BeechTalk - BT - 1987 Socata TB-10 Tobago

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Jun 2016, 13:55

Hi Everyone, I am new to the website. I am evaluating buying a 1987 Socata TB-10 Tobago. Does anyone have any comments about this aircraft?

Thanks for your comments
Dick White

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Jun 2016, 13:59

Cherokee that Takes metric tools

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Jun 2016, 17:00

Great planes. A little slower than an Archer but a lot more comfortable.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Jun 2016, 11:47

I had an interesting conversation with a pilot who has owned several of them (tb20). He said they are efficient, carry a good load(a true 4 person and bags airplane), and are bullet proof reliable with very low maintenance costs and great maintenance access. They are also fully supported by the factory. He claimed a cruise speed of 155 to 160 kts. If I didn't need 5 seats I would seriously consider a tb20 if I was going to step down from a twin.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Jun 2016, 16:44

They are solid aircraft and very well supported from Daher.
In this market I would buy a Trinidad TB-20 or TB-21 turbo.

Username Protected wrote:

Hi Everyone, I am new to the website. I am evaluating buying a 1987 Socata TB-10 Tobago. Does anyone have any comments about this aircraft?

Thanks for your comments
Dick White

Username Protected · **Posted:** 19 Jun 2016, 15:24

http://www.socata.org is the Beechtalk of the Socata piston planes (minus the non aviation banter).

The guy who runs it requests some donations to pay for the rackspace and upkeep. Just like BT has a pro beech bias, you will find a pro TB bias on that site. Ask, be humble, don't badmouth any particular aircraft you are looking at. Chances are one of the regulars has owned it before.

There was quite an evolution throughout the 15 year production history. Some of the early models have some parts issues. Get some good advice before you buy. I had my mind set to buy a TB10 about 10 years ago. In the end, I saw that it wouldn't really do anything particularly well and I was not close to one of the shops that is familiar with the type. If you are near Rhode Island, northern Wisconsin or in California with ready access to knowledgeable mechanics, they can be a good option. If you are anywhere you can grow corn as a crop, you will have some entertainment getting maintenance done.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 27 Jun 2016, 23:48

Username Protected wrote:

Hi Everyone, I am new to the website. I am evaluating buying a 1987 Socata TB-10 Tobago. Does anyone have any comments about this aircraft?

Thanks for your comments
Dick White

I owned a 1992 TB10. The best 180HP single you can buy IMHO. The most comfortable seats in any single engine piston, bar none, better than the chairs in your living room for being comfortable after 4 plus hours. Two doors. 120K on 9.2GPH. Great visibility, more modern design than anything but a Cirrus, TTX, or sleek homebuilt. Engine controls at your fingertips.

There are some metric screws, but the important stuff is USA. Good design for maintenance. Maintenance manual readily available online or as a download.

Check this website: http://www.socata.org for details on how the design changed over the years. There are some significant differences between older and newer TB20s, don't remember if there were any with TB10s. The guy running the site is the guru of Socata, and will help you with your purchase with recommendations of what to look for. Give him a call.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Jun 2016, 00:47

Solid choice. Well made, nice handling, good performance aircraft and generally very good value compared to other options. Still supported by factory and excellent support from active, knowledgable and helpful users group. Socata.org is an exceptional resource and very well run website with active forums. Maintenance is not a problem, parts are easily available.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Jun 2016, 09:14

Username Protected wrote:

http://www.socata.org is the Beechtalk of the Socata piston planes (minus the non aviation banter).

The guy who runs it requests some donations to pay for the rackspace and upkeep. Just like BT has a pro beech bias, you will find a pro TB bias on that site. Ask, be humble, don't badmouth any particular aircraft you are looking at. Chances are one of the regulars has owned it before.

There was quite an evolution throughout the 15 year production history. Some of the early models have some parts issues. Get some good advice before you buy. I had my mind set to buy a TB10 about 10 years ago. In the end, I saw that it wouldn't really do anything particularly well and I was not close to one of the shops that is familiar with the type. If you are near Rhode Island, northern Wisconsin or in California with ready access to knowledgeable mechanics, they can be a good option. If you are anywhere you can grow corn as a crop, you will have some entertainment getting maintenance done.

Well, fiddle sticks.

Andrew runs a tight ship over there.

Being interested isn't enough to get admitted.

Just received a rejection email.

:sad:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Jun 2016, 09:39

Username Protected wrote:

Well, fiddle sticks.

Andrew runs a tight ship over there.

Being interested isn't enough to get admitted.

Just received a rejection email.

:sad:

I forgot. He runs it as a 'users group'. I got my login when he wasn't running the site.
Do you have his contact? I talked to him some years back and he is quite reasonable.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Jun 2016, 09:55

Username Protected wrote:

Well, fiddle sticks.

Andrew runs a tight ship over there.

Being interested isn't enough to get admitted.

Just received a rejection email.

:sad:

I forgot. He runs it as a 'users group'. I got my login when he wasn't running the site.
Do you have his contact? I talked to him some years back and he is quite reasonable.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Jun 2016, 12:59

Email webmaster@socata.org

There are quite a few non-TB members there, I joined well before I bought one. Maybe it was just a website problem.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Jun 2016, 13:04

Username Protected wrote:

I was pretty clear as to my current level of interest, I've always thought these were interesting planes, but I respect his desire to keep out the riff-raff.

If you ask him, I am the riff-raff ;-)

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Jun 2016, 02:30

Username Protected wrote:

Well, fiddle sticks.

Andrew runs a tight ship over there.

Being interested isn't enough to get admitted.

Just received a rejection email.

:sad:

You don't get rejected, there's a communications breakdown somewhere. They'd love to have you, and the entire group will offer to help. Try again, and also call Andrew especially if you're about to do something. He's busy so leave a message, but he does call back quick enough.

TB10s are rare. Don't let a good one get away.