Air apparent
It gets better, Barack Obama once said. And so that is true of the TBM series of six-seater single-engine turboprop planes by Daher Socata. Debuting in April at the Aero Friedrichshafen aviation show in Germany, the new TBM 910 has been upgraded all around, another step in an evolutionary line that aspires to perfection.
The main upgrade here will be the inclusion of Garmin’s G1000 NXi – the latest iteration of its popular all-glass integrated flight deck. Boasting a big upgrade in processing power, the G1000 NXi supports faster map rendering and smoother panning through upgraded high-resolution screens that make navigating a breeze and flying a cinch. Improved connectivity with the Garmin Pilot app enables quick wireless transfers of aviation databases to the cockpit, while new LED backlighting increases brightness and clarity while reducing power consumption.
While the Garmin upgrade is technically the biggest improvement in the 910, the one that passengers will notice most is the improved cabin – now increased in size to match the TBM 930. Top-grain leather with detailed stitching comes standard, while individual touches like reading lights and charging sockets provide a cocoon of privacy in what can be an overly intimate setting.
The TBM 910 has a maximum cruise speed of 611kph with a non-stop distance of 3,200km. That too has increased from earlier models, alongside aerodynamic improvements. The 910’s size means it can easily operate out of small airports that might not handle a jet, making it a zippy choice to explore new frontiers. Complete with all the options, the Daher TBM 910 sells for US$3.92 million (RM16.8 million)
