The TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) held its 2026 annual convention in Phoenix, Arizona, with three days of sessions on aeronautical decision-making and flight safety. More than 300 people attended, and 78 TBM aircraft flew into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, including nine TBM 980s. The aircraft arrived from across the United States, Canada, the Bahamas, Switzerland and South Africa.
The “Passport to Safety” roundtables brought owners and operators together to discuss practical decisions, from go/no-go assessments to hazard identification and risk management. The programme opened with a review of the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia accident investigation by Nigel Packham, a former NASA associate director of safety.
Daher Aircraft, the TBM manufacturer and a major association sponsor, sent an 11-member delegation led by chief executive Nicolas Chabbert. Daher Care presentations covered aircraft system and software updates, as well as the Me & My TBM digital service. Chabbert discussed safety improvements and the use of technology to reduce pilot workload. Daher has delivered more than 1,330 TBM aircraft.
The convention recognised the first pilots to complete the voluntary TBM Advanced Aviator Program, which encourages annual training and proficiency. The TBMOPA Foundation raised $360,000 through live and online bidding for aviation scholarships, safety seminars and videos. A Bahamas getaway package contributed by Daher sold for $7,500.