About the SOCATA TB21
The SOCATA TB21 Trinidad TC is a well-regarded aircraft in the realm of general aviation, known for its combination of performance, comfort, and utility. Produced by French aircraft manufacturer SOCATA, which is a subsidiary of the aerospace company Daher, the TB21 Trinidad TC has its origins in the mid-1980s as part of the SOCATA's TB family of aircraft. The family includes several models such as the TB9 Tampico, TB10 Tobago, TB20 Trinidad, and the TB21 Trinidad TC, with the TB21 being the turbocharged variant of the TB20 model.
The TB21 Trinidad TC was introduced to provide an advanced single-engine, four-seat option for private pilots and small business operators who required higher performance and turbocharging capabilities for better high-altitude flight performance and improved speed. The aircraft is powered by a turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540 engine, which produces around 250 horsepower, allowing for a maximum cruise speed of approximately 191 knots and a service ceiling of 25,000 feet. The inclusion of turbocharging made the TB21 particularly appealing for operations in regions with high ambient temperatures and high altitudes, where naturally aspirated engines often struggle.
Key Features and Capabilities
One of the significant benefits of the TB21 is its comfortable and spacious cabin, which includes club seating and ample luggage space, providing a high level of comfort for both pilots and passengers on longer journeys. Additionally, the aircraft features advanced avionics and navigation systems, making it suitable for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations, critical for business travel and more complex flight scenarios.
SOCATA’s motivation to produce the TB21 was rooted in the growing demand for versatile and higher-performance single-engine aircraft during the 1980s. This demand was driven by both recreational private pilots and a burgeoning market of small business aviation users seeking reliable and efficient transportation solutions. The TB21 Trinidad TC remains a robust choice within the general aviation community, known for its reliability, performance, and comfort.