Operating context
The available TB9 information states that the type may be equipped for day/night IFR when the applicable supplement and installation are present. Flight into known icing is prohibited. This reference does not yet establish that G-SCOP's serial-specific paperwork and present equipment satisfy every condition for IFR dispatch.
Identity and applicable manual family
The UK CAA register identifies G-SCOP as SOCATA TB9 S/N 158, built in 1980, with a Lycoming O-320-D2A and Sensenich 74DM6S8-0-61 propeller. The regulatory model is simply TB 9; Tampico is its popular name.
The current EASA type-certificate sheet places S/N 158 in the earliest manual group: AFM Edition 0, Revision 1 or later. The New Zealand CAA publication table identifies this S/N 1-730 manual family as P/N Z00.1800030986. The available local PDF is an Edition 4 Sprint information manual for much later aircraft and is not the correct base manual for G-SCOP.
For S/N 158 the same current EASA sheet specifies:
- maximum baggage behind the rear bench: 40 kg / 88 lb, not the later 65 kg / 143 lb allowance;
- early Sensenich 74DM6 S8 061 propeller configuration;
- 32-degree full-flap configuration;
- maximum mass 1,060 kg / 2,337 lb.
A German aircraft-specific handbook for D-EGKQ, S/N 196, has now been found. Its effective-pages sheet identifies Edition 0, S/N 1-730, and German P/N Z00.1800090986, making it a useful translation of the same base-manual family. It is not G-SCOP's approved manual: it names an S8 054 propeller, contains a 65 kg baggage limit inconsistent with the current EASA limit for both early serials, includes D-EGKQ-specific loading and supplements, and its effective-pages sheet does not reconcile all later page markings. Use it for comparative background only. Obtain G-SCOP's current English approved manual, controlled revision status and installed-equipment supplements from the aircraft records or Daher technical publications.
TB9 names and configurations
| Name encountered | What it means | Relevance to G-SCOP |
|---|---|---|
| TB 9 | The certified EASA/FAA model designation | Yes: this is the regulatory model. |
| Tampico | The normal product/popular name for the TB9 | Yes. CAA records G-SCOP's popular name as Tampico. |
| Tampico Club | Lower-cost training/club package, commonly with a simpler interior, climb propeller and no wheel fairings; not a separate certified model | No evidence that G-SCOP is a Club package. Its registered S8 061 propeller is an early configuration for which wheel fairings are mandatory. |
| Sprint | Trade name for a TB9 incorporating modification 139 and the S8 058 propeller; still certified as TB 9 | No. G-SCOP predates it and retains the S8 061 propeller. |
| GT / Generation Two / Sprint GT | Later commercial generation with revised cabin/doors/windows and other refinements; not a separate certified model | No. G-SCOP is a 1980 early airframe. |
| FB / CS | Secondary marketing shorthand for fixed-pitch and constant-speed propeller configurations | G-SCOP is the fixed-pitch O-320-D2A/Sensenich configuration, but CAA identifies it simply as TB9 Tampico. |
Primary references: UK CAA G-INFO search, EASA.A.378 Issue 06, New Zealand CAA TB Series type-acceptance report, and Daher legacy TB support.
The conventional panel is valuable for learning attitude/performance flying, instrument scan and raw-data navigation. Modern equipment should fill actual capability or resilience gaps rather than replace serviceable independent equipment without reason.
Known discrepancies and work in progress
| Ref | Item | Status | Required disposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEF-001 | Fuel quantity gauges reported inoperative | Open; potentially grounding for VFR and IFR | Enter/confirm the defect, diagnose gauges, senders, wiring and power, calibrate as required, and obtain proper release to service. |
| DEF-002 | Garmin GPSMAP 295 failed | Remove/scrap; not to be counted as backup | No approved IFR capability is lost. Remove obsolete installation cleanly and update records as required. |
| WORK-001 | Existing 25 kHz COM replacement/upgrade | Reported in progress | Record final model, 8.33 kHz capability, interfaces and release to service. |
The private dossier contains SOCATA mandatory SB 10-099-28, subject of French AD 1999-062(A). Its effectivity includes 14 V TB9s in G-SCOP's serial range only when an amendment-D engine-monitoring cluster is installed. For affected aircraft it warns that fuel quantity is overestimated below 13 V and calls for AFM annotations, a placard and a logbook entry. G-SCOP's amendment status and compliance are not established, and the bulletin does not explain or close the reported inoperative-gauge defect.
Baseline evidence to establish
- Confirm the AFM/POH and applicable supplements permit the intended day/night IFR operations.
- Reconcile the physical panel with the equipment list, modification records and weight-and-balance schedule.
- Identify whether the engine-monitoring cluster is amendment D and reconcile SB 10-099-28 / AD 1999-062(A) applicability and compliance records.
- Verify pitot heat, static system, altimeter, ASI and VSI condition and test status.
- Verify attitude, turn/slip and stabilised-heading instruments, including gyro power or failure warning.
- Confirm OAT, accurate time display, low-voltage/charging indication and practical electrical endurance.
- Identify every NAV indicator, glideslope channel, source selector, flag and annunciator.
- Test COM, NAV, DME, ADF, transponder and antenna systems in their installed configuration.
Useful model-level figures
The available TB9 pilot-information manual includes the following points. They remain subject to serial, revision and configuration applicability:
- Total fuel 41.7 US gal, stated usable fuel 40.2 US gal.
- A demonstrated crosswind of 25 kt; the handbook definition says this certification demonstration is not itself a limit.
- Landing distance increases quoted for surface and wind conditions, including 7% hard sod, 10% short grass and 25% high grass.
- A flapless landing calls for an 80 KIAS approach and approximately 60% greater landing distance.
- The IFR/ILS supplement contains TB9-specific power and speed guidance and warns of possible KING localiser indication interference around certain engine speeds/frequencies.
These are reference prompts, not a substitute for checking the approved handbook pages carried for G-SCOP before flight.
Working principles
- Repair and document the airworthy baseline before optional avionics work.
- Understand the installed source, display, power supply and failure mode before replacing equipment.
- Preserve useful independence between conventional radio navigation and GNSS.
- Keep certified aircraft functions separate from portable situational-awareness functions.
- Obtain an installed price and approval path, not merely a box price.