This 1986 SOCATA TB-21 Trinidad Is an Invested ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

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 1986 SOCATA TB-21 Trinidad.

Widely recognized for its striking European design and expansive gull-wing doors, this turbocharged SOCATA TB-21 Trinidad stands out in the single-engine piston market for its sports-car-like ergonomics and remarkably spacious cabin. The French-built aircraft has earned a loyal following among owner-pilots who value its blend of excellent visibility, solid handling characteristics, and impressive high-altitude cruising capabilities.

Those occupying the front seats will appreciate the highly upgraded instrument panel, which centers around a modern Avidyne IFD550 GPS/nav fully coupled to an S-TEC 65 autopilot featuring altitude pre-select. The avionics suite also includes an Avidyne SkyTrax200 ADS-B receiver, Avidyne AXP340 transponder, Garmin GNC 255A nav/com, and Shadin fuel flow monitor. 

Moving to the cabin, the updated interior, rated 8/10, treats the pilot and copilot to air-memory-foam seats with matching upholstery, making long-haul missions exceptionally comfortable.

Driving the aircraft is a reliable turbocharged Lycoming powerplant that, while at TBO, is reported to be running remarkably strong with clean oil analysis tracked over the past 15 years. To ensure continued dependable operation, the owner recently invested in new replacements from Lycoming for cylinders one, two, three, five, and six. This proven engine is paired with a three-blade Hartzell propeller that includes TKS deice and represents a $10,000 investment, delivering confident performance for high-altitude missions.

Based in Rocklin, California, this 1986 model arrives on the market with just 2,385 total hours on the airframe. The well-cared-for aircraft boasts complete records with no damage history, and it has been meticulously maintained by a professional pilot owner with A&P/IA ratings. Enhancing its all-weather capability, the Trinidad features a unique, fully integrated TKS deice system covering the wings, windshield, tail, and propeller. 

The exterior sports fresh firewall-forward paint on the cowlings and updated LED lighting, earning an overall 7/8 condition rating, while the airframe provides a practical useful load of 1,041 pounds.

Listed at $199,950, this 1986 SOCATA TB-21 Trinidad presents an impressive combination of low airframe time, extensive high-value upgrades, and genuine all-weather capability for the serious traveler.

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.