Aircraft overview

The Daher Socata TB-20 / TB-21 Trinidad is a French, low-wing, retractable-gear touring aircraft developed by Socata, later part of Daher. The TB-20 Trinidad first flew in 1980 and entered production in the early 1980s, with the turbocharged TB-21 TC Trinidad following later in the decade. Both models sit in the high-performance single-engine piston category, aimed at owners who need genuine cross-country capability, IFR practicality and a more spacious cabin than many four-seat contemporaries.

Performance & specifications

The TB-20 is powered by a 250 hp Lycoming IO-540, while the TB-21 uses a 250 hp turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540. Typical cruise figures are around 150 to 160 knots for the TB-20 and roughly 160 to 170 knots for the TB-21 at appropriate altitudes and power settings. Range is commonly quoted in the 800 nautical mile class, depending on fuel, reserves and payload. Useful load is often around 1,100 to 1,300 lb, varying by equipment and year. The normally aspirated TB-20 has a service ceiling of about 20,000 feet, while the TB-21 is valued for high-altitude performance, with a service ceiling around 25,000 feet.

Cabin & avionics

The Trinidad cabin is one of the model’s defining features, with four seats, wide doors, good shoulder room and a luggage area suited to touring use. Some aircraft are described as five-seat configurations, but buyers should evaluate real payload rather than seat count alone. Factory avionics were typically conventional analogue IFR panels with Bendix/King equipment, autopilots and later GPS installations. On the used market, many examples now have Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, digital engine monitors, ADS-B, Aspen displays or Garmin G500-class upgrades. Garmin Perspective and G1000 were not standard factory suites for the TB-20 / TB-21 Trinidad.

Buying & value

For buyers, condition and history matter more than model year. Key review points include landing gear rigging and maintenance, corrosion inspection, fuel system condition, engine time, turbocharger condition on the TB-21, avionics currency and parts support. The TB-21 typically appeals to pilots operating in hot, high or mountainous environments, while the TB-20 is often chosen for simpler ownership and strong cross-country efficiency. Current PlaneFox used-market data shows an average asking price around EUR 167,000, with listings ranging from about EUR 76,000 to EUR 280,000. Well-equipped aircraft with modern avionics, strong engine times and documented maintenance occupy the upper end of that range.