Aircraft overview

The Daher Socata TB-10 / TB-200 Tobago is a four seat, low wing, fixed gear piston aircraft developed by SOCATA in France as part of the TB series. The TB-10 first flew in the late 1970s and entered production around 1979, while the later TB-200 Tobago XL added more power and fuel injection. Its role is the practical private touring and training category, broadly comparable with fixed gear touring singles from Cessna, Piper and Beechcraft, but with a distinctly European design approach and a notably wide cabin.

Performance & specifications

The TB-10 Tobago is typically powered by a 180 hp Lycoming O-360 series engine, while the TB-200 Tobago uses a 200 hp fuel injected Lycoming IO-360 series engine. Typical cruise speeds are about 115 to 125 knots for the TB-10 and around 125 to 135 knots for the TB-200, depending on propeller, loading and rigging. Practical range is commonly in the 600 to 700 nautical mile class with reserves. Useful load is often around 900 to 1,000 lb, aircraft specific, and service ceiling is generally in the low to mid teens, about 13,000 to 14,000 feet.

Cabin & avionics

The Tobago seats four in a relatively broad cabin with good shoulder room for the class, large doors and a low wing layout that gives the aircraft a touring feel rather than a basic trainer feel. Baggage capacity and rear seat comfort are useful for two plus luggage or light four seat missions, but loading discipline remains important. Factory avionics vary widely by year. Most aircraft were delivered with conventional analog instruments and Bendix/King or similar radios. Common upgrades include Garmin GNS 430 or 530 navigators, Garmin GTN units, modern audio panels, ADS-B equipment and digital engine monitors. Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective should not be assumed on this model.

Buying & value

Buyers should separate TB-10 and TB-200 examples carefully, as the 200 hp fuel injected TB-200 normally offers better climb and cruise performance. Inspection focus should include engine condition, corrosion history, landing gear and brake wear, fuel system condition, documentation of compliance with airworthiness directives and the quality of any avionics retrofit. Paint, interior, propeller time and parts availability can strongly affect value. In current PlaneFox used listings, asking prices average about EUR 107,000, with a range from roughly EUR 47,000 to EUR 260,000, placing the Tobago as a distinctive used four seat tourer rather than a commodity trainer.