Introduction to the Tarbes 9.00

Seattle-based manufacturer One-G Simulation has officially launched the Tarbes 9.00, a full-scale, high-fidelity flight training device designed to replicate the Daher TBM 900. According to reporting by Yahoo Tech, this new simulator represents a significant step forward for the company, which previously developed training devices for the TBM 700 and TBM 800 aircraft.

What sets the Tarbes 9.00 apart from its predecessors is the company’s shift in research and development methodology. Rather than relying solely on manufacturer data and published manuals, One-G engineers utilized an actual TBM 900 aircraft to gather empirical data. By conducting structured flight testing and ground operations, the team was able to capture real-world performance characteristics, control responses, and systems behavior.

The high-performance simulator was commissioned by Executive Flight Training, a facility specializing in advanced pilot preparation. We understand that this device will serve as a cornerstone for their training curriculum, allowing pilots to experience realistic, scenario-based emergencies safely on the ground.

Engineering the Tarbes 9.00

A New Approach to Research and Development

Historically, simulator manufacturers have depended heavily on a combination of customer feedback, aircraft manufacturer specifications, and published resource materials. However, Yahoo Tech reports that One-G Simulation evolved its process for the Tarbes 9.00 by directly accessing a physical aircraft. This hands-on approach allowed engineers to extract precise data to drive the simulator’s flight model and avionics fidelity.

Xylon Saltzman, founder and CEO of One-G Simulation, emphasized the value of this empirical data gathering in improving the overall fidelity of the training device.

“We’re using the Tarbes as an R&D platform to get empirical data and then directly apply that to the software,” Saltzman told Yahoo Tech.

He further noted that every dimension of the cockpit, including ergonomics and flight characteristics, was derived directly from flying the actual aircraft.

Replicating the Single Power Lever

One of the most significant engineering hurdles during the development of the Tarbes 9.00 was accurately emulating the TBM 900’s unique throttle quadrant. Industry research indicates that the Daher TBM 900, introduced in March 2014, features a redesigned cockpit that consolidates traditional multi-lever controls into a single mechanical lever operating in a gated “H” pattern.

This single lever controls both engine power and propeller RPM, with the left side managing thrust for taxiing and flight, and the right side managing engine start and cutoff conditions. Replicating the mechanical resistance and feel of this specific component required extensive engineering.

“From a mechanical standpoint, it was very complicated to emulate, and so it took many hours of development passes to get that right,” Saltzman explained to Yahoo Tech.

Enhancing Pilot Training

Executive Flight Training’s Curriculum

The Tarbes 9.00 was specifically commissioned by Executive Flight Training (EFT), an advanced flight training provider based in Beaufort, South Carolina. According to industry data, EFT is led by CEO Douglas Carmody, a former airline captain with over 30,000 flight hours. The facility focuses on insurance-approved training for high-performance aircraft.

By integrating the Tarbes 9.00 into their program, EFT aims to provide pilots with a highly accurate environment to practice complex, high-workload scenarios that would be too risky to execute in a real aircraft.

“The accuracy of the cockpit layout, control loading, and avionics allows our instructors to deliver realistic, scenario-based training that closely mirrors the aircraft,” Carmody stated in the Yahoo Tech report.

Hardware and Delivery Specifications

The Tarbes 9.00 features a model-specific flight deck equipped with a faithful replica of the Garmin G1000 avionics suite. Supplementary industry research notes that the device includes dynamic 3-axis force-feedback control loading and electrically actuated elevator trim to further enhance realism.

For flight schools and training centers interested in acquiring the device, Yahoo Tech reports that the standard turnaround time from order placement to delivery is approximately three to four months, though customization requests may extend this timeline.

Industry Impact

AirPro News analysis

The development of the Tarbes 9.00 highlights a critical shift in the Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) market. By moving away from purely theoretical or manual-based modeling toward empirical, in-cockpit data collection, manufacturers like One-G Simulation are blurring the lines between affordable flight school simulators and the multi-million dollar Level-D full-motion simulators traditionally reserved for major airlines.

