Story ID: 640
Daher Marks 200th 900-series TBM
By: J.E. Burnside
Caption: So far in 2017, Daher as delivered 38 TBMs, with an even split between the 910 and 930 models
Word Count: 407
Daher's focus on its its 900-series single-engine turboprops continued at this year's NBAA convention, and included the debut of its TBM 910 at the show. The company also celebrated the 200th delivery of a 900-series airframe—a TBM 910—to U.S. distributor Cutter Aviation.

The milestone airframe delivery comes as Daher emphasizes growing commercial operations of the TBM 910 and its TBM 930 sibling. The two TBM models are essentially identical—featuring a 850-shp Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine—and are distinguished primarily by their avionics: a Garmin G1000 Nxi panel on the TBM 910 and the Garmin G3000 integrated touchscreen flight deck on the TBM 930.

“In the two years since we began promoting TBM-series aircraft for charter and for-hire applications, commercial operators’ interest in single-engine turboprops has steadily risen,” said Nicolas Chabbert, senior v-p of the Daher Airplane business unit. According to the company, the fleet of commercially-operated TBMs has grown significantly over the past two years, reaching 21 worldwide.

In the U.S., 13 Part 135 on-demand air taxi operators are flying 16 TBMs across the U.S., primarily the older TBM 850 version. “Today, commercial flights represent a growing share of such aircraft movements when compared to light jets,” Chabert commented. “We believed this is linked to the excellent performance-to-cost ratio of the single-engine turboprop and its increasing acceptance by the public.”

New for 2017 TBM models is an optional AmSafe Seatbelt Airbag installation, which integrates the devices into the torso section of the four-point harnesses equipping the two cockpit seats. In addition to improving crew safety, Daher is enhancing passenger amenities, including a redesigned cabin with back-lit cabin temperature controls and high-power USB charging ports on both sides of the cabin.

Other changes include new-design seat cushions, headrests and armrests. The aircraft's seat fairings now are covered with a synthetic fabric offering increased longevity.

Model year 2017 TBM 910 and 930 models also are configured to accommodate the company's “Elite Privacy” enclosure—a quick-change option integrating a lavatory into the aircraft's aft fuselage. The new option serves as a bench seat with a low divider wall when not in use and converts to a fully private toilet compartment at the touch of a button.

To date, a total of 860 TBMs have been delivered worldwide, accumulating some 1.5 million flight hours. Daher said it has delivered a total of 38 TBMs so far in 2017, evenly split among the 910 and 930 models.