This 1993 SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad Is a Fetching ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

1993 SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad [Courtesy: AirMart Aircraft Exchange and Brokerage]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1993 SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad.

SOCATA revealed its line of so-called Caribbean aircraft—the Tampico, Tobago, and Trinidad—during the late 1970s as U.S. general aviation experienced its best sales years. The airplanes, known for their European flair, generally did not reach the American market until the mid-1980s, when a recession and other economic factors came together to gut the market for small personal aircraft. As a result, the TBs are rare sights in the U.S., but if you do spot one, you probably will want a closer look.

Beautifully styled, the TB series shares an exotic look compared with the Cessnas and Pipers most pilots are used to seeing on airport ramps. Consider the Tampico a fancy Cherokee 140, while the Tobago is more like a highly styled Archer. The Trinidad is the top of the line. SOCATA drew interior styling cues from the auto industry, so the seats, seat belts, and interior trim will remind some people of BMWs, Audis, and other European cars of the 1980s.

The airplanes’ doors are a special treat. They open upward, gull-wing style, like those of the famous DeLorean and numerous concept cars of the era. It might be difficult to resist picturing yourself opening those doors and stepping onto the wing of a slick-looking Trinidad after parking at your favorite FBO. Just be prepared to answer lots of questions, starting with, “What is that?”

This 1993 TB-20 Trinidad has 885 hours on the airframe, 191 hours on its Lycoming IO-540-C4D5D engine since overhaul, and 272 hours on its Hartzell CS propeller since overhaul.

The panel features a Garmin G3X PFD, Garmin GI 275 electronic standby instrument, GTN 750Xi GPS/Nav/Comm, GNC-255A Nav/Comm, GTX 345R transponder with ADS-B In and Out, GFC 500 autopilot, GMA 35C audio panel, and GDL 52 Sirius XM receiver. Additional equipment includes USB and USB-C charging ports and Keith air conditioning.

Pilots looking for a high-performance four-place family aircraft with styling that stands out in that crowded category should take a look at this 1993 Socata TB-20 Trinidad, which is available for $269,900 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.