I am in the midst of my own due diligence process surrounding the potential acquisition of a new SR-20. I currently own a Piper Archer III. I like my Archer very much, but am interested in a bit more speed and comfort. I fly approximately 50/50 personal/business, and almost all in the North East (MA, RI, CT, NY, NH, ME, VT). I apologize for posting an entry that I’m sure gets posted each and every day; but if any SR-20 (or even SR-22) owners out there could elighten me with a small bit of insight, I would certainly appreciate it. Thank you.
In reply to:
I am in the midst of my own due diligence process surrounding the potential acquisition of a new SR-20. I currently own a Piper Archer III. I like my Archer very much, but am interested in a bit more speed and comfort. I fly approximately 50/50 personal/business, and almost all in the North East (MA, RI, CT, NY, NH, ME, VT). I apologize for posting an entry that I’m sure gets posted each and every day; but if any SR-20 (or even SR-22) owners out there could elighten me with a small bit of insight, I would certainly appreciate it. Thank you.
I previously owned a 1999 piper archer III which I used to get my private and instrument rating in. However, once I finished the IR, I felt I had already outgrown the Archer for going on any kind of trip especially with passengers. I bought an SR20 and think it is exponentially greater than the Archer.
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Sooooo much more comfortable! 2 doors. Easy for myself and a front seat passenger to coexist in the cockpit. No more gouging each other with elbows as I try to write down a freq.
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Faster. 155 vs 125 is a huge difference.
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handles soooo much better. I remember running the archer around the pattern to keep the oil moving while I had it for sale and I couldn’t believe the sluggishness of it compared to the SR20. Just was not as fun to fly.
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Side stick so much nicer than the yoke. I can’t tell you how many times coming in final and getting jolted around with some gusty winds caused me to bash my knees when trying to use full aileron in the archer.
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handles crosswinds and gusty conditions so much better. I couldn’t give you all the reasons such as wing loading, roll rate etc but I am telling you, it’s a dream instead of a nightmare in gusty crosswinds.
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Situational awareness and engine monitoring rocks. I had dual 430’s in the archer and thought that was all I ever could want to give me good situation awareness. Then I flew the sr20 with an avidyne big screen. HA! Just can’t beat it.
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Emax engine monitoring is so nice, so helpful to use the leaning assistance features. Love seeing the fuel flow, estimated time in the air, how many gallons burned, how much I will have when I land etc.
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More useful load
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Longer range
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Ramp appeal
you might consider going straight to the 22 if you have your IFR rating and 500 hrs TT. The planes are quite different and having owned both I liked the power, climb rate, and speed that the 22 gave. A great used 22 will cost the same as a new 20 - just a consideration.
I fly approximately 50/50 personal/business, and almost all in the North East (MA, RI, CT, NY, NH, ME, VT).
I would like to point out an obvious advantage of an loaded used 22 over a new 20. Based on the states listed a TKS System would be a consideration.
In reply to:
I am in the midst of my own due diligence process surrounding the potential acquisition of a new SR-20. I currently own a Piper Archer III. I like my Archer very much, but am interested in a bit more speed and comfort. I fly approximately 50/50 personal/business, and almost all in the North East (MA, RI, CT, NY, NH, ME, VT). I apologize for posting an entry that I’m sure gets posted each and every day; but if any SR-20 (or even SR-22) owners out there could elighten me with a small bit of insight, I would certainly appreciate it. Thank you.
Ben -
Another option is to join the fractional company, AirShares Elite. Costs are roughly 1/3 of outright ownership.
Here is a link to the website: http://www.AirSharesElite.com
You will be flying in some crowded airspace. The Cirrus is really set up for single pilot IFR, but what that means is that in crowded vfr airspace you are safer, because you can set up the flight on the ground, punch the autopilot, and then you can look out for traffic, talk to center, look out for traffic and monitor the systems. I stepped up to the the SR 22 from a piper arrow, and the difference is like Chevy vs BMW. Both are fine, but… And flying here in the mountains or at night or in IMC or all 3, it is nice to have all the features like TAWS, 4 moving maps, and don’t forget the parachute.
Benjamin,
I upgraded from an Arrow III, but not just any Arrow, my first plane was AOPA’s 1997 Sweepstakes plane, the Ultimate Arrow. check out: www.ultimatearrow.com No I didnÂ’t win it, bought it from the second owner.
I thought that was the plane to end all. However after a flight from MA to the Bahamas I knew I needed three things: More speed, TCAS and WX. My 22 has all that and much more.
My only complaint is the ramp appeal of the “Ultimate Arrow” was great. The Cirrus gets an awful lot of attention too, but now as more and more are around I’m not so special anymore. 
I really like the TCAS and recommend stretching for it if you can. I fly around the Cape and Islands a lot too and boy it sure makes me feel better. Especially in the busy summer when you canÂ’t get flight following from cape approach due to the traffic.
PM me if youÂ’d like to discuss it more. IÂ’m based at PYM.
