EAA Young Eagles Hosted At AirVenture As Guests Of
DAHER-SOCATA
By Robbie Culver
Nicholas Chabbert, President of SOCATA North America, announced
Tuesday July 28th, 2009, at EAA's Airventure Oshkosh that a unique
new "FAST" ("Fly And Share your TBM") co-ownership program is now
being implemented in the European market by DAHER-SOCATA following
its successful US rollout, allowing one-third or two-third share
purchases in factory new TBM-850's. This program allows
owner/operators to share the costs of ownership, yet still provides
a guaranteed commitment of a minimum nmber of days annually that
the aircraft is available for use. For purchases of a one-third
share, the owner is guaranteed 100 days of aircraft use annually.
Chabbert said so far 5 participants of the European version of the
FAST program have moved into full-ownership positions, making the
program a marketing success that adds value and enhances the
ownership options available to customers.
Nicholas Chabbert
Adding to the existing authorized service center network,
DAHER-SOCATA also introduced the latest partner in the dealer
network by welcoming Atlantic Aero of Greensboro, NC. adding
Atlantic Aero completed the goal of establishing an authorized
service center within 3 hours of every US-based TBM customer.
According to a press release from DAHER-SOCATA, “Atlantic
Aero is a partner of choice for DAHER-SOCATA, providing TBM
operators with capabilities that range from avionics, engine, and
airframe repair, to engineering support and cabin interior
outfitting,” said Nicolas Chabbert, the President of SOCATA
North America. “With the growing TBM fleet in North America,
Atlantic Aero will reinforce our U.S. network – joining our
existing East Coast service centers in Pembroke Pines, Florida to
the south and Columbia Air Services, Groton, Connecticut, to the
north.”
Also according to the corporations press release, Atlantic Aero
is an FAA Approved Aircraft Maintenance and Repair station that was
created in 1971, and concentrates on high-end, full-service
maintenance for business jets and turboprop-powered transports.
With a strong presence in the Eastern U.S., the company’s
24-hour coverage is supported by a team of 56 technicians at
Greensboro’s Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO).
Atlantic Aero’s business portfolio includes its role as the
FlexJet fractional ownership program’s primary maintenance
partner.
“We’re proud to add the world’s fastest single
turboprop to Atlantic Aero’s aircraft maintenance capability
list, and look forward to welcoming TBM customers in North Carolina
at our Greensboro facility,” said Atlantic Aero President and
COO Jim Spinder. “DAHER-SOCATA is an excellent company to
work with, and we foresee a strong interest in this business
aircraft – which is extremely efficient and affordable. We
anticipate a growing activity for the TBM fleet, along with new
support opportunities for us.”
The display at EAA Airventure Oshkosh featured the TBM lineup.
According to SOCATA, the TBM-850 has a maximum cruise speed of 320
ktas. at 26,000 ft. (in ISA conditions). It is an 850-shp version
of SOCATA’s proven six-seat TBM 700 turboprop business
aircraft, and combines the cruising speed and travel times typical
of light jets with highly economical direct operating costs, while
offering the range and excellent payload capacity of a turboprop
aircraft.
As part of the ongoing support for the EAA Young Eagle program
that DAHER-SOCATA provides, two lucky Young Eagles were the guests
of SOCATA at AirVenture. As detailed by SOCATA in a media
presentation, SOCATA NA President Nicolas Chabbert introduced Karl
Parsons and Irene Trujillo as the guests of SOCATA, whose Young
Eagles activity included working at DAHER-SOCATA’s
headquarters and production facility in Tarbes, France, visiting
the 2009 Paris Air Show, and touring the Airbus A380 final assembly
line at in Toulouse, France.
Chabbert added that DAHER-SOCATA is committed to providing a
valuable experience for the internship program’s
participants, and is dedicated to continuing its Young Eagles
partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association. “Our
ambition is to make a difference for the future of the interns who
are welcomed to our company each year, and who have the opportunity
to interact with SOCATA employees for a unique cultural
exchange,” Chabbert explained.