FYI, there is a discussion on the AOPA Message Board about the SR20, including the usual parachute issues. Here was my post:
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I’m a former Cirrus position holder, but sold my place in line to buy an '85 TB20 Trinidad. Reasons?
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Loooooong wait for the SR20 (~2 yrs at the time).
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The TB20 is faster (163 vs 160 KTAS cruise), longer legged (1000+ NM range vs 800), lifts more (~800 lbs useful load with full fuel vs ~500), seats more (5, in a pinch, vs 4 max), cheaper ($105K vs $190K), and immediately available.
Drawbacks? Older, not as luxurious or modern, thirstier (250 HP vs 200) and, of course, no 'chute (which, whatever you think of it, is one more option – and options always have value).
Joe Mazza
N576DM
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FYI, there is a discussion on the AOPA Message Board about the SR20, including the usual parachute issues. Here was my post:
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I’m a former Cirrus position holder, but sold my place in line to buy an '85 TB20 Trinidad. Reasons?
- Loooooong wait for the SR20 (~2 yrs at the time).
- The TB20 is faster (163 vs 160 KTAS cruise), longer legged (1000+ NM range vs 800), lifts more (~800 lbs useful load with full fuel vs ~500), seats more (5, in a pinch, vs 4 max), cheaper ($105K vs $190K), and immediately available.
Drawbacks? Older, not as luxurious or modern, thirstier (250 HP vs 200) and, of course, no 'chute (which, whatever you think of it, is one more option – and options always have value).
Joe Mazza
N576DM
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Joe: The summation of 250 posts over the last year couldn’t have said it any better. aa
Joe for me and my partner and our children an old plane with no parachute is not an option
A quite reasonable position. The SR20 is almost certainly a safer aircraft because of the parachute. How much safer, is arguable.
As to newness, that cuts both ways. The TB20 is mature enough that most of its teething problems are in the past. The SR20 is new enough that it is more likely that there are problems yet to be discovered. The vaccuum pump and door hinge problems come to mind – not to mention the jammed aileron.
Bottom line: I don’t consider it in any way foolhardy or irresponsible to take my family up in the Trinidad.
Joe
Joe for me and my partner and our children an old plane with no parachute is not an option