Aerospatiale of France designed the aircraft as the top of their piston single line. Technically, the aircraft is built by SOCATA, a subsidiary of EADS. The TB20 was first sold in the U.S. in 1984, although it was awarded French certification in late 1981. The design is modern and it takes significantly fewer parts, and labor hours, to build than its competition at Mooney and Bonanza.
A 250 hp Lycoming powers the TB 20. In 1984, the TB 20 had a gross weight increase and in 1990, the maximum landing weight was increased. The gull-wing cabin doors make entry and exit as easy as it can be for an over-wing entrance. While thought of as a four-seater, you can actually seat three abreast in the rear seat. The cabin has a modern design and layout and is comfortable for its occupants. Performance is respectable for its class, especially given is cabin size.
