STC Flap Speed Extension on older SR Models

Guest Discussion
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Hello All,
My name is Dimitri and I’m a CFI out of Santa Barbara County. I hold nearly 500 hrs in a G3 SR22T and always had trouble with the low flap speeds of 119 knots for the first set. I recently started flying a 2022 G6 SR and found the flap speed extensions of 150 knots a game-changer. Does anyone know of any STC to extend the flap speeds on older model Cirrus aircraft?

Thanks, Dimitri.

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Hi Dimitri,

Welcome to COPA!

It does not exist.

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Dimitri,

While the lower Vfe for the earlier SR22s can be a challenge sometimes, it is very easy to accommodate. I had my G2 SR22 for 15 years and 5300 hours before I sold it, and taught many hours in the SRs, and it was rarely a problem - even for students or pilots that rented it.

It just takes planning and situational awareness. I fly, and teach, in aircraft with Vfe up to 200 Kts and I have a standard practice. I plan to be at approach flap speeds (50% in the SR) 8-10 nm from the FAF in all aircraft - whether it is a jet, turboprop, or piston. If VFR, then you can set a similar distance from the airport. I typically fly 2-4 different jets each week, and usually something else as well and by following this process it makes my flying much easier. Using this or a similar SOP pilots can maintain better SA and plan ahead.

One of the biggest issues I’ve seen over 20 years teaching in the SRs (45 yrs as a CFII) is lack of planning and understanding the aerodynamics of the aircraft. This is readily apparent if they transition from aircraft with more effective flaps such as a Cessna.

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I might be more interested in a mod that would perform flap inhibit like the G7 does. Technically not difficult at all to do …

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The key is that you can’t go down and slow down at the same time in a Cirrus. So, the trick is to maintain altitude or even climb a little bit, at low/no power, to get below the 119 knots, then extend the flaps.

I have often flown ILSs at 150-170 knots when requested by ATC (I am based at a busy class C airport), and at about 600 AGL - so very close to the runway - just level off and pull the power back, and it just takes a few seconds to slow to flap speed. But, if instead, you continue descending - even with little or no power - it will take forever to slow down.

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This depends on the prop. The three blade composites will. The four blades even more so. But, agree with your sentiment completely on leveling off to slow.

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