While not “technically” part of my IFR training, I was given an opportunity to fly in a TBM 700 as it was being delivered to it’s new owner. Basically the conversation with my friend went something like this:
Friend: “Hey, you want to go for a flight in a TBM tomorrow”?
Me: “Are you serious? If you are I can totally be available.”
Friend: “Yes I’m serious.”
Next I took to youtube to get a bit more familiar with the TBM. Not that I was expecting to do anything, but more so I could follow along without asking so many questions. I brought my flight bag with me but was a bit nervous mounting cameras since this wasn’t my plane and ended up just taking some photos from my cell phone. (I’m trying to be respectful of the new/old owners as well as to my friend by keeping identifying information out of my posts / photos. I wanted to share how awesome the aviation community is, not get anyone upset.)
Did practice some of my IFR clearance copying skills and helped out on the radios and got a little bit of time “hand flying” the plane. Biggest takeaways? Flight Directors are VERY COOL, the plane is fast, and the controls are heavier than I expected. I would LOVE to own one of these, or be in a partnership where I could have access to it, but for now this is outside of my financial means. Doesn’t mean I can’t dream.
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