Our companion program is designed for the people who make this community whole, whether you fly right seat, co-own the airplane, or simply love the person who does. It runs alongside the main convention all week, with a mix of wellness, learning, culture, and pure fun, plus plenty of time to relax and connect with old friends and new ones.

This year's lineup includes:

• Morning yoga to start the day
• A hands-on Companion Ground School including an opportunity to land the TBM in the Simulator.
• A Sip & Stroll through the Desert Botanical Gardens
• The Mahjong Social, or a shopping and gallery stroll through Old Town Scottsdale
• A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert
• All of the convention's evening events, from the welcome dinner to the Foundation auction

Transportation from the Sheraton is provided for every offsite activity, and any dietary needs noted at registration are shared with each venue.

Thursday, October 29

Yoga · Ease into the day with a gentle morning session in the companion lounge. All levels welcome, mats provided.

Breakfast · 

Companion Beginner Ground School: A friendly, hands-on session for the person in the right seat: helping with radios and checklists, what to do in an emergency, how to open the door and get out safely, and how to be a genuine second set of eyes and hands in the cockpit.

Advanced Ground School A continuation of Thursday's co-pilot skills, going a little deeper.

Companions' Luncheon

Desert Botanical Garden: Sonoran Sip & Stroll · A private, docent-led stroll through one of the world's finest desert plant collections, followed by a reception at the scenic Binns Pavilion with beverages and Southwestern-inspired bites. A professional photographer joins the tour. Bus departs the hotel at 1:00 PM; comfortable shoes and a hat recommended.

Under the Desert Sky: Dinner & Costumes ·  (with the full convention, offsite) An offsite evening of dinner and entertainment with a western flair. Dress the part! Buses depart the hotel at 6:00 PM.

Friday, October 30

Yoga · Morning session in the companion lounge. All levels welcome.

Breakfast ·  (with the full convention)

Optional Simulator time at SIMCOM/CAE

Choose one of the following:

• The Mahjong Social ·  A lively afternoon of Mahjong at the Phoenix Mahjong Club with a catered lunch and a mimosa station. All levels welcome, with instructors on hand. Please note your experience level (beginner, intermediate, or advanced) at registration.
• Old Town Scottsdale Shopping & Gallery Stroll ·  Wander the boutiques and galleries of charming Old Town Scottsdale at your own pace, soaking up the Southwestern character.

Raising the Fleet: The Foundation Auction Dinner · (with the full convention) The signature night of the week. Cocktails, dinner, and our live auction benefitting the TBM Foundation, now with adventures, getaways, and once-in-a-lifetime trips added so there is something for everyone to bid on.

Saturday, October 31

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride · 5:15 AM – 9:30 AM Lift off at first light and float over the Sonoran Desert as the sun paints the landscape gold. Space is limited and an early hotel departure is required, so reserve your spot at registration.

Breakfast · 

Evening event at the CAE Phoenix facility · A themed Halloween evening with dinner, facility tour, and the full-motion simulators.