We are proud to present serial number 1153, our newest Columbia Select Pre-Owned TBM 930. N930VT was sold by Columbia to the sole prior owner and always maintained by us. This low time aircraft has highly desirable paint and interior choices and is available for immediate delivery from our Groton, CT facility. Full specifications can be viewedhttp://www.columbiaaironline.com/plane/2016_daher_tbm_930-pilot-door-2/
The TBM 930 enables departures from convenient local airports with runways as short as 2,380ft in length and reaches its maximum altitude of 31,000ft in only 18 minutes 45 seconds.
Cruise in comfort at a blistering 330 KTAS for 1,440NM, or if more range is needed, just pull the power back to long-range cruise and travel up to 1,730NM on a very economical 37 gallons of fuel per hour.
Please call today if we can answer any questions for you regarding either this remarkable aircraft or how your family can enjoy the safety and privacy of private aircraft ownership.
If also used for business, N930VT is eligible for the substantial tax depreciation and personal income tax savings in 2020 offered by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
(GROTON, CT, August 31st, 2020) The Columbia® group of aviation companies today announced that its Fall 2020 Fly-In will be held on Saturday October 24th, 2020 from 10AM-2PM on the Columbia Aircraft Sales ramp at Groton-New London Airport, CT (KGON). Aviation enthusiasts, pilots and aircraft owners are invited to attend. The event will feature the latest in new Daher TBM and Columbia Select Pre-Owned TBM aircraft. The event is also a celebration of Columbia’s 40th year in business and commemorative T-shirts and discounted 100LL or Jet-A fuel will be available to aircraft which fly in, in addition to door prizes for best aircraft, longest distance flown to attend, and other categories.
On display will be Daher’s newest TBM 940 featuring the revolutionary HomeSafe™ emergency autoland technology. In the event of pilot incapacitation, HomeSafe will assume control and fly the aircraft and its occupants to a safe landing. The system can either be activated manually by an easily recognizable orange button on the top of the cockpit instrument panel, or automatically engages if an unresponsive pilot triggers the TBM’s eCopilot emergency descent mode. These new automated safety systems, which also include autothrottle and auto-ice protection, make the TBM the safest and most capable family aircraft built to date.
Social distancing guidelines, mask usage and common-sense safety protocols will be in effect during the event in accordance with state guidance. Pilots planning to fly in from another state are currently not required to quarantine provided their stay in CT does not exceed 24 hours. Regular updates will be sent out by Columbia and current guidelines can be checked at https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Travel.
This will be a great opportunity to go flying, see the Connecticut coastline and foliage during a beautiful time of year, and safely socialize with other aviators, so save the date! In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held the next day, Sunday the 25th . For more information visit http://www.columbiaaironline.com or email tbmsales@columbiaaircraftsales.com
About the Columbia® Group of Aviation Companies
The Columbia® group of aviation companies (http://www.columbiaaironline.com) is an alliance of several affiliated, stand-alone, “Columbia®” branded aviation businesses, under common ownership and management. The Columbia® group includes Columbia® Aircraft Sales, Inc., Columbia® Air Services, Inc., and Columbia® Fuel Services, Inc., each located at the Groton-New London Airport in Groton CT (KGON); Columbia® Air Services-BHB, LLC located at the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton, ME (KBHB); and Columbia® Air Services-RUT, LLC, located at the Southern Vermont Rutland Regional Airport in North Clarendon, VT (KRUT).Together, the Columbia® group provides a full range of FBO services, specializing in the sales, service and management of jet, turboprop, and piston-powered aircraft. Columbia® Aircraft Sales, Inc., is an exclusive authorized sales agent for Daher TBM series turboprop aircraft.
(Groton, CT, July 23rd, 2020) The Columbia® group of aviation companies today announced that it has launched its Columbia Select Pre-Owned class of aircraft. These are aircraft offered for sale by Columbia that have undergone a rigorous analysis of maintenance records, usage history and component times, in addition to interior and exterior condition. The aircraft then receive an accurate valuation based on Columbia’s proprietary market intelligence. Consequently, prospective buyers will benefit from a complete picture of the aircraft’s maintenance status, market value and projected operating cost.
