TBM 930 - Will I make it?

As part of my ‘around the world trip’ I am attempting to fly the TBM 930 (w/MugZ mod and WTG3000) from Reykjavík Airport in Iceland (BIRK), all the way to Qaanaaq Airport in Greenland (BGQQ).

This is a whopping 1177nm leg with no stops, impressive for a single engine turboprop aircraft! I mean, I could have landed closer but where is the fun in that?

The aircraft has full fuel and max payload. Currently it is showing that I have a 30kt headwind and that I will have negative fuel by the time I reach my destination.

Firstly, will I make it?! This part is just for fun, looking at the MFD it is not looking good - but I will update in a few hours… or not as I may have plunged into the ocean.

Serious question: What climb, cruise and descent performance settings would be realistic for this aircraft. Whether this is a recommendation of fuel flow or engine torque settings, anything is helpful.

Thanks, and wish me luck.

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It’s all listed in the POH

How closely that is modeled, you’d have to compare.

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Good luck! Hopefully more modest fuel usage at cruise will get you there in one piece. :wink:

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As I recall, the TBM can go 900 some miles in zero headwind.

I don’t think you can make it unless you can catch a tailwind for a while.

Also I would consider using best climb, Vy. 124 knots all the way up to FL310.

Best wishes.

Thank you for the responses - I made it with plenty of fuel!

The operating hand book is very helpful. @anon50268670 I think you would be spot on with the 7.7hr endurance as after 5.5hrs flying I landed with still almost 500lb left.

Thanks


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load up max fuel in the world map and select your departure/arrival destinations and you’ll see the range circle to know if you’ll make it or not - under calm wind conditions without regard for climb and all that. But you’ll get a general idea of how close it will be

Also I notice you don’t have the fuel range set on your map display. Look through the MFD or Map options - I forget exactly where it is but you can see your current range on the map display. Then you can just set your throttle once you’re at cruise to bring your destination within the range circle. Re-check at 50% and 25% fuel and adjust as needed (for winds and if you’re not making a direct flight)

I’ve already completed an around the world flight - across the South Pacific which has legs of 1,600-1,800 miles. It was close sometimes but made it without running out of fuel

As everytime,

good precise pre flight procedure is mandatory.

I did KRME to TQPF in the stock plane, 1625 NM with IFR reserve. Forget how long it took me but it was a good 6-6.5 hours.

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Impressive, It’s crazy for such a small aircraft!

One way to save fuel, is to conduct a cruse climb and cruise descent. ATC permitting.
Basically climb at best climb speed and maintain that climb until ceiling reached ie cannot climb any further with constant thrust setting. ie no step climb. Descent at constant speed with idle thrust, try to calculate descent point so not to have to spoil up until 1500’ on final approach. Requires a fair bit of mental maths and skill.

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It’s ridiculous. FL310 at 320+ knots (I’ve seen close to 400 knots ground speed), the amazing situational awareness of the G3000, coupled approaches and a plane that lands like a Cherokee. It’s a true marvel of an airplane. If I had the money there isn’t another plane in the world I would even consider.

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It’s genuinely the only thing I fly, currently going around the world in her!

No way, that’s awesome! What I really love about it as well is that it takes about as long to start up and get going as the 172. It literally does everything well, it’s truly an amazing aircraft. Do you have a log of your trip? Where are you now?

Make sure to set the Bleed to Max Diff for the climb…