Increased Growth, Capability and Improved Training At EADS
Socata
By ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne
Andrew Knott, VP of
Marketing for EADS Socata, opened the session by announcing that
this was only his second day on the job. The unusual and tasteful
Socata exhibit at AirVenture was filled with aviation reporters as
Knott continued to say that his personal ownership of a Trinidad
for 10 years helped him to know about EADS Socata customer service
first hand and to gain respect for the company.
Growth and Expansion
Stephane Mayer, President and CEO of Socata Aircraft, said that
the addition of more senior staff members was an illustration that
Socata is growing and expanding. Mayer introduced new senior staff
members, all of which will be based at the Pembeoke Pines, Florida
facility.
Andrew Knott joins them as VP of Marketing. Alan Griffin joins
them as Chief Pilot, and Bruno Mandon joins them as VP of Customer
Support.
"They bring a wealth of experience in their respective fields to
Socata and I'm sure they will contribute significantly to the
success of Socata's continued US expansion," said Mayer.
Last year was a record year for Socata, they reported selling 35
aircraft in 2004 and ending the year with a backlog of 23 TBM 700s.
Mayer said the company has expanded its support for North America
because 80% of their aircraft are already sold there and EADS
Socata wants to provide more convenient customer support.
RSVM Capability
Mayer then reported that almost 10% of its TBM 700 fleet has now
been upgraded to allow RVSM operation since the program was
launched early this year. The TBM 700 RVSM upgrade (which is
available not only via EADS Socata maintenance locations, but also
though its worldwide distributor network) includes RVSM hardware,
installation and validation test flight together with full
customization of the aircraft's documentation.
Also included in the program is project management throughout
the entire process with the FAA issuance of the all-important
"Letter of Authorization" which allows the aircraft owner to
actually enter RVSM airspace.
"RVSM unlocks the full potential of the TBM 700 allowing owners
to fly higher, increasing range, decreasing operating costs and
allowing operators more options to top the weather" said Mayer.
Socata/Simcom Simulator Training
Socata Aircraft and
SimCom also announced the expansion of SimCom's TBM 700 training
programs with the addition of a new training location and increased
training options. SimCom now offers Socata TBM 700 training at both
of its Orlando, Florida and Scottsdale, Arizona centers. Operators
now have a choice between simulator-based instruction offered at
the Orlando center and in-aircraft programs offered through both
the Orlando and Scottsdale centers.
Finally, and very proudly, Mayer introduced those who
participated in the flight of the "Euro-Squadron", a group of more
than 15 aircraft flying from Paris, France to Oshkosh via the
legendary northern route - a 7,714 nm-trip of which 1,610 nm was
over water and 350 nm was over the Greenland ice cap.
An EADS Socata TBM 700 single-engined turboprop escorted this
group. The aircraft was originally delivered in 1991 and was the
second TBM 700 manufactured. It has recently been completely
upgraded to the latest TBM luxury and avionics standards by its
owners Michel and David Fabry.
The TBM will also be providing transport for members of the
press covering the flight of the Euro-Squadron. The TBM drew
'pathfinder' duty largely based on its speed, full-deicing, GPS
navigational equipment and hazard awareness systems.
The other Socata type in the group is a TB 20 Trinidad belonging
to EADS Socata's own Flying Club, the A�ro-Club L�on
Morane and is flown by Dominique Deschamps, former Vice-President
of Aircraft Engineering at EADS Socata (and now an Airbus flight
test engineer). With 37 Transatlantic Ferry Flights, he is the most
experienced pilot in the Euro-Squadron and the Squadron's technical
advisor. His copilots are Fabrice Normand and Ronan Bodet,
respectively EADS Socata's controller and design office
engineer.