Page 20 - Dec18T

The TBM 930 model features the latest version of the Garmin G3000 integrated avionics system.
Once the mode is engaged by the pilot via a master control in the cockpit, each occupant can select either light
or moderate heat settings for their individual seat.
The smoother and steadier I flew, the better and easier for Clint and Jimmy. Helping me do so was a plethora of G3000- gadgets: AOA, flight path marker, and safety features like USP and envelope protection. I felt like Chuck Yeager anchoring our formation.
Once the photo mission was complete, I took the 930 up higher to explore the stall characteristics. The stall break is certainly noticeable in the TBM series. If you fly through the cacophony of noises and alarms warning you of the approach- ing high angle of attack, you find that a wing will drop in the stall (for me it was the left wing) – this is likely due to the big propeller up front. It is easily recoverable with a nudge forward on the yoke, but the wing-drop is more prevalent than the PA-46 series, King Air series, and most single-engine trainers.
David allowed me to do all of the flying on this test flight, which is a nice change for a career flight instructor. When I flew the GPS approach to Runway 32 at KJSO, I let the autopilot fly the initial portions of the approach, and switched everything off and hand-flew the glide-slope down. I touched down smoothly and with no darting of the nose wheel. Without try- ing to land short, I easily turned off at the mid-field taxiway, effectively landing in 2,500 feet without the use brakes and only a small amount of reverse prop. The airplane will go fast for sure, but it handles the short fields with ease.
Owning a TBM 930 provides you with the newest and best of the TBMs, but it also means you want and value the best avionics money can buy. The Garmin G3000issingularlyoutstanding,provid- ing a myriad of ways to present just about any piece of flight information desired.
Daher has incorporated touches such as heated seats, dual-zone climate control, enhanced lighting, and top grain leather seats with detailed stitching.
As someone who has climbed over the spar in the PA46 series of airplanes for nearly two decades, I think the pilot-side door is simply awesome as it provides super-easy access to either of the front seats. The back-seaters also have easy access with a huge rear-entry door that is easy to open, and only requires the push of a button to close. For anyone familiar with the pains of opening and closing a King Air door, this door is bigger, easier to operate, and safer.
The first thing you notice when climb- ing in is the quality of the interior – and I do not just mean fine leather. Daher has added exceptional touches such as heated seats, dual-zone climate controls, excel- lent lighting, and craftsmanship above and beyond the expected.
The second thing you notice (especially if you are a 6’4” pilot) is the space. The front seat legroom is generous, and I did nothitmyheadontheceilingonce.Ialso really appreciate the small space between the pedals which allows my feet to extend
completely. The adjustable rudder pedals add another dimension of ergonomic flex- ibility not found on many other single- engine turbines.
Taxiing out was Cessna172-easy, but you could tell there were horses under the hood awaiting their opportunity to run. David and I ran through the various checklists, all which would be normal for any turbine pilot, and soon we were airborne. The initial climb rate was more than 2,000 fpm, but we had a three-quar- ter-full tank of fuel and no passengers, so I was not surprised. We found 5,500 feet MSL quickly and met up with our photo airplane, a Cessna 182 (Jimmy and Clint) on the TCAS alerts on the MFD. I was able to explore the low-speed capa- bilities of the 930 by deploying a notch of flaps and reining in the horses. Docile, steady, and predictable – those adjectives best describe the 930 in slow flight. My jobwastoflythe930smoothlyandpre- cisely while the Cessna 182 flew off of our right side in formation taking pictures.
18 • TWIN & TURBINE
December 2018
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAHER
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAHER
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAHER