TBM 700 : 10th year at NBAA Convention

For the first time Socata displays its high performance TBM 700 inside the Convention Center at the National Business Aviation Association annual convention. Socata, General Aviation subsidiary of the powerful EADS group, with its new sales and customer support network in North America, is closer than ever to its customers.

Socata is also celebrating the 10th birthday of the certification of the TBM 700, which is still the fastest civilian single turboprop in the world as well as the most affordable turbine business aircraft of the market.

This year at NBAA, Socata Aircraft is located in booth number 4201, near hall G. In addition to a comprehensive display, which explains the Socata product line, a TB20 Trinidad GT and a TB 21 Trinidad GT Turbo and a TBM700 are exhibited on the Aircraft Static Display site at the Lakefront Airport.

Today on a total production of nearly 200 aircraft, 100 TBM 700 are registred in the USA. As the demand is increasing, Socata will rise its production rate from 2 aircraft a month up to 3 aircraft per month in 2001.

Socata, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company) third aerospace company in the world, designs, manufactures, and markets a two ranges of single engine aircraft: the high performance single turboprop TBM 700 and the single reciprocating engine TB GT family with 5 seats. Since 1911 the company, previously named Morane-Saulnier has manufactured more than 17,000 aircraft of 94 types for customers around the world.

For more information please contact EADS Socata
Philippe de Segovia
Phone: 33 (0)1 49 34 69 93
Fax: 33(0)1 49 34 69 96
http://www.socata.com/
e-mail : ph.de-segovia@socata.fr

Socata, subsidiary of the EADS Aeronautics Division, is a manufacturer of General aviation aircraft as well as a subcontractor to major aerospace programs for major components.

Socata is based in Tarbes (France), near Toulouse. Its total facility area cover 2,000 acres, with 600,000 sq.ft buildings. Headquarters are at Paris Le Bourget Airport.

Socata has also two sales and customer support : one in the United States (Socata Aircraft) and the other in Germany (Socata GmbH) and a vast network of approved service centers, which guarantee the dispatch reliability of its aircraft throughout the world.

The begining of Socata can be traced to 1911 and Morane-Saulnier. Socata has long been one of the world's leading suppliers of aircraft for flying schools. In almost 90 years 94 different aircraft types have been designed, built and flown. Total Morane-Saulnier and Socata aircraft production exceeded 17,000, from which 5,677 are still actively flying in flight schools, air forces, and private owners.

In 1999 has registred sales revenues of US$ 163 millions (1999). The company has a total workforce of 1,200 people.

Socata new mother company is the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS N.V.). EADS is Europe's premier aerospace and defence company. EADS comprises the activities of the founding partners Aerospatiale Matra S.A. (France), Construcciones Aeronáuticas S.A. (Spain) and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG (Germany).

In terms of market share EADS is one of the top two manufacturers of commercial aircraft (Airbus), civil helicopters (Eurocopter), commercial space launchers (Ariane) and missiles. EADS is also a leading supplier of military aircraft, satellite and defence electronics. In 1999 it generated 76 percent of its sales in the civil sector and 24 percent in the military sector. With pro forma revenues of EUR 22 billion (1999), EADS is the world's third-largest aerospace company. The company employs 87,000 people at more than 90 sites in Germany, France and Spain.

To cover the United States Socata has established a subsidiary Socata Aircraft (SACT).
SACT is based in Pembroke Pines (Florida), just five miles southwest of Ft. Lauderdale International Airport where it employs 32 persons. In this facility, Socata Aircraft houses over two million dollars worth of proprietary parts, jigs, tools and fixtures to support its North American customers.

Socata chief executive officer is Stephane Bernard. Mr. Bernard was previously at Barfield Instrument Corporation in Miami, Florida where he served for four years as Customer Liaison Manager.

Socata Aircraft is committed to support North American customers. As the Socata aircraft fleet on the continent exceeds today 600 aircraft, including 80 TBM 700 and 400 TB aircraft, support activity is secured through a network of 14 approved Service Centers.

