Socata TB20 Trinidad

Currently based with us at Henstridge Airfield, N5ZY has spent the majority of its life operating from this location with its present owner. Over the years, the aircraft has been used extensively for touring, enjoying countless adventures and memorable trips. Highlights include a journey to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2012, demonstrating both the reliability and long-range touring capability of the TB20. The owner’s decision to sell now presents an excellent opportunity for a discerning private pilot or syndicate to acquire a well-cared-for aircraft with a proven history and an excellent pedigree.

The Socata TB20 forms part of the highly regarded TB series, affectionately known as the “Caribbean Planes”. Designed and built in Tarbes by the French manufacturer Socata, these aircraft were conceived with comfort, refinement and practical touring capability firmly in mind. While many four-seat, single-engine piston aircraft focus primarily on headline performance figures, the TB20 established its reputation by prioritising space, ease of operation and long-distance comfort. With its generous 49-inch-wide cabin, car-like interior finish and expansive canopy providing excellent all-round visibility, the TB20 is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable four-seat touring aircraft in its class. Both pilots and passengers benefit from a spacious, well-designed cabin that transforms longer journeys into a genuinely enjoyable experience rather than simply a means of transport.

When compared with narrower aircraft of similar power, the TB20 does trade some outright performance for its comfort, structural strength and generous cabin proportions. However, owners consistently view this balance as a key advantage rather than a compromise. The constant-speed propeller and efficient airframe still deliver solid cross-country performance, while the refined interior, low noise levels and high-quality fit and finish make extended flights relaxed and rewarding. Socata’s attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, with doors on both sides for easy access, a logical instrument panel layout, and a cockpit environment that promotes comfort, situational awareness and safety.

N5ZY is particularly attractive thanks to its comprehensive avionics suite and additional upgrades, including an increase in maximum take-off weight (MTOW). This enhancement allows the optional fifth seat to be utilised when required, offering valuable flexibility for those occasions when an extra passenger needs to be carried, without compromising the aircraft’s touring capability.

The avionics and equipment fit of N5ZY is both comprehensive and well balanced, offering a capable and reassuring cockpit environment for VFR and IFR operations alike. At the heart of the panel are the Aspen EFD 1000 Primary Flight Display and Aspen EFD 1000 Multi-Function Display, providing a clean, modern presentation of essential flight, navigation and situational awareness information. These displays significantly reduce pilot workload while enhancing clarity and redundancy compared with traditional analogue instrumentation.

Navigation and communication capabilities are centred around the Garmin GNS 530W GPS/NAV/COM, which is WAAS-enabled and compliant with 8.33 kHz channel spacing, making the aircraft well suited to modern European airspace and IFR procedures. This is complemented by the Garmin SL30 NAV/COM, providing additional flexibility and redundancy. Audio management is handled by the Garmin GMA340 audio panel, delivering clear radio and intercom audio for both pilot and passengers.

Surveillance and airspace compliance are ensured through the Garmin GTX330ES Mode S transponder, which provides ADS-B Out capability and enhances both traffic awareness and compatibility with current and future airspace requirements. Traditional navigation aids remain available via the Bendix King KN64 distance measuring equipment and the Bendix King KR87 automatic direction finder, offering compatibility with a wide range of ground-based navigation facilities. A Garmin GPS 495 moving map further enhances situational awareness, particularly useful during VFR touring.