“We originally ordered many of these aircraft from the factory and have maintained them since new”, said Columbia co-founder Art Maurice. “Our 40 years of experience, knowledge of the market, and the fact that we know everything about the service history of these aircraft means that they represent superior value for our customers. However, Columbia Select Pre-Owned is more than just the records analysis and accurate valuation of the aircraft. Perhaps more importantly, it is also the closing, insurance, training, financing and ownership assistance that we include with every aircraft sale. It’s the way in which we are always there for our owners when they have questions or need an expert opinion. Columbia has a loyal family of owners who trust our judgement and integrity, some of whom have purchased their last 5 aircraft from us. Columbia Select Pre-Owned communicates our expertise and capabilities to the industry and to anyone considering stepping up to personal aircraft ownership.”
About the Columbia® Group of Aviation Companies
The Columbia® group of aviation companies (http://www.columbiaaironline.com) is an alliance of several affiliated, stand-alone, “Columbia®” branded aviation businesses, under common ownership and management. The Columbia® group includes Columbia® Aircraft Sales, Inc., Columbia® Air Services, Inc., and Columbia® Fuel Services, Inc., each located at the Groton-New London Airport in Groton CT (KGON); Columbia® Air Services-BHB, LLC located at the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton, ME (KBHB); and Columbia® Air Services-RUT, LLC, located at the Southern Vermont Rutland Regional Airport in North Clarendon, VT (KRUT).Together, the Columbia® group provides a full range of FBO services, specializing in the sales, service and management of jet, turboprop, and piston-powered aircraft. Columbia® Aircraft Sales, Inc., is an exclusive authorized sales agent for Daher TBM series turboprop aircraft.
(Groton, CT, July 15, 2020) As much of our industry repositions itself in the wake of COVID-19, Columbia Aviation Companies took time to celebrate an important milestone in April of 2020, our 40th anniversary. While the pandemic may have shelved our celebratory plans, it fails to diminish the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from knowing our company has served the general aviation community for over four decades. Our incredible record of excellence and success can be attributed to our dedicated, passionate owners and to every one of our employees throughout our locations.
Established in 1980, the Columbia brand was born in an old, white Quonset hangar at the Groton-New London Airport in Groton, CT and provided aircraft maintenance and a variety of other aviation services. Today, Columbia Aviation Companies represent a network of full-service FBO’s that offer comprehensive aircraft support to the general and corporate aviation communities. We are proud to be an Authorized Daher Distributer, providing Daher factory authorized sales and service for the eastern seaboard from Maine to Virginia and Eastern Canada.
Columbia Aviation Companies has had a long-standing reputation as an industry leader committed to delivering unparalleled service. We’ve established that stellar reputation with the hard work of our more than 100 devoted employees, several of whom have been with us since our humblest beginnings. In fact, the majority of our people have been with us over twelve years. The years of service for our maintenance technicians represents over 100 years of combined aircraft maintenance experience alone. Our aircraft sales division is comprised of a group of seasoned professionals who have been part of the Columbia team for over two decades. We are tremendously proud to boast such powerful, collective experience. It is our people and their knowledge, skills and dedication that has directly contributed to our success throughout the last 40 years.
Columbia has no plans to rest on its laurels, however. We look forward to the future with a renewed passion for what we do. The owners, Arthur Maurice and Barbara Silver, have encouraged us to be an organization that prides itself on innovation and adapting to challenges. Over the last several years we established initiatives to assure longevity and continuity in our shop through active recruitment and retention strategies. Through active partnerships with local trade schools, Service Manager Adam Stino has been influential in seeking out talented recruits to join our team where they benefit from the mentorship from our experienced veterans. One of our first promising young recruits, Lucas Revoir, joined us over five years ago. This year Lucas stepped up to become Chief Inspector after John Tentoni retired after 30 years of service in that same post. We are very proud of Lucas and he is a wonderful inspiration to the next generation of technicians.
Over the years, Columbia has repeatedly leaned into new technologies to increase our productivity and improve the customer services experience. Our avionics department has reduced overall down time and streamlined the installation process by use of a computer aided router to cut panels in-house. This past year, we had our own state-of-the-art paint booth installed in our sales/avionics hangar, eliminating the need to send components outside for touchups and paint work. We have replaced old technologies on the shop floor, equipping our technicians with laptops and tablets and moving to a fully digital tech library.
We remain committed to focusing on quality improvements across all our FBO’s, including the use of Flight Bridge in all those locations. Our staff at KBHB, KRUT and Mystic Jet Center have established a universal approach to customer service, assuring our clients are treated with the same level of professionalism no matter their destination.
