Cirrus Aircraft

Similar to other aircraft companies, Cirrus comes from humble beginnings. The company began inside an old barn in Wisconsin, Michigan, in 1984 by brothers Dale and Alan Klapmeier. After the brothers took over their old family farm, they began their first project – the VK-30. This model is better known as the Kit plane and took off for the first time in 1988.

After retiring the VK-30 in the mid-1990s, Cirrus designed the SR series to feature a glass cockpit, which soon became an aviation industry standard. Cirrus has a passion for creating innovative features, and to this day, is the only aircraft manufacturer with its own whole airframe parachute system, which comes standard in many models.

Cirrus is also a partner of Audi automobiles and MasterCraft boats. Today, their main campus is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and they offer a strong focus on safety, performance, style, and comfort.

The Original Cirrus SR22

The SR22 began in 2001, and critics quickly deemed it a more powerful version of the SR20. It features a fixed yet non-retractable tricycle landing gear, a castering nose wheel, and steering from differential braking on the main wheels. It contains a nose-mounted 310 hp (231 kW) Continental IO-550-N piston engine. In addition, passengers can enter its four-seater cabin via doors on both sides of the fuselage.

Like the SR20, the SR22 was equipped with a Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). In case of an emergency, this system could deploy and lower the entire aircraft to the ground. Among its distinct parachute system, the Cirrus SR22 is the only aircraft in production and in its class includes side-stick flight controls that contain aspects of a traditional yoke handle (side yoke).

Of the nearly 150 aircraft on display at the National Air and Space Museum, one is a 2003 SR22. The Smithsonian’s new general aviation exhibition will showcase the 2003 SR22 in 2022.

Training With The Cirrus SR22

Cirrus handles flight training and has multiple training facilities located across the United States:

  • Knoxville, Tennessee
  • McKinney, Texas
  • Bend, Oregon
  • Spokane, Washington
  • Seattle, Washington
  • Truckee, California
  • San Diego, California
  • Henderson, Nevada
  • Casper, Wyoming
  • Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Englewood, Colorado
  • Addison, Texas
  • Waco, Texas
  • Bethany, Oklahoma
  • Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Hutchinson, Kansas
  • New Century, Kansas
  • Shreveport, Louisiana
  • Madison, Mississippi
  • Eden Prairie, Minnesota
  • Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Lake Elmo, Minnesota
  • Chesterfield, Missouri
  • Bloomingfield, Illinois
  • Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • Middleton, Wisconsin
  • Waterford, Michigan
  • Fort Wayne, Indiana
  • Zionsville, Indiana
  • Owensboro, Kentucky
  • Louisville, Kentucky
  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Nashville, Tennessee
  • Kennesaw, Georgia
  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Savannah, Georgia
  • North Charleston, South Carolina
  • Monroe, North Carolina
  • Ocala, Florida
  • Spring Hill, Florida
  • Clearwater, Florida
  • Sarasota, Florida
  • Fort Myers, Florida
  • Naples, Florida
  • Miami, Florida
  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Stuart, Florida
  • Melbourne, Florida
  • Gaithersburg, Maryland
  • Leesburg, Virginia
  • Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
  • Princeton, New Jersey
  • Morristown, New Jersey
  • West Orange, New Jersey
  • West Harrison, New York
  • Farmingdale, New York
  • Montgomery, New York
  • Plainville, Connecticut
  • Plymouth, Massachusetts
  • Bedford, Massachusetts
  • Danvers, Massachusetts
  • Gilford, New Hampshire
  • Brunswick, Maine
  • Country of Origin: America

Cirrus SR22 Statistics

213 kts

Maximum Speed

1,021 Nm

Maximum Range

4

Maximum Occupants

2001-Present

Range Of Years Manufactured

6,526

Total Aircraft Build

57

Current Operational Aircraft

1,246 lbs

Useful Load

$434,991

Average Sale Value

142

Average Days On Market For Sale

Status

VREF Demand Rating (Buyer/Seller/Normal)

Operational Resources

Operations Manual

Maintenance Document

Local Resources

Cirrus Aircraft Service & Support Locations

Manufacturer

Insurance

2020 SR22T Details

Interior

Cirrus’ SR22T interior evokes luxury and offers buyers the option to choose a color and style that best suits their taste. The aircraft contains modern, smart features such as USB charging ports, strategically placed cup holders, and storage pockets for everyone on board.

