Piper Arrow vs Socata TB-20 Trinidad
The Socata TB-20 Trinidad and Piper Arrow are retractable four/five-seat singles — the Trinidad a roomy, wide-cabin French tourer, the Arrow the classic retractable trainer/tourer.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 196
- Median asking
- $134,945
- Range
- $79,053–$243,250
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 71
- Source marketplaces
- 15
- Model years available
- 1967–2015
- For sale now
- 33
- Median asking
- $204,200
- Range
- $140,253–$328,350
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 12
- Source marketplaces
- 7
- Model years available
- 1984–2003
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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) | Piper Arrow | Socata TB-20 Trinidad |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 4 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 3 |
| Fatalities | — | 4 |
| % Fatal | — | 75% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Arrow | Socata TB-20 Trinidad |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $79,053 – $243,250 | $140,253 – $328,350 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Horsepower | 200 HP | 250 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 135 kts (250 km/h) | 157 kts (291 km/h) |
| Range | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 887 nm (1,643 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,400 ft (4,694 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 2,750 lbs (1,247 kg) | 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg) |
| Useful Load | 940 lbs (426 kg) | 1,076 lbs (488 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 72.0 gal (273 L) | 86.0 gal (326 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 10.5 GPH (40 L/h) | 15.0 GPH (57 L/h) |
| TBO | 2,000 hrs | 2,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $145 | $150 |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Arrow
Socata TB-20 Trinidad
Which Should You Buy: Piper Arrow or Socata TB-20 Trinidad?
Bottom line: Choose the Piper Arrow for the largest support/training network and easy ownership; choose the TB-20 Trinidad for a wider, more comfortable cabin and strong cross-country manners. Arrow = support/ training; Trinidad = cabin/comfort.
Pick the Arrow if…
- Budget matters — from $79,053 vs $140,253, you save ~$61,200.
- Lower operating cost — ~$145/hr vs $150/hr.
- More inventory — 223 listings vs 32.
Pick the TB-20 Trinidad if…
- More seats — 5 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 157 kts vs 135 kts.
- Longer range — 887 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1982 vs 1967.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.