Today’s Top Pick is a 1990 SOCATA TB-21 Trinidad.

French design tends to stand out whether we are looking at tableware, furniture, cars, or aircraft. Even nonpilots probably would recognize the SOCATA TB-21 Trinidad’s European styling, especially when comparing its interior with contemporary models from the U.S.

The TB-21’s cabin reminds me of Citroen sedans from the 1970s and ’80s, which seemed at the time to be a decade or two ahead of anything in, say, the General Motors stable.

Beyond decor and perhaps more important when considering the Trinidad’s cabin is its roominess, especially in width. Pilots are unlikely to rub shoulders with passengers in any of SOCATA’s TB series models, which include the fixed-gear TB-9 and TB-10, and the normally aspirated TB-20.

And let’s not forget the top-hinged, gull-wing doors that make getting in and out of TB models particularly easy. Those doors also look extremely cool to onlookers at the airport, and some of that flair is bound to rub off on the pilot. 

This 1990 SOCATA TB-21 Trinidad has 3,065 hours on the airframe, 232 hours since overhaul on its Lycoming TIO-540 engine, and 232 hours on its Hartzell two-blade propeller. The one panel includes Dual Aspen 2000 Pro displays for PFD and MFD, Garmin GTN 650W GPS/nav/comm, King KLN 90 GPS, KN74 transponder, with ADS-B, TCAS, and Bendix-King KFC 150 autopilot. The aircraft is also equipped with TKS ice protection, factory oxygen system, and air conditioning.

Pilots who would like a stylish, comfortable aircraft that stands out on the ramp and is somewhat rare should consider this 1990 SOCATA TB-21 Trinidad, which  is available for $259,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

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• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad

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