TBM Takes on New Freight Role
With a Special Cargo Version

The first TBM 700 Freighter was delivered last month by EADS Socata to Quest Diagnostics Inc., of Teterboro, N.J. The health diagnostic company has ordered six TBM 700Bs, along with a spare parts inventory and associated services that include flight and ground crew training.

The freighter modifications designed by EADS Socata, includ-ing tie-downs for three nets, new liners, a new lighting system and approval of the STC, were completed on the aircraft by Oxford Aviation of Oxford, Maine. Banyan Air Services of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., upgraded the avionics.

The Freighters ordered by Quest have a 123 cu. ft. cargo cabin with a reinforced floor that allows a maximum loading of 38.5 lb/sq. ft. The Freighters are equipped with the optional pilot access door on the aircraft's forward left side, allowing the cabin to be fully loaded using the TBM 700's large standard rear door.

Quest Diagnostics has a national network of 30 full-service laboratories, 150 rapid response laboratories and over 1,300 patient service centers where specimens are collected. Its flight department is based in Reading, Pa.