Socata Tb-21 Trinidad

Single Piston

The Socata TB-21 Trinidad is a high-performance single-engine retractable-gear aircraft built by the French manufacturer Socata (now part of Daher) starting in 1988. Designed as the flagship of the TB family, the Trinidad features a 250-horsepower Lycoming IO-540 engine driving a constant-speed propeller, retractable tricycle landing gear, and seating for up to six occupants in a spacious cabin. Its sleek composite-and-metal construction and efficient laminar-flow wing give it a cruise speed around 165 knots, making it one of the faster piston singles of its era and a popular choice for serious cross-country flying. The TB-21 sits at the top of Socata's TB lineup, above the fixed-gear TB-10 Tobago and TB-9 Tampico, offering greater speed and range for owner-pilots who want near-twin performance without the complexity and cost of a second engine. The Trinidad's handling is known for being responsive and stable, with good short-field performance thanks to its relatively low stall speeds and effective flaps. Its 193-knot never-exceed speed and 165-knot maximum structural cruising speed reflect its solid design, while the roomy cabin and large baggage area make it practical for family travel and light charter work. Production of the TB-21 ended in the mid-1990s as Socata shifted focus to the newer TBM turboprop line, but the Trinidad remains a respected platform in the used market, prized for its blend of speed, comfort, and French engineering. SkyMeter has tracked 34 flights across 15 airframes and 15 operators, with ZUMM THOMAS LAWRENCE the largest observed operator.