More than 340 Piper PA-46 owners gathered in Colorado Springs for the 2026 Piper M-Class Owners & Pilots Association (PMOPA) Convention, held Oct. 8-11. Cutter Aviation at Colorado Springs Municipal Airport (KCOS) accommodated more than 100 Piper M-Class aircraft during the three-day event.
“This year’s convention demonstrated the tremendous value of bringing our M-Class community together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and become safer, more proficient pilots,” said PMOPA Chief Executive Officer Mike Nichols. “Our members gained practical insights they can apply every time they fly, reinforcing PMOPA’s commitment to safety, advocacy, and community.”
According to Piper Aircraft officials, the manufacturer is making significant progress toward extending the airframe life limit for the M600 and M700 Fury to 10,000 hours, with FAA approvals expected in the second quarter of 2027. Piper Aircraft also continues to evaluate a diesel-engine option for the PA-46 line, according to Ron Gunnarson, vice president of sales, marketing, and customer support.
Technical breakout sessions addressed operational and maintenance considerations across all PA-46 variants, highlighted by a discussion between members and Piper engineering officials. Safety programming organized by PMOPA Safety & Education Foundation Chair Dr. Manny Casiano focused on PA-46 accident analyses, alongside seminars covering flight deck automation management.
The convention concluded with an annual gala and auction that raised more than $160,000 for PMOPA training programs, safety initiatives, and five maintenance scholarships. The association also recognized more than 100 pilots who met 2026 Master Aviator Program requirements, while honoring members Norm Smith and Dave Bennett with FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Awards for over 50 years of safe flight operations.
The 2027 PMOPA Convention is scheduled for Nov. 4-7 in Tampa, Florida.
For more information: PMOPA.com.
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