The SR20 POH has the useful load rated at 950 lb but on Andy Bresler’s model comparison spreadsheet he has it set at 795 lbs. I’m considering purchasing the SR20 and this is a critical point to me. you guys are the experts - what can i expect as a practical useful load on a C-equipped SR20? thks
About 900lbs - C models are coming out at around 2100lbs empty, and the gross weight is now 3000lbs. The max gross was originally only 2900, but all SR20s being delivered now are 3000, and older models can be upgraded with a POH change and a rudder hinge replacement.
There is variation between individual aircraft, some are over 2100. An “A” model might come in at 2050, which would give you the 950lbs useful load.
In reply to:
what can i expect as a practical useful load on a C-equipped SR20?
Stu,
My SR20 is a C model equipped with every option that was available when I took delivery in January 2001 - 3 Blade prop, leather, and any other weight that was available. I added a few more pounds of other stuff, like a Reiff oil heater.
Empty weight is 2121 lbs, which gave me a useful load of 779 lbs at delivery, when max gross weight was 2900 lbs. I’ve since had the Gross Weight SB applied, which increased the max gross weight to 3,000 lbs, and my useful load to 879 lbs.
Mike.
N254CD (SR20 2 blade, cloth, stormscope) came in at 2118 giving it a useful load of 882.
I suspect you’re looking at it before the useful load increase to 3000 pounds.
The spreadsheet, of course, can be modifed to show the characteristics of a particular plane. With the GW increase, my SR20 (leather, 3-blade, c config) has a useful load of 893.
Bear in mind, the fuel consumption typically allows you to carry less than full fuel unless it’s a very long trip. Engine monitor and LOP operation really helps.
Andy
SN 1080, B model with no options was delivered at 2053 pounds. With the 100 pound gross weight increase that leaves me with a 947 pound useful load.
An “A” model might come in at 2050, which would give you the 950lbs useful load.
Alas, our “A” model (S/N 1174, delivered January 2002) came in at 2100 lbs. That’s with leather upholstery and a 2-blade prop.
Cheers,
Roger
Seems like the newer ones picked up some weight so any SR20 coming off the line today exceeds 2100 lbs.
Our early model SR20 (SN. 1092) which is a C-model with a 3-blade prop (!) weighs only 2085 pounds empty, giving it an acceptable 915 lbs. of useful load now. However, by subtracting 360 lbs for (full) fuel, leaves only 555 pounds for payload. No aircraft in the 200-hp class is doing better here, though.
Phil N199CD
Our even earlier B model SR20, S/N 1033, came in at 2084lbs. The gross weight increase kit is due to be fitted any day now.