We view this trend as a significant net positive for aviation safety. High-performance single-engine turboprops like the TBM 900, capable of cruising at 330 knots with a range of over 1,700 nautical miles, demand rigorous pilot proficiency. Providing instructors with highly accurate, model-specific tools allows for the safe rehearsal of catastrophic failures, ultimately building better muscle memory and decision-making skills without risking a valuable airframe or human lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft does the Tarbes 9.00 simulate?

The Tarbes 9.00 is a full-scale, high-fidelity flight training device that replicates the Daher TBM 900, a high-performance single-engine turboprop.

How was the simulator developed?

Unlike previous models that relied on published data, One-G Simulation engineers used an actual TBM 900 aircraft to conduct structured in-flight and ground testing, gathering empirical data to drive the simulator’s software and hardware.

What is the delivery timeline for a Tarbes 9.00 unit?

According to the manufacturer, the standard turnaround time from order to delivery is approximately three to four months, depending on specific customization requests.

Sources

Yahoo Tech
Industry Research

This article is based on an official press release from Tecnam and Canavia Aviation Academy.

Canavia Aviation Academy Expands Fleet with New Tecnam P2006T NG

Canavia Aviation Academy, a prominent Approved Training Organisation (ATO) based in the Canary Islands, has officially taken delivery of a new Tecnam P2006T NG (Next Generation). Announced on March 4, 2026, this acquisition marks a significant step in the academy’s strategy to modernize its multi-engine training capabilities. The delivery brings Canavia’s total Tecnam fleet to approximately 10 aircraft, reinforcing its status as a leading pilot training center in Europe.

According to the official announcement from Tecnam, this specific aircraft carries a special dedication to Eduardo González Santana, a veteran instructor at the academy. The gesture highlights the organization’s commitment to recognizing the human element behind its training operations while investing in state-of-the-art technology.

Fleet Composition and Capabilities

With the arrival of the P2006T NG, Canavia continues to standardize its fleet around modern, efficient platforms. The academy operates primarily from the El Berriel Aerodrome in Gran Canaria, leveraging the region’s favorable weather to offer over 300 flying days per year.

Based on data provided in the release and fleet summaries, Canavia’s current Tecnam lineup includes:

• Multi-Engine: Three Tecnam P2006T aircraft, including the new NG model.
• Single-Engine: Six Tecnam P2008JC aircraft equipped with glass cockpits.
• Advanced Training: One Tecnam P2010 MkII (referenced in fleet totals).

In addition to the flight line, the academy utilizes advanced simulation technology, including an Entrol EN-4000x FNPT II MCC and simulators for the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. This mix of assets is designed to facilitate a seamless transition for cadets moving from ab initio training to commercial type ratings.

Technical Spotlight: The P2006T NG

The P2006T NG represents a significant upgrade over legacy multi-engine trainers. Designed specifically for flight schools, the aircraft addresses both economic and operational requirements of modern aviation training.

According to manufacturer specifications, the NG model features two Rotax 912 iSc3 fuel-injected engines. These liquid-cooled powerplants are noted for their fuel efficiency, consuming approximately 3.7 gallons per hour per engine. This efficiency reduces operating costs and lowers the environmental footprint compared to traditional general aviation engines.

Technologically, the aircraft is equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck. This avionics suite provides students with exposure to “glass cockpit” environments that mirror the systems found in commercial airliners. Key structural improvements in the NG model include a dedicated pilot door for improved access and an increased Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW), which enhances payload capacity.

Honoring Instructor Eduardo González Santana

A unique aspect of this delivery is the dedication of the aircraft to Eduardo González Santana. Canavia leadership emphasized that this decision was made to honor his long-standing service and influence on the academy’s students.

