-sized company, DAHER deploys its integrated equipment and services supplier model across the Aerospace & Defence, Nuclear & Energy and Capital Goods Industries sectors, and its growth is centred on complementary sets of expertise (design and manufacturing & integrated industrial support), combined into a comprehensive global offering.

With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers.

Created in 1863, DAHER is an international group, employing 7,500 men and women in 14 countries across the world. DAHER generates a turnover of 900 million euros (1.1 billion dollars), with an order book which stood at 2,580 millions euros at 31/12/2011, corresponding to around 3 years of turnover.

For more information, visit www.daher.com

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DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 850 Elite cruises at the top of the market

Shaelyn Mack — 2013-02-12T19:18:00Z

The company's very fast turboprop sales and market share remained steady in 2012

Washington, D.C., February 12, 2013 – DAHER-SOCATA today announced that 38 TBM 850s were delivered in 2012 – representing the fourth best year for the company's TBM aircraft family since 1990, and underscoring the very fast turboprop's continued value in an evolving global market.

The 2012 deliveries bring to 622 units the total number of aircraft received by customers, of which 298 are TBM 850 – the latest version of DAHERSOCATA's very fast turboprop aircraft family.

According to General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) year-end shipment and billings figures – which were released today in Washington, D.C. – the 38 TBM 850 deliveries last year represented an 18 percent share of its market segment. This reflects an increased market share when compared to the competitors.

The majority of TBM 850s purchased in 2012 were acquired by U.S. customers (66 percent). Canada ranked second, with 13 percent, followed by Brazil and Germany's eight percent of the 2012 sales. One sale was achieved in the U.K. last year, where the market is showing signs of recovery, while Thailand joined the club of TBM countries with a contract for its first TBM 850 in June.

The TBM 850 sales success confirms our very fast turboprop's position as the keystone of DAHER-SOCATA's strategy,” explained Stephane Mayer, Chairman and CEO of DAHER-SOCATA – the aerospace and defense activity of the DAHER Group. “This also supports our Group's current strategy to invest in research and development to support our products and our long-term growth.

Nicolas Chabbert, the Senior Vice President of DAHER-SOCATA's Airplane Division, said the availability of its TBM 850 Elite version – which was certified in July – boosted sales during the second half of 2012.

Efficiency and value remain the competitive advantages of turboprop aircraft, as demonstrated by the TBM 850's continued sales successes,” Chabbert added. “This explains the resilience of turboprop aircraft at a time when very light jets are competing in the marketplace .

Building on its commercial momentum, DAHER-SOCATA is offering the Model Year 2013 TBM 850 “Elite” with a host of benefits, including the highly extended Exclusive Maintenance Program – which lowers scheduled maintenance costs for five years or 1,000 hours – and the GSR 56 Iridium based satellite telephone system.

DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 850 is the world's fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the current version – and the ability to land at small airports are some of its customers' favorite features.

The worldwide TBM fleet – composed of the TBM 850 and its predecessor TBM 700 version – has surpassed the combined 1 million flight hour milestone. With more than 620 of these very fast turboprop business aircraft produced to date, the overall fleet usage now averages in excess of 120,000 flight hours annually.

About DAHER
DAHER is a tier-1 equipment supplier to high-technology industries. An independent intermediate-sized company, DAHER deploys its integrated equipment and services supplier model across the Aerospace & Defence, Nuclear & Energy and Capital Goods Industries sectors, and its growth is centred on complementary sets of expertise (design and manufacturing & integrated industrial support), combined into a comprehensive global offering.

With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers.

Created in 1863, DAHER is an international group, employing 7,500 men and women in 14 countries across the world. DAHER generates a turnover of 900 million euros (1.1 billion dollars), with an order book which stood at 2,580 millions euros at 31/12/2011, corresponding to around 3 years of turnover.

For more information, visit www.daher.com

38 TBM 850's delivered

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DAHER-SOCATA's TBM very fast turboprop aircraft fleet surpassed the 1 million flight hour milestone

Shaelyn Mack — 2013-02-07T14:28:13Z

Tarbes, France, February 7, 2013 – DAHER-SOCATA today announced that the worldwide TBM 700 and TBM 850 fleet has surpassed the milestone of 1 million flight hours.

With more than 620 TBM very fast turboprop business aircraft produced to date, the overall fleet usage now averages in excess of 120,000 flight hours annually.

Surpassing this milestone confirms the TBM 850 as the keystone of DAHER-SOCATA's strategy,” said Stephane Mayer, Chairman and CEO of DAHER-SOCATA, the aerospace and defense activity of the DAHER Group. “This highlights the synergy between manufacturing and services that offers our customers high dispatch reliability, while also underscoring our excellent partnership with Pratt & Whitney Canada – which manufactures the TBM's PT6A engine. With the first million flight hours now a reality, I look forward to the next million-hour achievement.

Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the DAHER-SOCATA Airplane Division, added the 1 million flight hour achievement demonstrates that a manufacturer's aircraft product line has come of age.

The extensive experience accumulated during 20 years of operations has proven the TBM's airframe design and validated its reliability,” he explained. “Reaching this flight-hour achievement also highlights the efficiency of our service network, which can maintain TBM aircraft from the busiest airports in the U.S. to the Australian Outback.

Chabbert said the TBM in-service experience provided the confidence for DAHER-SOCATA to offer extended warranties and its Exclusive Maintenance Program – which lowers scheduled maintenance costs for five years or 1,000 hours. “The tremendous track record accumulated by TBM customers and operators helped us improve the product, and we offer one of the most reliable airplanes in its category today,” he added.

To mark the 1 million flight hour milestone, Pratt & Whitney Canada presented DAHER-SOCATA CEO Stéphane Mayer with a commemorative plaque.

DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 850 is the world's fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions).

As an 850-shp. version of DAHER-SOCATA's TBM 700, the TBM 850 combines cruise speeds and trip times of a light jet with the economical direct operating costs, range and eco-friendly environmental signature of a turboprop-powered aircraft. The TBM 850's maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the current version – and the ability to land at small airports are some of its customers' favorite features.

About DAHER
DAHER is a tier-1 equipment supplier to high-technology industries. An independent intermediate-sized company, DAHER deploys its integrated equipment and services supplier model across the Aerospace & Defence, Nuclear & Energy and Capital Goods Industries sectors, and its growth is centred on complementary sets of expertise (design and manufacturing & integrated industrial support), combined into a comprehensive global offering.

With a robust engineering-based approach, DAHER is able to deliver innovative and differentiating solutions to its industrial customers.

Created in 1863, DAHER is an international group, employing 7,500 men and women in 14 countries across the world. DAHER generates a turnover of 900 million euros (1.1 billion dollars), with an order book which stood at 2,580 millions euros at 31/12/2011, corresponding to around 3 years of turnover.

For more information, visit www.daher.com

TBM Fleet surpassed one million hours

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