Socata has appointed this year new distributors: Jerry Supple (Winston, NC) for the Southeastern area, and New Avex (Camarillo, CA) for the Western area and Airlink Inc. in Farmingdale (New York). Socata also opened in 2000 a new Marketing and Customer support for the West Coast, hosted by New Avex.

Socata Aircraft

North Perry Airport 7501 Pembroke Road Pembroke Pines, FL 33023
Phone: 954-893-1400
Fax: 954-964-0805
Email: sales@socataaircraft.com

April 1999
First flight of the New Generation TB demo plane.

July-August 1999
The Jet fuel engine TB demo plane flies at the Oshkosh Air Show.

November 1999
The prototype of the new generation of TB aircraft, has successfully passed an intensive spins test campaign at the Socata factory in Tarbes (Southwestern France) : 38 spins in 6 flights, that the GT aircraft recovers safely, fully meeting the spin recovery requirements specified by U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations Part 23, amendments 1 through 16.

January 31st, 2000
Type certificate extension of the TB 20 GT was granted by Joint aviation authorities of Europe.

February 2nd 2000
Roll out of the first TB Generation Two aircraft, christened by Phil Boyer, AOPA president. Official first orders for TB GT from AAE Flight training academy (Portugal), New Avex (Camarillo, California), Jerry Supple (Winston, North Carolina)

March 8th
The Trinidad GT is presented for the first time in the USA at Sun'n fun.

May 16-17th
TBM 700 Owners gathering brings 20 TBM in Paradise island, Bahamas.

May
SimCom launches a dedicated TBM 700 flight training and simulation program with a 180° visual equipped fixed base simulator.

June 23rd
To face the growing demand for its aircraft Socata opens a new assembly building adding 20 000 sq ft devoted to TB GT assembly to the 600 000 Socata manufacturing facility.

June 28th
French Army received three TBM 700B (large door version) extending its TBM 700 fleet to 8 TBM 700 for VIP transportation.

July 26th
Socata presents the results of the Trinidad paint Contest at EAA AirVenture 2000 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Socata displays today three range of aircraft : the high performance 6/7 seats pressurised single turboprop TBM 700, the single piston 4/5 seats TB GT, and the military trainer Epsilon.

1- TBM 700

The TBM 700 is a high-performance, pressurized aircraft in the 6/7 seat class. It is powered by a single 700-HP turboprop engine.

Primarily designed as a high-speed business aircraft, it is ideally suited for a wide range of civil and military missions, including advanced pilot training, medevac, navaid calibration, aerial photography, cargo and surveillance, to mention just a few.

The TBM 700 provides most of the comfort and speed of a business jet, but with greater operational flexibility and much lower costs. Excellent low-speed performance allows it to use short runways, while high cruise speed - 300 KTAS - means very efficient travel.

To meet the needs of TBM 700 customers, Socata has developed a new "large-door" version, the TBM 700 B. Measuring 1.19 x 1.08 meters (3.9 x 3.5 ft), this door allows easier access to the pressurized luggage compartment and passenger seating area. It also makes it easier to load bulky packages, while expanding multi-mission capabilities for transportation of overnight cargo, securities, spare parts, medicine, organs and, above all, medical evacuation (medevac).

An optional pilot-side door facilitates pilot access for cargo configuration or with a full load of passengers.

The first TBM700 B was delivered in January 1999 and at fall 1999 Socata get the certification of a new oxygen installation, meeting the safety requirements for Part 135 Public transport operations.

Like all other aircraft in the Socata range, the TBM 700 is designed for very low maintenance requirements.

The business version of the TBM 700 offers three interior layouts, from standard to VIP, with leather, chrome and precious wood fittings.

2-The GT range

In 2000 Socata has launched the TB GT 4/5 seaters family. These single-engine piston aircraft are the most modern and well-equipped aircraft of metal construction currently on the market.

The Socata TB GT series is easily recognizable by the new rounded shape of the canopy made of composite materials (sandwich carbon fiber/honeycomb), the glass fibre strake added to the vertical fin, their streamlined wingtips inspired by those of the high speed Socata single turboprop, the TBM 700, and a larger luggage door (+8 inches).