Columbia is most proud of our continued partnership with Daher. We look forward to representing Daher’s incredible TBM 940 and are delighted to celebrate their industry achievement of delivering HomeSafe™ Autoland technology for all 2020 TBM 940’s. Future plans for Columbia Aircraft Sales, Inc. include a brick and mortar expansion into Canada, designed to provide unparalleled service to our Canadian prospects and owners. This year, Ken Dono, Daher Program Manager, and the sales team are launching our Columbia Select Pre-owned program, a unique rating system developed to assure that the used aircraft we represent reflect the level of high pedigree and quality our customers have come to expect.
We are excited to share these developments and more with our amazing staff, our wonderful customers and industry partners all over the world. Columbia Aviation Companies is incredibly grateful for the last 40 years and we look forward to the next 40!
(Groton, CT – June 19, 2020) We realize that minimizing exposure to COVID-19 is a real concern for many of our customers. In response, Columbia is now offering contactless showings of both new and pre-owned aircraft at our Groton, CT (KGON) location.
Contactless showings are by appointment only and are designed to ensure that you have a safe and private opportunity to learn about the aircraft we offer.
The aircraft you have asked to view will be cordoned off in a controlled access hangar after having its interior surfaces sanitized. Masks, gloves and hand sanitizer are provided, and non-essential employee access to the hangar is restricted during your visit.
Whether you arrive by car or aircraft, you will be safely escorted to the viewing area without having to walk through any public areas.
A sales representative, trained in prevention protocols and wearing a mask, will maintain social distancing while answering any questions that you have.
Contact Columbia Aircraft Sales at 800-787-5001 to reserve an appointment for your contactless showing and learn how personal aircraft ownership can allow you to continue your travel adventures, while protecting the health of you and your loved ones. Visit us at http://www.columbiaaircraftsales.com
(Groton, CT – May 29, 2020) For the past 15-20 years I have consistently participated in Sun-n-Fun to “open” the season, Oshkosh to finish the summer, and NBAA-EBACE to tee up winter prospecting and sales activities. In between each of these would be local and regional shows that filled out the dance card. It was a constant annual rotation that gave a great degree of stability and rhythm to the sales year. We could count on each event to help funnel interest and build excitement. Obviously that construct which worked so well in the past has now been forced to change. I have no doubt that the large and small scale expos will continue in some form or fashion going forward (design and execution yet to be determined), but in the interim period of economic pause a new process for prospecting, buying, and selling is settling in…much of which will remain in effect after normalcy returns and balances with our previous notions. I believe central to this new style of buying aircraft will be an explosive expansion of how we’ve been doing it for the last ten years or so now…online. Online listings, social media, video tours & demos…all of these have been in use for many years now, but going forward they will become the norm and the rule rather than simply the fresh new way to buy/sell. For a predominant swath of the industry, a decentralized prospecting method will take effect. The key for us at least as sellers will be to embrace this transition, to build on it, and continue to strive for a quality selling process that takes care of the buyer.
COVID-19 era
Columbia Aircraft Sales remains at the ready to serve our clients in their buying and selling journeys. Our parent company Columbia Air Services continues to maintain a robust level of business in all of our divisions, altogether encompassing forty years in business. The maintenance and avionics shops continue to work at a brisk pace and our FBO locations in Groton CT, Rutland VT, and Bar Harbor ME continue to provide transient and based aircraft with the services they need to keep moving. There have been many bumps in the road over the decades. Columbia has consistently weathered them thoughtfully and professionally, always emerging stronger. We believe and know that there is smooth air again further down this route.
…And we continue to buy and sell aircraft here in Sales. There is never a wrong time to act on what you need. Some need to sell, some need to buy. The fact is…our business resides square in the middle of that spectrum and we remain at the ready to assist.
New vs. Pre-Owned…it all depends on mission and budget. A factory new Daher product will come with the latest in technological advancements such as the TBM940’s newly announced HomeSafe feature utilizing Garmin’s Autoland system. Or a pre-owned aircraft that possesses similar performance and capability may present a better value for you. We are prepared and capable to help you either way! If you do not see what you are looking for, we can absolutely reach out proactively and find it. The pre-owned spectrum is wide and varied; contact us to begin narrowing your field and price point. New aircraft purchases are an exciting option given new technology and upgrades. As times and needs are changing, engage with someone who is able and willing to pivot with you.
