On July 14th the TBM 700 program achieved an important milestone with the certification of the TBM 700C2 by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The latest version of the high-speed turboprop was certified in Europe on the 16th anniversary of the maiden flight of the prototype. The Federal Aviation Administration had initially certified the TBM 700C2 in March 2003 for a maximum ramp weight of 7,428 lbs. (3,370 kg) instead of 6,613 lbs. (3,000 kg) with reinforced wheels and 20 g dynamically tested seats complying with FAR 23 amendment 44. Following certification in Australia and Canada, Europeans are the latest TBM 700 operators that can now enjoy the increased maximum takeoff weight, which enables the new version to deliver the following payload/range combinations:
EADS Socata is the leading general aviation manufacturer in Europe and an industrial partner of major aerospace programs. Wholly owned by EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world, EADS Socata generated $200 million USD in sales in 2003 and employs 1,080 people in France and the United States.