5 SEATERS

Socata GT are the only aircraft in their category to feature a five-seat configuration.
Entering the cabin through two wide gullwing doors, provides easy access for both pilots and passengers, you will enjoy the spacious TB GT cabin, which has the widest in its class with width of 50 inches (1.28 m).

FLYING

The low-wing design, which is a common on all models in the TB GT range, offers a number of advantages, including a high crosswind component limitation on landing, flawless performance at cruise speed and excellent low-speed flight characteristics enhanced by slotted flaps and constant chord wing.
All aircraft in the TB GT range share the same cabin and instrument panel layout, allowing quick transition for flying schools and their students from one aircraft to another.

EASY MAINTENANCE

This high degree of commonality with other aircraft in Socata's TB family, as well as numerous and smart access panels, makes fleet maintenance easier and less expensive to operate than the competition.
Maintenance costs are reduced due to a combination of factors such as, low component count, commonality of parts, and low man hours for inspections due to thoughtfull design providing easy access for inspection.

SAFETY

Safety is of course paramount to the Socata TB GT as they meet the most stringent JAA/FAA airworthiness requirements, including spin recovery.
The TB GT airframe is built around a sturdy single machined wing spar protected by a triple anticorrosion treatment.

TB9 GT Tampico

Designed primarily for basic training, the Socata TB9 Tampico GT is the only flying classroom to offer a combination of comfort and performances with a simple 160 HP, fixed-gear, 4-5 seat, single-engine aircraft.
The Socata TB 9 Tampico GT is equipped with trailing-link type fixed landing gear, which ensures a smooth ride during taxi, and reduces shock impact of hard landings, thus resulting in less airframe wear in flight in training environments.
A new propeller and wheel fairings have increased cruise speed by 10 kt on the GT models, while also enhancing the overall level of comfort with a quieter and more spacious cabin.

TB10 Tobago GT

The Socata TB 10 Tobago GT is the only fixed-gear 180 HP aircraft, certified for 5 persons. With its constant-speed propeller and new aerodynamics, TB 10 Tobago GT provides the best combination of comfort, performance, fuel consumption and safety record available in its class.
The Socata TB10 Tobago GT is equipped with oleo landing gear shock struts, providing exceptional taxi comfort and smooth landings.

Socata TB200 Tobago GT

The Socata TB200 Tobago GT is a Tobago GT powered by a 200 HP Lycoming fuel-injected engine. The TB 200 GT combines this extra power and Hartzell constant-speed propeller to boost performance: climb rate is 937 ft/min at sea level and cruise speed 130 kt at 75% power.
In IFR conditions the fuel injected engine eliminates carburetor icing risk.

TB 20 TRINIDAD GT

The Socata TB 20 Trinidad GT is the benchmark in high-end single engine aircraft. Designed from the ground up for safety, ease of operation and passenger comfort, the rectractable gear Trinidad GT sets a new standard to comfort in general aviation, while delivering performance and economy that is among the best in its class.
The aircraft's trailing arm landing gear guarantees an exceptionally smooth ground roll, and even smoother landings.
The TB 20 GT has retractable footsteps. The TB 20 GT is designed for a complete state-of-the art avionics suite for optimum IFR flying. For users with even more stringent demands, an electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) is also available.

TB 21 TRINIDAD GT

The Socata TB21 Trinidad GT Turbo is the fastest of all the TB GT reaching 190 kt at 25,000 ft.
The TB 21 Trinidad GT features a computer-controlled turbocharger, which simplifies engine control and guarantees component longevity. Under ISA conditions, the engine maintains its power up to 25,000 ft, providing remarkable cruise performance. The combination of a constant chord wing, and superior overall design, make this the safest and the most enjoyable high-end single piston aircraft in the air today.
Options include a complete glycol deicing system, enabling the use of the aircraft in known icing conditions (in countries where this option is certified). Supplementary Oxygen is also offered as an option.

Tarbes, October 2, 2000 - SOCATA's Maintenance Centre at the Tarbes production facility received its approval today under FAR PART-145 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Foreign Repair Station Certificate number under which it will operate is XS0Y114Y.

