TBMOPA elevates flight safety commitment at 2026 Annual Convention

The TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) elevated its commitment to flight safety at the 2026 Annual Convention, dedicating three days of programming to the principles and real-world application of effective aeronautical decision-making. Hosted in Phoenix, Arizona, the convention welcomed more than 300 participants, including TBM owners and operators, industry suppliers, service providers, guests, and representatives from Daher Aircraft, manufacturer of the TBM series and a longstanding TBMOPA sponsor.

A total of 78 TBM aircraft arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport for the event, showcasing the full evolution of the fleet, from the TBM 700 and TBM 850 to the latest TBM 900-series variants. Aircraft traveled from across the United States, as well as Canada, the Bahamas, Switzerland, and South Africa. Among them were nine TBM 980s, Daher’s newest flagship model, which entered customer service earlier this year.

Centered on aeronautical decision-making, the convention explored the critical choices pilots face throughout every phase of flight, from pre-flight go/no-go evaluations to hazard recognition and risk mitigation. A highlight of the program was the interactive “Passport to Safety” initiative, which brought owners and operators together in roundtable discussions to exchange operational experiences and identify practical strategies for strengthening decision-making and enhancing flight safety in everyday operations.

Nicolas Chabbert, the CEO of Daher Aircraft commented: "TBMOPA and its members are to be applauded for the commitment to advancing flight safety, especially as the TBM in-service fleet and its aviator community continue to grow – with more than 1,330 airplanes delivered to date.”

Chabbert headed an 11-member delegation from Daher Aircraft’s French and U.S. operations at the convention, where he underscored the manufacturer’s unwavering commitment to safety. He highlighted how continuous enhancements to the TBM platform are designed not only to expand operational capabilities but also to reduce pilot workload through advanced technologies and smarter cockpit integration.

Concluding his presentation, Chabbert shared a practical framework for aeronautical decision-making built around the acronym PSCD: Prepare, develop Scenarios, remain vigilant and Compare options, then Decide. The approach reinforced the importance of structured thinking and proactive risk management as key elements of safe and effective flight operations.

JJ Suarez, the TBMOPA Chairman, stated: “Flight safety is a responsibility that we all share, and this year’s convention once again demonstrated what can be achieved when owners, operators and the wider TBM community come together with a common purpose. We appreciate Daher Aircraft’s continued partnership and its commitment to providing the technology, resources and expertise that help our members operate their airplanes safely and confidently.”

Presentations by the Daher Care customer support team provided attendees with updates on TBM systems and software enhancements, while also highlighting the continued expansion of digital solutions, including the increasingly popular Me & My TBM application.

The convention opened with a compelling keynote examining the investigation into the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy. Delivered by Nigel Packham, former Associate Director of Safety at NASA, the presentation explored the sequence of decisions, organizational factors, and missed opportunities that ultimately contributed to the loss of the spacecraft and its seven-person crew during re-entry, offering valuable lessons in risk assessment and safety culture.

Another key moment of the event was the ceremonial graduation of the inaugural class of pilots completing the TBM Advanced Aviator Program (TAAP). Designed as a voluntary initiative, TAAP encourages TBM pilots to maintain a high standard of annual training and operational proficiency, reinforcing the association’s commitment to continuous learning and a strong safety mindset throughout the TBM community.

The convention also continued TBMOPA’s longstanding tradition of supporting the TBMOPA Foundation, with this year’s fundraising efforts generating $360,000 through live and online auctions. The foundation finances a range of aviation scholarships and educational initiatives, including safety seminars and training resources. Demonstrating its ongoing support, Daher Aircraft once again donated a highly sought-after Bahamas getaway package featuring transportation aboard a TBM or Kodiak aircraft, which secured a winning bid of $7,500.