Financing is flirting with historic lows making it advantageous to act now. Rates and terms are attractive, and lenders are eager to assist. The recently passed CARES Act potentially benefits your purchase in the form of a Net Operating Loss Carryback (NOLCB) provision. NOLCB allows tax payments from up to five years ago to be refunded due to losses incurred in the current year. This may have significant implications for companies and individuals who are looking to purchase an aircraft in 2020. More detailed info here:
So why own your own aircraft if you don’t already? Total control over access and use while maintaining freedom of movement. Safety and protection for you and your crew. Uncertainties surrounding the global pandemic lend themselves to supporting a private aircraft in your hangar with which to travel unfettered, without concern for virus transmission due to the mode of travel. One less thing to worry about. Consider it Fast Transit over Mass Transit. If you already own an aircraft with which to travel, you no doubt already appreciate these tenets. Is it time to consider an upgrade to be better equipped?
Columbia Aircraft Sales remains eager to transact within the new construct of the post-coronavirus business climate. Call us for a consult and discussion about what you desire and what works best for you. We will leverage our long-term expertise and experience within the sale, management and maintenance of high quality aircraft into choice offerings that are tailored and curated for you. Proper representation is crucial to a successful transaction, from either side of the table. We are available for video presentations of available aircraft if in-person inspections and demonstrations are not desired. Delivery to your home base and/or hangar can be arranged to minimize your exposure. Our aircraft for sale are kept clean and tidy. We can sanitize and disinfect to additional levels as needed per the buyers wishes. In essence, we are committed to selling you an aircraft that meets your specific needs & wants, and is ready to operate safely for you out of the box.
Shift YOUR Paradigm
Next steps are inevitably tough to navigate, especially during a stormy and turbulent trip. As the new normal comes into focus more and more, is it time to consider a next step? Columbia Aircraft Sales remains committed to helping our prospects and clients maintain comfortable, safe and unrestricted general aviation travel capabilities in these trying times, within allowable restrictions and limitations. With current low interest rates and more relaxed tax standards, as well as fuel costs trending downward, the cost of flying is improving while protecting yourself becomes more and more paramount. Those who own their own aircraft now have the ability to travel in a proverbial plastic bubble, less exposed to airborne transmissions to be endured by public air travelers. From YOUR doorstep to YOUR vehicle to YOUR own aircraft, CONTROL your access safely and reliably. Consider a purchase or upgrade today and navigate your own vectors out of the rough air.
Let Columbia’s forty years of experience and industry-wide reputation for excellence enable you to realize ideal outcomes. Our experience matters…and we are ready to put it to work for YOU.
Clay Hammond Aircraft Sales Representative Columbia Aircraft Sales, Inc.
(Groton, CT – April 16, 2020) The effects of the global COVID-19 crisis have forced many industries to adapt to a new and constantly shifting normal. Columbia Aviation companies has sought to find ways to continue to serve our clients while keeping our employees and their families safe in these challenging times.
Our FBO Network
Across our FBO network, we have been forced to reduce our hours of operations at some of our locations. These reductions are temporary and subject to change. At Columbia Air Services., Inc in Rutland, KRUT, effective April 20th, our hours of operation will be limited to 8:30 am to 5:00 pm until further notice. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our General Manager, Chris Reece at 802-773-3348. At our KGON-based Mystic Jet Center FBO, our hours of operation have been modified to 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. For any operations outside those hours, please contact us at 860-715-8800 to arrange an appointment. Visit Mystic Jet Center online at https://mysticjetcenter.com/.
The operational hours at our KBHB location are 8am to 6pm until further notice.
Service
In our service departments, we have limited outside visitor and vendor access, and encouraged all our employees to follow the safety guidelines outlined by the CDC regarding the use of PPE, sanitization and cleaning procedures until further notice. Our avionics and service shops remain open and fully operational at this time. If you would like to schedule your aircraft for an installation, upgrade or inspection, please contact our Service Manager, Adam Stino, at 860-449-1400 or via email at astino@columbiaairservices.com or our Avionics Director, Chris Bergman, at 860-715-8810 or via email at chris@columbiaairservices.com
Aircraft Sales
Columbia Aircraft Sales, Inc., understands that the next steps are inevitably tough to navigate in the post COVID-19 world. As the new normal comes, we want you to know that our sales staff are here to assist you. We remain committed to helping our prospects and clients maintain comfortable, safe and unfettered general aviation travel capabilities in these trying times, within allowable restrictions and limitations. Until such time as in-person inspections and demonstration flights can be performed without risk, we are available for video presentations of our available aircraft. We have introduced by appointment only contactless aircraft viewings as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic – more information here: http://www.columbiaaironline.com/news_events/columbia-aircraft-sales-inc-now-offers-contactless-showings/Our sales professionals will work with you to find the best solution to provide a safe and enjoyable aircraft purchase experience. The list of current inventory is always available for viewing on Controller.com, ASO.com and on our company website, www.columbiaaircraftsales.com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/columbiaairservices and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/columbiaair to assure you are keeping up with all our latest announcements and posts.
