I am considering moving from a V-tail Bonanza to a Cirrus. Would love some thoughts of others who have done the same transition. I would probably purchase a used SR22, open to what generation would make the most sense. Definitely want FIKI and AC, Turbo??
Steve: If you want FIKI AC you are talking about a 2010 airplane or newer. Your V tail is a non-turbo so you may or may not want a turbo based on your missions and needs. The Bonanza performance is pretty similar to the SR22 with one exception:
The SR22 is a far better and easier cross wind landing airplane than the V tail. That, to a lot of pilots operating with single runways, is a very big deal.
That and it flies a whole lot faster with the gear down 
5 Likes
Thank You Brian, I commonly fly Central Illinois to Greeley Colorado. I fly IFR, I am looking for 4 to 4 1/2 hours nonstop
I had a V tail (S35) way back in the 70s and now fly a Cirrus SR22 NA. In between I had several other aircraft including a B55 Baron, C414 and BE60.
The SR22 is an extremely capable plane. If you fly LOP and have a strong bladder you can easily make 4.5 hour flights. And if your usual flight is Central Illinois to Greely the NA is just fine. If you’re going to go over the Rockies then a T or TN would be preferable.
I have made a number of non stop flights from Jackson Hole to Chicago in my NA at 15,000 feet in 5.5 hours landing with over an hour’s reserve. Westbound requires a fuel stop with typical winds.
For hand flying the Bonanza is MUCH nicer than the Cirrus with better balanced controls and a far better trim system, but otherwise, the Cirrus is about as fast, at least as comfortable, and much better behaved in crosswinds. I think it’s fair to say that the SR22 is a step up from the Bonanza. That’s while they’re still cranking out Cirrus and production of the Bonanza is essential non existent.
4 Likes
I flew a V35B before my SR22. The Bonanza is a bit faster and the hand flying is nice. You also have the option of tip tanks and much better W&B than the earlier SR22’s.
The SR is WAY more comfortable IMO. Doors on both sides, easier to get one with AC, wider seating, side yoke gives you more room.
If you have a. V-tail now then you currently don’t have FIKI, so you could have more Cirrus options if FIKI isn’t a requirement, but you wrote that you definitely want it so that locks you in to a Perspective G3 and newer. The good news is that now there is an upgrade path for Perspective to Perspective+.
FWIW, do you budgeting carefully. The Cirrus world is different for maintenance than the Beech world.
1 Like
Where in Illinois?
I have a NA and have done 6 hours nonstop (LOP) and routinely do 4–5 hours nonstop.
6 Likes
You could have just said you were a glutton for punishment, and we would have understood what you meant.
1 Like
My NA is great for occasional Rockies flying. I have flown over the Rockies, through the Rockies, in the Rockies and around the Rockies. But if I had to do it all the time, or more than a couple times a year I’d probably want turbo/TN.
I find my SR22 to be much more comfortable than my buddy’s A36 — but the Bonanza is a really sweet plane, too. I do envy the TN A36 with tip tanks for its range and 6 seats. But I wouldn’t trade.
Also, ice protection is nice to have and has been very effective for me. Mine isn’t FIKI. I’m not sure if I’d fly differently in a FIKI bird. Might just get me into trouble — like having 4 wheel drive.
3 Likes
2009 and above. Ask me how I know.
2 Likes
Guidance above will get you in a plane that meets your specs. Fly any model and you’ll never go back to your V tail. BTDT.
Dennis is finally right about something 
3 Likes
I recently sold a F33A that I really loved.
Picked up my new to me G6 this afternoon. For all the reasons already stated, the Cirrus is awesome!
9 Likes
The toughest part of switching may be that your Beechcraft buddies may never forgive you.
6 Likes
How do you know??
KIJX - Jacksonville
1 Like
Thank You Vas,
Let me add to my dilemma, My father bought the 1969 V35A in 1972 owned it for several years, Brought in a partner for several years, sold it to his partner, moved on to a C414, I bought it back 16 years ago and have redone a lot.( New Paint, New all Garmin Panel, New Interior, Factory AC,) so I am a little sentimental to this plane. I thought about keeping it, but don’t know if that makes sense. The Chute would make my wife feel better, I like the idea of FIKI, no retractable gear to worry about, 2 doors, side handle, etc. and I’m 66 year young.
2 Likes
Thank You Jerrold, I replied to Vas Rajan Post, Please read and give me your thoughts.
Thank You