Improved TBO for TBM 700’s

EADS Socata and Pratt & Whitney Canada are pleased to announce an increase of the basic Time Between Overhaul (TBO) for the PT6A-64 installed on the high performance turboprop single engine TBM 700., from 3,000 hours to 3,500 hours with a corresponding increase in the Hot Section Inspection (HSI) interval from 1,500 to 1,750 hours. This has been made possible by the satisfactory conditions of engines that have already reached overhaul and by product improvements that have been released to the PT6A-64 model since its entry into service. To be eligible for this improved TBO, the engine will require compliance with the following service bulletins:

The Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.’s (P&WC’s) PT6 turboprop family is the world’s most popular engine in its class, with over 31,304 engines delivered as of the end of the first quarter of 2003. The PT6 turboprop family has established an enviable record for reliability and durability since the first PT6 was introduced to the market in 1964. The PT6 family had achieved over 247,190,600 flying hours.

P&WC, based in Longueuil, Quebec, is a world leader in aviation engines powering business, general aviation and regional aircraft and helicopters. The company also offers advanced engines for industrial applications. P&WC's operations and service network span the globe. P&WC is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE:UTX), a high-technology company based in Hartford, Connecticut.

With 2002 production of over one hundred TB GT and TBM 700 aircraft, a growing business in products and services for general aviation, and healthy prospects for 2003, EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturer. Wholly owned by the EADS group, EADS Socata generated 194.6 millions euros in sales and employs 1,090 people in France and the United States.

EADS Socata
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EADS Socata reserves the right to revise all information contained in this document whenever necessary by product improvements, government regulations or other good cause.