Daher salutes the TBMOPA’s exceptional 2018 European Gathering, hosted by Apache Aviation Training & Services

Daher congratulated the TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) on the success of its 2018 European Gathering, which brought together the international TBM very fast aircraft community for technical briefings and camaraderie – reinforced by an emphasis on safety and the passion for flight.

Held at France’s Dijon Bourgogne Airport during May and organized by TBMOPA President David Fabry, the meeting attracted more than 90 participants from across Europe and the U.S. – with 25 TBMs flown in for the event.

In addition to technical sessions organized by the Daher team and TBM equipment suppliers, the event’s unique feature was the occasion for TBM owners and pilots to fly aboard the Breitling Jet Team’s high-performance L39 jet trainers – a unique opportunity provided by the team’s operator, Apache Aviation Training & Services, which hosted the TBMOPA 2108 European Gathering.

“Daher salutes the TBMOPA and David Fabry for this truly successful event,” commented Nicolas Chabbert, Senior Vice President of the Daher Airplane Business Unit. “Our thanks also go to Apache Aviation Training & Services for their outstanding welcome, and for giving TBM customers the unforgettable chance to experience aerobatics and formation flying with the world’s largest professional civilian jet team.”

Jacques Bothelin, CEO of Apache Aviation Training & Services, said the TBMOPA 2018 European Gathering also enabled his company to introduce a new type of training for TBM pilots: Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) – using a fleet of six ex-French Air Force TB 30 Epsilon aircraft, and established with the support of Daher.

UPRT is increasingly considered as a valuable and necessary experience for pilots – particularly those flying high-performance aircraft such as the TBM. It will be mandatory for all European air transport pilots as of 2019.

“We are the only organization able to offer this unique experience with a focus on developing airmanship and flying skills in a highly comfortable training environment,” Bothelin explained. “Our philosophy is to give pilots the possibility of gaining key skills while also enjoying the experience.”

The TB 30 Epsilon is a piston-engine basic trainer produced by Daher predecessor company SOCATA. Utilized by multiple air forces since the 1980s, this aircraft is well-suited for UPRT.

Bothelin added that Apache Aviation Training & Services also intends to develop a full package, called the Platinum Burgundy Experience, which is to include UPRT and aerobatic flying, along with driving a sports car on a nearby speed circuit and wine tasting in a typical Burgundy chateau.

Another business of Apache Aviation Training & Services is providing a wide range of aviation services in government contracts with a fleet of aircraft, including a TBM 700C2 for liaison purposes.