What a wonderful problem! Now that we received the certified mail offering us the option to the SR22, what are the benefits vs the additional cost of $65,300 and added maintenance. All comments and opinions welcome! Rick #192
Not knowing your specifics, I’d vote for the SR-22. Assuming you are going to finance the airplane, I believe the extra $$ comes out to around 500 - 700 a month. For that, you get a true 4 person version of the sr-20. Both the 20 and the 22 should hold their value extremely well, but from the research I’ve done, real 4 person planes hold their value the best in the long run. That Sandel EHSI is really outstanding too.
You also get better climb, which means not having to worry about downdrafts and getting out of hot high places as much (can’t put a price on piece of mind) and unless I miss something, take-off and landing rolls should not be markedly different than the 20. Cooling issues should be solved, and any other problems with the 20 will have also been licked.
Food For Thought…
Question: Which is better SR20 or SR22 ?
Answer: “BETTER” is most certainly in the eye of the beholder. Any pilot buying an aircraft should define his MISSION and then satisfy those requirements with the “best” he can find.
I’ve owned in succession Tripacer, Arrow, Bonanza, Bonanza, Arrow, and now C172. Each was highly satisfying in that it met my objectives
as “right on target” for my mission at that time.
SR20 and it’s performance as we know about it is in tune with my next mission definition. The decision NOT to step up a notch to the SR22 is easy, SR22 310HP 180KTS 1400fpm exceeds my normal intended operations requirements.
Conclusion: hold my SR20 position, apply the “extra cash” toward extra features & refinements, and go forth & enjoy it.
Bonus: The advanced age of Position#599 at whatever the delivery date will represent a well de-bugged design with lots of earlier owner experience and feedback as a heritage.
Suggestion: Clearly define YOUR mission.
Not knowing your specifics, I’d vote for the SR-22. Assuming you are going to finance the airplane, I believe the extra $$ comes out to around 500 - 700 a month. For that, you get a true 4 person version of the sr-20. Both the 20 and the 22 should hold their value extremely well, but from the research I’ve done, real 4 person planes hold their value the best in the long run. That Sandel EHSI is really outstanding too.
You also get better climb, which means not having to worry about downdrafts and getting out of hot high places as much (can’t put a price on piece of mind) and unless I miss something, take-off and landing rolls should not be markedly different than the 20. Cooling issues should be solved, and any other problems with the 20 will have also been licked.
I was looking forward to an SR22 upgrade but for the extra $50 to 65K I fly 180 Knots at 18gph VS
160 at 11 to 12gph. This converts to only 727nm range in the 22 vs 800 in the 20.
The 1150# useful load after 80gal fuel only leaves 670#–barely a 4 person load without luggage. Isnt the SR20 soon to be 3000# gross and with expected weight reductions useful load should be over 1000#? (Who wants to bet the 22 doesn’t rollout the door over-weight also). A SR20 with 1050# useful load minus 60 gal full
fuel leaves 690#.
The substantially higher price and operating costs for the 22 have me re-thinking my options.
My decision was easy. Do I want an aircraft (that I’ve been waiting on for 3 1/2 years) in two weeks, or would I rather have a better performer after waiting…some more.
Tough choice. 
My decision was easy as well. For everyone it has to be personal and mission oriented decision. I’ve waited for 3 and a half years for a SR20. Another few months for that kind of performance gain is noise at this point.
Living in Arizona with some serious summer air density challenges make that seem like cheap insurance. Try Flagstaff at 7011 feet elevation at 96 degrees someday and it will give you a new perspective about having vs wanting a few extra ponies out front. All along that was my only reservation about the 20.
What was tough was giving up my 10/30 delivery date, I have waited soooo long.
Cirrus has tried very hard to offer a attractive package to those that want it and to be infinitely flexible in rescheduling their line in doing so. The cannot please everyone, but I for one appreicate it - even if their main objective is to grow revenue. If they didn’t get something out of it, why put themselves through what is going to be a nightmare in mfg?
I FAX’ed off my conversion to a 22 today!
Roger
My decision was easy. Do I want an aircraft (that I’ve been waiting on for 3 1/2 years) in two weeks, or would I rather have a better performer after waiting…some more.
Tough choice.