The seating is ergonomic, inspired by the automobile industry, and offers a sleek and timeless look. Premium leather seats display Alcantara touchpoints and showcase a carbon weave, keeping in line with the aircraft’s bold heritage. Choices in leather upholstery include the following colors:

  • Champagne
  • Mocha
  • Obsidian Black
  • Graphite Grey
  • Lunar Grey

Exterior

The SR22T offers a smooth look with defined curved lines. Part of its exterior features includes UV-protected windows, cuffed wings for added safety, and Spectra wingtip lighting for added brightness and visibility.

Additionally, buyers can choose a custom color for its exterior design. Colors range from classic to extremely bold and include the following:

  • Corso Red Sterling
  • Corso Red White
  • Monarch Blue Sterling
  • Monarch Blue White
  • Volt Sterling
  • Volt White
  • Titan Grey Sterling
  • Titan Grey White
  • Bimini Blue Sterling
  • Bimini Blue White
  • White Sterling
  • Sterling White

Avionics

The Cirrus SR22T may contain the following avionics:

  • Cirrus Perspective+TM by Garmin® Cockpit Synthetic Vision Technology (SVTTM)
  • 10″ (25.4 cm) Screens
  • GMA 350c All-Digital Bluetooth® Audio Panel QWERTY Keyboard Controller
  • Dual WAAS GPS/Comm/Nav Radios Engine & Fuel Monitoring
  • ADS-B Out Transponder
  • 406 MHz ELT
  • GFC 700 Autopilot
  • Perspective Electronic Stability & Protection (ESP) Dual ADAHRS
  • Hypoxia Check/Automated Descent Mode
  • Blue Level Button
  • Autopilot Stall Protection

Specifications

Configuration: Single Engine, Piston, Fixed Gear

  • Max Seats: 4
  • Max Take-Off Weight: 3400 lbs
  • Landing (50ft): 2325 ft
  • Take Off (50ft): 1575 ft
  • Cruise: 180 Kts
  • Range: 1000 Nm
  • Wing Span: 38 ft 6 in
  • Length: 26 ft
  • Height: 9 ft 3 in

All Cirrus SR22 Models

SR22

The original SR22, produced in 2001, has a fixed (non-retractable) tricycle landing gear and contains a nose-mounted 310 hp (231 kW) Continental IO-550-N piston engine.

SR22 G2

In 2004, the SR22 G2 was born. Critics deem it as an improved variation of the original SR22 with airframe modifications (fuselage).

SR22 Turbo G2

A few initial models of the SR22 Turbo G2 in 2006 became Signature Edition SE22 G2s, featuring a uniquely painted exterior, black leather seats, and signatures on the cowling of Cirrus founders Dale and Alan Klapmeier.

SR22TN

Another one of the first turbo models seen in 2006, the SR22TN, came equipped with a factory-installed Tornado Alley turbo-normalizing upgrade kit (under a Supplemental Type certificate) featuring twin turbo-normalizers and twin intercoolers.

SR22 G3

Launched in 2007, the SR22 G3 variant offered a modified wing and landing gear with an increased range and fuel capacity from 81 to 92 U.S. gallons. Its wing became a lighter carbon fiber wing spar, and its landing gear became longer for increased prop clearance. The GTS version of this aircraft came with airbag seatbelts.

SR22T

The first SR22T entered the aviation world in 2010 and featured a turbocharged Continental TSIO-550-K producing 315 horsepower. Its low-compression pistons produce a 7.5 to 1 compression ratio, allowing the engine to run on lower octane fuel. The SR22T has a maximum cruise speed of 214 kn, an empty weight of 2,348 lbs, and a maximum operating altitude of 25,000 ft. In addition, Cirrus decreased its useful load to 1,052 lbs and reduced its range to 1,046 nm. Finally, it altered its front end with a Hartzell three-blade lightweight composite propeller.

