Socata TBM700     N700FT                                       (c/n  267)

                                    

                                         The TBM700 was inspired by the Mooney M.301 and is a six to seven seat single turboprop
                                         business aircraft.  The TBM700 uses a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-64 engine delivering
                                         700 shp (522 kW).   It began as a cooperative effort between Aerospatiale's General Aviation
                                         Division and Mooney, although the American manufacturer pulled out of the venture and all
                                         production was undertaken at the Socata plant in Tarbes, France.  Hence the 'TB' for Tarbes
                                         and the 'M' for Mooney.    Something like 400 have been produced.  Bill Larkins saw this one
                                         at Buchanan Field, Concord, CA in March, 2006.