1984 Socata TB-20 Trinidad

Wilco Aviation is delighted to offer the exclusive listing of Socata TB20 Trinidad N5ZY, a highly capable and exceptionally comfortable four-seat touring aircraft powered by the robust 250-horsepower Lycoming IO-540 engine. Carefully maintained and thoughtfully equipped, this aircraft has served its current owners reliably for many years and is now ready to begin a new chapter with its next custodian.

Currently based with us at Henstridge Airfield, N5ZY has spent the majority of its life operating from this location with its present owner. Over the years, the aircraft has been used extensively for touring, enjoying countless adventures and memorable trips. Highlights include a journey to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2012, demonstrating both the reliability and long-range touring capability of the TB20. The owner’s decision to sell now presents an excellent opportunity for a discerning private pilot or syndicate to acquire a well-cared-for aircraft with a proven history and an excellent pedigree.

The Socata TB20 forms part of the highly regarded TB series, affectionately known as the “Caribbean Planes”. Designed and built in Tarbes by the French manufacturer Socata, these aircraft were conceived with comfort, refinement and practical touring capability firmly in mind. While many four-seat, single-engine piston aircraft focus primarily on headline performance figures, the TB20 established its reputation by prioritising space, ease of operation and long-distance comfort. With its generous 49-inch-wide cabin, car-like interior finish and expansive canopy providing excellent all-round visibility, the TB20 is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable four-seat touring aircraft in its class. Both pilots and passengers benefit from a spacious, well-designed cabin that transforms longer journeys into a genuinely enjoyable experience rather than simply a means of transport.

When compared with narrower aircraft of similar power, the TB20 does trade some outright performance for its comfort, structural strength and generous cabin proportions. However, owners consistently view this balance as a key advantage rather than a compromise. The constant-speed propeller and efficient airframe still deliver solid cross-country performance, while the refined interior, low noise levels and high-quality fit and finish make extended flights relaxed and rewarding. Socata’s attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, with doors on both sides for easy access, a logical instrument panel layout, and a cockpit environment that promotes comfort, situational awareness and safety.

N5ZY is particularly attractive thanks to its comprehensive avionics suite and additional upgrades, including an increase in maximum take-off weight (MTOW). This enhancement allows the optional fifth seat to be utilised when required, offering valuable flexibility for those occasions when an extra passenger needs to be carried, without compromising the aircraft’s touring capability.

The avionics and equipment fit of N5ZY is both comprehensive and well balanced, offering a capable and reassuring cockpit environment for VFR and IFR operations alike. At the heart of the panel are the Aspen EFD 1000 Primary Flight Display and Aspen EFD 1000 Multi-Function Display, providing a clean, modern presentation of essential flight, navigation and situational awareness information. These displays significantly reduce pilot workload while enhancing clarity and redundancy compared with traditional analogue instrumentation.

Navigation and communication capabilities are centred around the Garmin GNS 530W GPS/NAV/COM, which is WAAS-enabled and compliant with 8.33 kHz channel spacing, making the aircraft well suited to modern European airspace and IFR procedures. This is complemented by the Garmin SL30 NAV/COM, providing additional flexibility and redundancy. Audio management is handled by the Garmin GMA340 audio panel, delivering clear radio and intercom audio for both pilot and passengers.

Surveillance and airspace compliance are ensured through the Garmin GTX330ES Mode S transponder, which provides ADS-B Out capability and enhances both traffic awareness and compatibility with current and future airspace requirements. Traditional navigation aids remain available via the Bendix King KN64 distance measuring equipment and the Bendix King KR87 automatic direction finder, offering compatibility with a wide range of ground-based navigation facilities. A Garmin GPS 495 moving map further enhances situational awareness, particularly useful during VFR touring.

Workload reduction is further supported by the S-TEC autopilot, equipped with altitude hold, heading, navigation and approach modes, making longer flights more relaxed and manageable, particularly during IFR operations or extended cross-country touring. Engine monitoring is comprehensively addressed by the Insight G4 engine monitor, while Aerospace Logic digital engine and systems gauges provide clear and reliable indications for fuel quantity, oil pressure and temperature, electrical system status, fuel pressure, manifold pressure, and engine running time.

The wider Socata TB family has long been popular with private owners, flying clubs and training organisations worldwide. Renowned for their solid French engineering, attention to detail and emphasis on comfort, these aircraft enjoy a loyal following. N5ZY stands as an excellent example of the type, combining the qualities that made the TB20 so desirable with modern equipment and thoughtful upgrades that ensure it remains highly relevant today.

Whether used for relaxed weekend touring, longer continental journeys or as a comfortable and capable platform for training and skill development, this aircraft delivers on every front. It inspires confidence, rewards good handling and offers a flying experience that is both refined and practical. For those seeking a touring aircraft that goes beyond the basics, N5ZY is ready to provide its next owners with many years of rewarding flying.

Usable fuel 86.2 USG (326 Litres)

155 knot cruise

Interior: Grey leather

Exterior: Blue and White with Silver Trim

Aspen EFD 1000 PFD

Aspen EFD 1000 MFD

Garmin GMA340 audio panel

Garmin GNS530W (8.33kHz Spaced) GPS/NAV/COM

Garmin SL30 NAV/COM

Garmin GTX330ES (Mode S) (ADS-B out) Transponder

Bendix King KN64 Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)

Bendix King KR87 Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)

Garmin GPS 495 Moving map

STEC Auto Pilot (ALT/HDG/NAV/APR)

Insight G4 Engine monitor

Attitude Indicator (AI)

Altimeter

Aerospace logic FL202 Fuel gauges

Aerospace logic OPT200X Oil pressure / Oil temperature gauges

Aerospace logic VA200K Volt meter / Ammeter gauges

Aerospace logic FM200K Fuel pressure / Manifold pressure gauges

Aerospace logic TM200 Tach / Hobbs gauge

Suction gauge

Outside Air Temperature gauge (OAT) INOP

Electric Flaps

Kannad Compact 406 ELT

LED Landing Light

LED Taxi light

NAV lights

SIRS NV2C-12V lit compass

2x BOSE A20 headsets with Lemo connections

Interior - 9

Exterior - 10

Year: 1984

Make: Socata

Model: TB20 Trinidad

Reg Number: N5ZY

Aircraft Type: Single Engine Fixed Wing

Airframe Hours: 2763 (+/- 5hrs)

Engine Make: Lycoming IO-540-C4D5D

Engine Hours: 339 (+/- 5hrs)

Engine Overhauled: 18/05/2016

Prop Make: Hartzell 3-Blade

Prop Hours: 422 (+/- 5hrs)

Annual: 02/10/2025

Empty Weight: 800kg (1760lbs)

MTOW: 1335kg (2943lbs)

Hangared: Yes

Price: £165,000.00 GBP

Telephone: 01963 602182

Email:

Immaculate both inside and out.