SR22/22T G5

Cirrus decided to skip a G4 variation of the SR22 and SR22T, going right into the G5 variants of both the SR22 and SR22T. This change included a 200 lb increase in the maximum takeoff weight, while other features such as the 60/40 split back seat, ADS-B transponder, and Garmin GFC700 autopilot became standard.

Among some redesigned features, the wheel pants now include an access door for the inflator valve. In addition, the aircraft’s ballistic parachute used a larger canopy to account for the higher takeoff weight and more powerful rocket. While earlier versions used a pyrotechnic rocket ignition system, this eventually changed and became a fail-safe electronic ignition, with a maximum operating speed of 140 knots. Maximum flap speeds increased to 150 knots (first notch), 110 knots (second notch), adding another 3.5 degrees of extension. At cruise speeds, fuel burn slightly increased, and the rate of climb was reduced. Liftoff speed increased from 72 to 80 knots, and stall speed increased from 58 to 60 knots.

SR22/22T G6

In 2017, the G6 model added some upgrades, including new LED wingtip lights for added brightness. It also updated its Garmin avionics flight deck. This upgrade became better known as “Cirrus Perspective-Plus,” with an instrument processing speed ten times faster.

TRAC

The 2019 TRAC variation was specifically designed for flight training. It features a simplified yet more durable interior, Perspective+ flight deck, push-to-talk functionality in the rear seats, and simulated landing gear controls.

Top Cirrus SR22 Questions

How Much Does A Cirrus SR22 Cost?

Buying brand new and purchasing pre-owned are two completely different stories. You’re likely to save money upfront buying a used aircraft versus shelling out for one that’s brand new.

For example, when searching for an SR22 for sale, you’re probably looking at a retail value of about $180,000 for a 2001 SR22 standard equipment model. For comparison, a brand new 2021 SR22 will cost about $859,900, while the 2021 SR22T will run around$959,900.

How Fast Is A Cirrus SR22?

The answer to this question truly depends on which model you’re interested in. A 2001 Cirrus SR22 can reach up to 180 kts, while a newer SR22 can reach 183 knots. A 2017 SR22 G6 can reach up to 180 kts, and a new SR22T can reach speeds up to 213 kts.

When looking at the SR22 line of aircraft, it’s critical to keep in mind that certain ones are equipped with turbo engines if you prefer a faster aircraft.

How Easy Is It To Fly A Cirrus SR22?

It’s fairly easy. However, there are some things you should be aware of. To start, Cirrus takes pride in its innovative designs. One of these innovations includes the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). While it’s not deemed a necessary feature for all aircraft, it comes standard with all SR22 models and can take some getting used to in the case of an emergency.

In addition to its added safety features, the SR22 is a more advanced single-piston aircraft than others on the market. It’s important to train with this particular aircraft. Some more seasoned pilots even suggest starting on an SR20 before attempting to fly the SR22.

What Engine Does A Cirrus SR22 Have?

The latest SR22 has a Continental IO-550-N engine. The latest SR22T model comes with a Continental TSIO-550-K Turbocharged engine.

What Is Cirrus SR22s Operational History?

The Cirrus SR22 has been used by the French Air and Space Force 6× SR22, the Royal Saudi Air Force, and Minnesota State Patrol for law enforcement operations, monitoring, search and rescue missions, and more.

What Does The Safety Record For The Cirrus SR22 Look Like?

To date, there have been 377 accidents on record across all SR22 models. However, after a record high of 16 fatal accidents in 2011, Cirrus seriously reworked how they taught flying their SR22 models by offering extensive training on their Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).

This active safety demonstration led fatal accidents to fall to three in the same year that nearly 6,000 Cirrus aircraft logged over 1 million total flight hours. Because they’ve encouraged additional safety training for their aircraft, fatal accidents have reached significant lows.

Is The Cirrus SR22 Pressurized?

No. However, there are available retrofits for Cirrus SR22 models starting with the G2, which can be installed to provide four people on board with oxygen as needed. The same add-ons are available for the 5-seater G5.

Interested In Buying Or Selling A Cirrus SR22?

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