FAR PART-145 certification enables SOCATA to perform maintenance operations on any aircraft under US registration (N-) for which SOCATA are qualified. This includes all SOCATA models, which are covered by a US Type Certificate Data Sheet from the most recent TBM700, the TB Series, the Rallye Series and the MS760 Paris Jet. The approval also reinforce the efforts to improve customer support by providing total airworthiness coverage for its products.

"We are proud that our workmanship quality is recognised by the FAA. This approval will be of great benefit to our customers world-wide, flying under US-registration." said Bernard Veyssière, SOCATA Customer Services Vice-President.

SOCATA is a subsidiary of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS N.V). EADS was formed following the merger of Aerospatiale Matra, Construcciones Aeronáuticas S.A. and Daimler-Chrysler Aerospace AG. With pro forma revenues of more than EUR 22.5 billion (1999), EADS is the third largest aerospace company in the world. The company has approximately 87,000 employees working at more than 90 sites in France, Germany and Spain.

New Orleans (Louisiana) - October 10th, 2000. In response to the need for faster and reliable information on maintenance data, SOCATA has produced and published all the Maintenance information on a single CD-ROM.

The CD-ROM "TBM 700 Maintenance", in English, contains the equivalent of 9,500 pages, previously published in five separate volumes:

The CD-ROM saves weight and even saves time, being fully interactive, it features several indexes (links) enabling the user to find the correct information quickly. For some time, Temporary Revision information will still be issued on paper format.

All new TBM700 customers and operators with aircraft still under warranty will receive this CD-ROM Free of Charge. The CD-ROM will be sold for $ 1,000.00 US (Initial Subscription and First Year Revisions Inclusive) with an annual subscription of $ 500.00 US thereafter.

Minimal configuration needed: PC computer, Pentium II, P233 recommended, 32 MB RAM (64 MB preferred), Windows 95.

A dedicated TBM-700 Level 5 simulator is certified and operational since last spring at SimCom, Orlando center. The simulator features the highly realistic visual motion cueing technology which SimCom has used so effectively in other programs. Like other SimCom simulators, the TBM-700 simulator provides 180° visual motion for both day and night operations. Until completion of the simulator, SimCom will provide in-aircraft training. All TBM-700 training are conducted from SimCom's Orlando, Florida Training Center.

Stephane Bernard, President of Socata Aircraft USA said, "We are pleased with the appointment of SimCom as our TBM-700 training provider. The major considerations for us were the construction of a simulator which is paramount to the growing success of the TBM-700 in North America, the quality of their instructors and programs as well as their personalized approach to training. We think this is a perfect fit for the typical TBM-700 owner and operator."

Commenting on the contract, Walter David, President of SimCom Training Centers said, "This contract strengthens our position as the dominant provider of simulator training for single-engine, turbine powered aircraft. We are honored that another quality airframe manufacturer like Socata has selected SimCom."

SimCom International, a Pan Am International Company, has training center locations in Orlando, Florida, Vero Beach, Florida and Scottsdale, Arizona. The company offers simulator-based initial and recurrent proficiency training in a variety of piston twin engine and turbo-prop aircraft, which, other than the TBM-700, includes the, Pilatus PC-12, Beech Barons, Duke King Air 90, 100, 200 and 300/350 series; Piper Malibu and Meridian, Navajo, Cheyenne I, II, III and IIIA, Saratogas, Senecas, and Aerostars; Cessna 300 and 400 series aircraft; and the AirTractor 502. SimCom also offers an in-aircraft-training program for the Cessna 441.

For additional information on SimCom International, contact
Walter David
SimCom Training Centers at 7500 Municipal Drive,
Orlando,
Florida,
32819
Telephone 800-272-0211
fax: 407-345-1282
www.simulator.com

For additional information on Socata, contact
Philippe de Segovia
phone +331 49 34 69 93
fax +331 49 34 69 96

European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V.
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EADS France S.A.S. · 37, boulevard de Montmorency · 75781 Paris Cedex 16 · France
EADS CASA · Ava. de Aragón, 404, 28022 Madrid · Spain