Jason
N213JW
Couldn’t agree more with Rick! I have/had about 275 hrs in a 235 which is more powerful than the Archer and still the 20 is a better machine except for the useful. All of Rick points are right on the money. The Archer has a very light wing loading and a Hershey Bar wing which creates great lift but not speed. You feel every bump in the sky. While the Cirrus gives you the Cadillac ride. I don’t mean to sound like a salesman for Cirrus but you really can’t beat either the 20 or 22. They are truly a well engineered plane. The only problem is buying the 20 and then wanting to ugrade to the 22 later! Nice problem, huh.
A
Rick, Andrew & Stuart,
Thank you VERY much for you prompt and thoughtful replies. Rick, it was especially helpful to hear your insight in to the differences between the Archer III and the SR-20. My experiences with the Archer are very similar. I bought it about 30 hours in to my private training and flew it for my private and my instrument (which I am nearly finished with and plan to complete in the Archer; hopefully testing in the next 3-4 weeks). It is really encouraging to hear that the SR-20 speaks directly to many of the Archer’s shortcomings (e.g. speed, handling, useful load, etc.). I also have dual 430’s in my Archer and plan to go for the dual 430’s option in the SR-20. It’s a great panel, but the upgrade to the big displays will be wonderful, I’m sure.
I think that most importantly, I am considering the upgrade so that I can more comfortably and more conveniently carry a passenger or two and some bags on a trip farther than Long Island or southern NH (I live on Cape Cod). I suspect that the SR-20 will be quite suitable for this. Obviously, FL250 and certified for ice would be nice, but I’m not ready to make the jump to an airplane of that caliber. Perhaps by the time I am Cirrus will have the answer.
Thanks again!
how about disclosing that you work for them?
I do n ot think Bob has to disclose that he works for Airshare. He is making a suggestion and letting the party decide if he wants to look at it or not.
I think, at times, we have gone a little too far with asking everyone to “disclose” everything about them.
Most of what we read here is pure opinion anyway. Buyer is “always beware” on this forum.
I think we can lighten up about this. Bob is a long-time member and contributor to the forums. In my opinion his comments about Airshares or fractional ownership in general have always been balanced and thoughtful.
…including this one. He is suggesting this as one option to consider. I don’t see that as objectionable.
So, I’ll say it too: it’s one option to consider that many people have found very satisfactory. It may or may not fit your individual needs/preferences, but at the very least it would be interesting to learn about it.
Disclaimer: I am not an owner or customer of any fractional ownership firm. Even better, I don’t make messes in the house, and am generally not an embarrassment to those with whom I am seen in public. [;)] [:)]
yes. but Ben is seeking advice from owners. i know if i ask friends about an automobile they own i will get a different answer than if i ask the dealer. i just think he deserves to know who he is hearing from.
Ok, I’ll say it. He might take a look at AirShares. I do NOT work for AirShares. I’m just a happy customer.
BTW, my wife had no interest in flying and found trips in a 172 annoying and more something she did for me. Once she flew the Cirrus … Well she is now IFR rated and flew an Angel Flight yesterday from PDK to RDU. Why the change? The Cirrus is comfortable, fast and easily carries the whole family. AirShares removes the ownership hassle. She just drives to the airport, preflights and flies. If there is a squawk she just writes it down and Mac Little takes care of it.
Paul
Bob Price IS AN OWNER of a six pack SR22. It is helpful to know there is an option other than outright ownership. Bob is NOT making a sales pitch here; he is just pointing out another option to get to fly a Cirrus.
You have never been in public with me, Joe or Andy or that would change. Keep the faith and buy a Cirrus, this is my second and it rocks, see the section on the members side called “speed”. 184 true at 12.5 GPH, 213 ground speed.
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Even better, I don’t make messes in the house, and am generally not an embarrassment to those with whom I am seen in public.
Thank God my wife was not looking over my shoulder when I read your post. I think she could be romantically attracted to a guy like you. [:)]
Jim Knollenberg SR20 1281 N814
look go ahead and flame me all you want. if i am looking at a product of any sort and someone offers advice and happens to be a salesman of that particular product i would want to know. if you don’t that’s your preference.
Thanks Bob. You’re right… I’ve been flying for two years out here now and the airspace is ALWAYS very busy. Which brings me to my follow-up question for you. I demo’d the Cirrus yesterday (wow… what fun!). The only option that I am now struggling with is Skywatch. Yes, this would be WONDERFUL to have. In fact, on my demo flight it helped us pick up two separate Cape Air flights descending in to Martha’s Vineyard, both of which came quite close to us. The issue is that I am on a budget. I’m doing my best to justify the move from the Archer III to the SR-20 and the traffic option is quite pricey. Do you have Skywatch. Is it worth the money if you’re on a budget? Thanks!
I’ll pipe up and say that I love Skywatch. As an alternative you could get the plane and change out the transponder to a Garmin 330 but check first that it will do what you want in your area. I prefer Skywatch over the 330 but that assumes you don’t take price into account. On a budget the 330 might be a better option depending on where you live.
Paul