Socata TB21 GT versus Cessna TR182

I’m sure you can find a PoH online with a bit of searching. I found one for the pre-GT version: https://www.avsoft.com.au/ext/Tb21pim.pdf .

Afaik there is very little performance difference between the GT and pre-GT, certainly not enough to influence a purchase decision.

Peter will tel you that the TB21 never goes to TBO because of the turbo. I can’t comment on this, but turbonormalised Cessna 182s make it to TBO without a problem (mine certainly did). So it probably has more to do with how you operate it.

Compared to an SR22T, it will be a LOT cheaper, because it is older. Unless you get lucky, it will also have steam gauge avionics, which will cost you around $50K to upgrade to something “glassier”, and closer to $100K if you go for the whole G500 update. But it will still be a lot less money. A new SR22T goes for $1.4M, older ones are of course cheaper but don’t have the same avionics (though still glass, unless you get a REALLY old one). And of course the SR22 has a parachute – how important that is for you and your family, only you can judge.

I’ve now got about 100 hours on my TB20, and a few hours on a recent SR22. From a pilot pov, I prefer the TB20, but there’s not really much to choose. I don’t like the electric bungee trim on the Cirrus, but I’m told you get used to it.

FeRrYs wrote:

I need family cruiser – 4 people

For that purpose, take the real world weight and moment figures from the airplane you are looking at and do the math. Can this plane take you 4 and the baggage your family needs while still carrying enough fuel to give you a decent range?

This is not TB20/1 specific really, but one of the most common mistakes people make when buying airplanes, finding out that payload is nowhere near sufficient. It may not be the case here, but most 4 seaters sit 2-3 with full fuel, so due diligence will save you a lot of problems later on.

There are those who say not without reason that airplanes which can seat 4 plus bags plus decent range are usually 6 seaters like a Piper 32 or C210. That is not always so but quite often nevertheless. So check out your WnB REALISTICALLY before you go any further.

W&B aside, do you think you will be able to fit all their luggage in the baggage compartment?

https://www.peter2000.co.uk/aviation/tb20-experience/2000-TB-GT-leaflet.pdf

TB20 GT & TB21 GT leaflets.

I own a TB20GT myself and considered buying a tb21 when i was looking to purchase. The downsides for me were the following:

- slightly lower useful load on TB21
- more complex engine management
- more potential maintenance issues
- a bit pointless to have a turbo if you are only going to FL100. Above that you need oxygen which means your 4 seater probably becomes a 2 seater for all intents and purposes.

If you are an experienced pilot capable of managing a turbo engine then go for it. Otherwise Id think again..

I will say the climb in a TB20 in rather slow in hot weather once you get towards 8000ft or so.

A true, honest, useful load of 1,250 lbs plus in a four seater, i.e. you can load the cabin and reasonable fuel without encountering CG envelope issues, is quite rare.

The Piper Dakota and the Beechcraft Bonanza V35 and V35A, perhaps some V35Bs, with empty CG around 78in, can achieve this. The TB20 is also in this category, as is the Cirrus SR22.

As far as I can see there is only one TB21GT on the market right now. The price is remarkably (suspiciously) low (£140K) but… it’s in Australia. So you have to add shipping costs which I’d guess will be around $30K. And good luck finding someone to do a pre-buy in Australia!

This one has steam gauges and a GTN650+GNS530. There is a factory-approved mod to install a G500, which mine has. But I doubt it’s cheap (mine was already done when I bought it).

Here.