It has been our honor to serve the general aviation community for over 40 years. We look forward to the future and will be there for our clients and customers with the same degree of passion that has carried us through four decades of success. Stay safe! See you soon!
(Groton, CT – April 8, 2020) By now most all of you have heard of the cancellation of Sun ‘n Fun for 2020. The financial and logistical of this decision will long impact the local communities. However, it was the best possible decision for the safety and well being of those communities and the thousands who would have attended.
But, as often happens, some creative minds have come up with a plan to help fill the gap. My good friends to the north at Skies Magazine published in today’s daily news that we will soon have the opportunity to view a Socially Distant virtual airshow! LiveAirshowTV on both Facebook and Instagram will be posting updates. For more details, please visit the Skies Magazine website at https://www.skiesmag.com/
And, while you’re there go ahead and subscribe to their daily news feature. Even though the staff at Skies speaks with a funny accent, it doesn’t come through in print, eh?! 🙂
2020 is off to an unusual start for sure. Amongst all of the other issues, it may also be the year that the airshow was not. But, in the larger scheme of the world, this seems a small concern.
Be well and mindful of others around you. As always, fly safe.
Best,
Ken
Ken Dono Sales Manager
Next up, Oshkosh July 20th – July 26th
Ken Dono
Columbia Aircraft Sales
(860) 941-1813
kdono@columbiaaircraftsales.com
www.columbiaaircraftsales.com
(Groton, CT – March 16, 2020) Daher recently announced HOMESAFE in the TBM 940. Based on Garmin’s Emergency Autoland System, HOMESAFE will provide aircraft guidance to a safe destination should the pilot become incapacitated. HOMESAFE enhances the already installed industry leading eCoPilot Systems which include: Enhanced Stability and Protection Mode, Level Mode, Emergency Descent Mode, Auto-throttle and Auto Deice. This system will be retrofittable to all TBM 940’s upon certification by the FAA.
N940DT, sn 1319, will be our first 2020 TBM 940. It is scheduled to depart Tarbes on Wednesday, March 18th. It will be available for showing and demo’s the week of March 23rd.
2020 TBM 940 Features
The 2020 TBM 940 includes:
• Garmin G3000 Integrated Panel
• eCopilot Enhanced Safety Protection / Under Speed Protection
• Stick Shaker
• Angle of Attack Indicator (AOA)
• Auto Deice system
• Auto Throttle
• HomeSafe Emergency Autoland system (upon certification)
• TBM Care Maintenance Program for up to 5 years
• Major Systems Warranties for 5 years / 1000 hours
• Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Program (CAMP) free for 5 years
• Simcom Training
• much, much more…
Please contact me for more details and to arrange a showing.
Ken Dono Sales Manager
Fly safe,
Ken Dono
Columbia Aircraft Sales
(860) 941-1813
kdono@columbiaaircraftsales.com Visit us Online!
(Groton, CT – February 27, 2020) These two Pipers below, an M500 and M350, are both holdovers from our 2019 selling season. Demo flights and ferry only. Both under 45 hours total time. As yet unsold since factory new, carrying factory warranty and complimentary initial pilot training in addition to their standard equipment and options.
These are spectacular aircraft with awesome capabilities due to their proven airframe and engine, coupled with superior Garmin NXi avionics and Electronic Stability Protection safety enhancements. Well suited to both long trips or short hops.
We are eager to sell these units and happy to negotiate as needed. All reasonable offers will be given serious consideration. Contact me today to discuss either aircraft if you are interested.
Trim and Registration are ALL vinyl over a BASE WHITE. Custom wrap vinyl or paint in your desired colors quick and fast!
FIKI, Radar, NXi w/ ESP,
Hypoxia Recognition,
Bluetooth, Flightstream 510
Specs in Brief:
Matterhorn White over Red with Toreador Red and Tibetan Pearl trim.
