In reply to:
My opinion is jaded because I have a SR22, but my friend has a Columbia 300 and loves it. I think it is very beautiful as is the SR22. If speed is the goal, I would consider a Lancair IVP anyday.
Ken,
I have been trying to find out where to buy the Lancair IV P’s. I have looked in all of the new plane showrooms and nobody has any! When is the next FAA Certified production run? Can I order one online? Just kidding.
It is a beautiful plane, and the performance is mind boggling.
Paul
Talking to a local insurance agent, the IVP is one of the few planes he won’t insure. He says the plane could never be certified. Stall is too high and the wing is strictly for speed - not safety. THe Columbia and CIrrus both have much safer stall characteristics. I love the IVP but when I get sensible I realize I’m not ready for it.
Speaking of doors, I have been told that if the doors on the Columbias open in flight they will depart the aircraft quite expeditiously. Unless they hit the tail, the just makes the plane very windy, noisy and perhaps wet and cold. If you needed to use paper charts, that would be a problem. On the other hand, If it happens to hit the tail, which has never happened, …
The Cirrus doors do just fine when left open. Like most airplanes, they just make it a little drafty and noisy, but are not a hazard. Unfortunately, I’ve probably logged about 4 hours with an open door.
Marty
Marty,
I’ve had a door open on my Trinidad in flight. It stayed in a position of less than 1" of opening. It’s door is similar to the Columbia. I would hope the Columbia door would do the same thing but it would be very interesting to know for sure.