This 1990 SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad Is a Glass-Panel-Upgraded ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

250 hp Lycoming engine and distinct European styling highlight sleek four-seat cruiser.

FLYING Staff

Monday, October 12, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1990 SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad [Credit: Aerista]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 1990 SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad as "Today's Top Pick," praised for its French design, cross-country performance (155-165 ktas), and clean history with 3,500 total airframe hours.
It is powered by a 250 hp Lycoming engine, offers a 1,200-pound useful load, 1,000 nm range, and includes a premium four-place gray leather interior.
The aircraft boasts a significant glass-panel refresh, featuring a Garmin G500 TXi with Synthetic Vision, GTN 650Xi, and a GFC 500 autopilot with Smart Glide.
Listed at $204,900, it comes with continuous logbooks and a fresh March 2026 annual inspection, presenting a ready-to-fly package for IFR travel.

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

Today’s Top Pick is a 1990 SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad.

Combining French design flair with heavy-haul cross-country performance, the SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad has long stood out from the sea of traditional four-place singles. Engineered with automobile-inspired wide-cabin ergonomics and slippery aerodynamics, this European cruiser effortlessly bridges the gap between high-speed traveling efficiency and sleek ramp appeal, cruising comfortably at 155-165 ktas.

A look at the logbooks confirms a clean history with zero damage or hail events recorded across its 3,500 total airframe hours. Always stored safely in a hangar, the exterior retains a sharp factory-style livery finished in clean snow white with subtle gray-and-blue accent striping.

Swinging open the wide cabin doors reveals an inviting four-place interior with premium gray leather seating. Passengers enjoy broad visibility, comfortable cross-country seating, Rosen sun visors, dual push-to-talk switches, and dedicated side-door baggage compartment that handles bulky luggage with ease.

Supplying thrust up front is a 250 hp Lycoming IO-540-C4D5D engine with 1,800 hours since major overhaul. Matched with a two-blade constant-speed Hartzell propeller showing 620 hours since overhaul, the Trinidad delivers a generous 1,200-pound useful load, a service ceiling near 20,000 feet, and a nonstop range of roughly 1,000 nm.

1990 SOCATA TB-20 Trinidad [Credit: Aerista]

Settling into the pilot’s seat showcases a glass-panel refresh that brings cutting-edge situational awareness to the flight deck. Highlighted by a primary Garmin G500 TXi display with Synthetic Vision, the panel integrates a GTN 650Xi, GNX 355, GI 275 backup instrument, and GFC 500 autopilot featuring Smart Glide, electric pitch trim, and panel-mounted TOGA button.

Listed at $204,900, this aircraft comes complete with continuous logbooks and a fresh March 2026 annual inspection, presenting a ready-to-fly package for owner-pilots seeking fast, capable IFR travel.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.