In the press statement regarding the delivery, Canavia CEO Mario Daniel Pons Grau remarked on the significance of the dedication:

“We are proud to honor Eduardo González Santana, a professional who has left an indelible mark on Canavia’s history.”

AirPro News Analysis

The Shift to Airline-Ready Training

The acquisition of the P2006T NG by Canavia reflects a broader trend in the European flight training market. As airlines recover from pilot shortages, there is increasing pressure on ATOs to produce cadets who are “airline-ready” from day one. By utilizing aircraft like the P2006T NG, which combines complex multi-engine handling with advanced avionics like the Garmin G1000 NXi, schools can bridge the gap between general aviation flying and commercial operations.

Furthermore, the choice of Rotax-powered aircraft signals a necessary shift toward economic and environmental sustainability. With fuel prices remaining volatile and environmental regulations tightening across the EU, high-efficiency trainers are becoming a financial necessity for schools looking to maintain competitive tuition rates while ensuring high-volume operations.

Sources

Sources: Tecnam Official Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from American Airlines.

American Airlines Donates MD-80 Power Unit to Chicago Aviation School to Boost Technician Training

American Airlines has strengthened its commitment to aviation workforce development with the donation of an auxiliary power unit (APU) to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) in Chicago. The donation ceremony, held on March 3, 2026, at the school’s hangar on South Ashland Avenue, marks the latest step in a multi-year partnership designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and commercial hangar operations.

According to the airline, the donated equipment is a retired APU from a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft. This specific unit served the airline for 29 years, completing more than 74,000 takeoffs and landings before being retired from flight service. It will now serve as a primary training aid for students learning turbine engine theory, electrical generation, and pneumatic systems.

Enhancing Hands-On Curriculum

The donation provides AIM Chicago students with access to commercial-grade hardware that mirrors the systems they will encounter in the workforce. An APU is a critical component in modern aviation, typically located in the tail cone of an aircraft. It provides electricity to run systems like lights and avionics while the plane is parked and supplies the high-pressure air required to start the main jet engines.

Mark Miner, Vice President of Technical Services at American Airlines, emphasized the longevity and utility of the equipment during the handover ceremony.

“This APU served American and our customers well over the years and we know it will serve students just as well for many more years to come. As Chicago’s leading global airline, it’s our honor and privilege to support local students on their journey to becoming tomorrow’s aviation maintenance professionals.”

, Mark Miner, Vice President of Technical Services, American Airlines

This is not the first contribution American Airlines has made to the Chicago campus. In 2023, the carrier donated a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine, further expanding the school’s inventory of heavy maintenance training aids. Dr. Joel English, Executive Vice President of AIM, noted that exposure to diverse airframes and powerplants is essential for graduate readiness.

Strategic Workforce Development

The donation is part of a broader strategic partnership established in 2022 between the airline and the maintenance school. The collaboration includes a “guaranteed interview” program, which offers top-performing AIM graduates a direct pathway to employment interviews with American Airlines. Additionally, aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) from the airline actively mentor students and support AIM teams in industry events such as the Aerospace Maintenance Council Competitions.

AirPro News Analysis: Addressing the Technician Shortage

This donation arrives at a pivotal moment for the aviation industry, which continues to grapple with a widening gap between labor supply and demand. According to Boeing’s 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook, the global aviation industry will require approximately 710,000 new maintenance technicians through 2044. In North America alone, the demand is projected at 123,000 new technicians over the same period.

Locally, Illinois serves as a critical aviation hub. Data indicates that the state employs approximately 4,590 aircraft mechanics, with the majority concentrated in Cook County near O’Hare International Airport. However, with an aging workforce and fleet expansions, the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) has previously predicted a shortage of certified mechanics, making direct pipeline programs like the American-AIM partnership vital for sustaining operations at major hubs.

By placing real-world assets like the MD-80 APU directly into schools, carriers are attempting to reduce the “spool-up” time required for new hires, ensuring they are familiar with complex turbine systems before their first day on the job.

Sources

• American Airlines Newsroom