Cessna 172 vs Socata TB-10
The Socata TB-10 Tobago and Cessna 172/182 are four-seat fixed-gear tourers — the Tobago a wide-cabin low-wing, the Cessnas the high-wing benchmarks.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 172
- For sale now
- 495
- Median asking
- $128,000
- Range
- $56,710–$299,000
- Model years available
- 1951–2026
Socata TB-10
No active listings right now.
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Generations Breakdown
Per-generation specs — engine/weight/performance differ materially across production eras.
Per-era “For sale” counts exclude listings with unspecified year and separate variants (RG retractable, Hawk XP), so they may not sum to the total above.
Cessna 172 — 3 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172 Continental | 1956–1967 | O-300 | 2300 | 118 | 520 | 135 |
| 172 O-320 150hp | 1968–1976 | O-320-E2D | 2300 | 120 | 585 | 119 |
| 172 O-320 160hp | 1977–1986 | O-320-H2AD/D2J | 2400 | 122 | 585 | 95 |
Socata TB-10 — 0 generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | MTOW | Cruise | Range | For sale |
|---|
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 172 | Socata TB-10 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 6810 | 4 |
| Serious | 542 | 0 |
| Fatal | 960 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 1802 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 14% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 172 | Socata TB-10 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $56,710 – $299,000 | $104,821 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | — |
| Horsepower | 145–160 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 118–122 kts (226 km/h) | — |
| Range | 520–585 nm (1,083 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 14,000 ft (4,267 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 2300–2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 878 lbs (398 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 56.0 gal (212 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 8.6 GPH (33 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $130 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 172
Fuel$47/hr
Variable$130/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$44,000/yr
Socata TB-10
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Cessna 172 and SOCATA TB-10 Tobago?
Geography and construction. The Cessna 172 is the North American four-seat training standard — aluminium, high-wing, and universally supported. The SOCATA TB-10 Tobago (Lycoming O-360, ~180 hp, low-wing, 4 seats, ~135 kt) is a French-built aircraft widely used in European flight training. The Tobago is largely unknown in North American markets; in France and parts of Europe it is a respected 172 alternative.
172 or SOCATA Tobago — which trainer?
In North America, the 172 is the only practical choice — the Tobago has virtually no support infrastructure in the US or Canada. In Europe (primarily France), the Tobago is a supported training aircraft with comparable mission capability to the 172. The decision is almost entirely geographic.
What makes the SOCATA TB-10 distinctive?
The TB-10 is a low-wing four-seater with a large canopy providing good visibility. The SOCATA TB family (TB9 Tampico, TB10 Tobago, TB20 Trinidad) forms a performance progression common in French flight schools — the Tobago sits in the middle as the fixed-gear 180 hp tourer/trainer.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 172S: IO-360-L2A (180 hp), 4 seats, high-wing, ~122 kt. SOCATA TB-10 Tobago: O-360 (~180 hp), 4 seats, low-wing, ~135 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
In North America, the 172 wins decisively on operating economics. In France and French-influenced markets, both aircraft have comparable support costs. Outside Europe, SOCATA parts availability is limited — the 172's global supply chain is incomparable.
Which should I buy?
172 for universal operations and the world's deepest support network. SOCATA TB-10 for buyers in France or Europe who are already within the SOCATA network and value its training pedigree.
Which is better, Cessna 172 or Socata TB-10?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 172 cruises at 118 kts with 518 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 172: from $99,500.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 172 and Socata TB-10?
172 engine: LYCOMING (180 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
172: about $130/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
172: 4 seats / 878 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
172: 1,400-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data