I'm getting back into the market eight years after selling my B36TC. I felt obliged to explore the Cirrus to see what they were like. I took some dual in an SR20, which motivated me to start their formalized advanced transition course as a way to learn the aircraft, scrape the rust off my skills, and get current.

I am very, very impressed by the plane and the experience. Contrary to what I expected, the aircraft is fun to hand fly. Trimming is easy, and once trimmed, it flies with fingertip pressure. Practicing stalls were an experience: so predictable and easy. Great cabin environment, good visibility, just a pleasant aircraft to fly. I was surprised how intuitive the side stick was.

Their training program is world-class. Not just compared to other aircraft, but compared to _any_ training I've been exposed to. Exceptional materials, great use of graphics, animation and exceptionally well developed videos. The curriculum is compelling, well organized and comprehensive. I can't say enough about how much better this is than anything I've experienced before.

There was a bit of adjustment to the glass cockpit, versus the 1980s era six pack I am used to. I found myself having to hunt for the data I wanted, which kept my eyes in the cockpit too much. I also think it took a while to interpret the trends, versus watching the instrument needles, which slowed my scan.

On the other hand, the integrated systems make so many tasks so much easier. High learning curve, with very high value on the other side. I can see the temptation to use automation exclusively and let skills atrophy, but that's merely an issue of awareness and discipline.

I don't like the lack of nosewheel steering, but I was surprised how this airplane can turn in an amazingly tight radius.

Given the scarcity of turbocharged Bos in the market, I view an SR22TN or SR22T as a real -- and very attractive -- option. However, older PA46-350s are in the same acquisition price range (and, from data I've seen online, possibly in the same operational cost range), so I'm considering stepping up to pressurization.

I'm incredibly impressed by the Cirrus. I can see why they became the most popular piston GA manufacturer.

If you liked the way the Cirrus hand flies you should try out the faster and stronger TTX with the G 2000 avionics…

It’s better looking too.

One thing to be aware of if you end up looking at an older G1 or G2 model of SR22. They come with a rudder/aileron interconnect that works backwards. Rather than moving the rudder to compensate for aileron movement, they move the ailerons to compensate for rudder movement, whether that movement came from you or from wind gusts. It makes the airplane much more difficult to trim.

The good news is that there is an SB that allows removing the interconnect. Many airplanes have had that done, including ours. It isn't expensive to do, just an hour or two and a tag indicating it was completed. Some Cirrus shops will charge book hours (3 or 5?) and buy the 'kit' (a tag, pen, and instructions that can be downloaded for free) from Cirrus for a couple hundred dollars. Other shops will do it for actual time and use the their own tag and pen and charge you maybe a buck for parts.

Pressurization is a beautiful thing.

I've heard the opinion expressed that they don't make a great $200 hamburger plane, which I can't understand. Any reason why a PA-46 wouldn't be fun for a short flight?

I've heard the opinion expressed that they don't make a great $200 hamburger plane, which I can't understand. Any reason why a PA-46 wouldn't be fun for a short flight?

Had a friend used to fly his KA B200 or his L 39 for a several hundred $ hamburger, and I used to ride with him on occasion.

I've heard the opinion expressed that they don't make a great $200 hamburger plane, which I can't understand. Any reason why a PA-46 wouldn't be fun for a short flight?

I've heard the opinion expressed that they don't make a great $200 hamburger plane, which I can't understand. Any reason why a PA-46 wouldn't be fun for a short flight?

I've heard the opinion expressed that they don't make a great $200 hamburger plane, which I can't understand. Any reason why a PA-46 wouldn't be fun for a short flight?

My next town is 35 nm away. In my M350/500 and M600 I have often flown that instead of drive. 10 min reliable in the plane versus 40 min with a lot of traffic variables in the car, I prefer to fly it. The airport has a fleet of crew cars which makes travel time about the same, but enjoyment way more. The Malibu/Mirage/M350 are so docile to handfly that $200 hamburger runs are plenty fun. .

I had a 2002 A36 and now have a G3 SR22NA with TKS and G1000 Perspective. I took about 10 years off from flying between the two. I didn't think that I'd like the Cirrus as much as I do. Its a much more modern airplane. Its a little wider which is nice for the people in the front seats and the AC works like an automobile's. I was always hot in the front of the BO. Its easy to fly and I will never have a gear up incident in it. Its a few knots slower than the Bo and as reliable as a Bo. I have never had to scrub a mission and it hasn't broke me on annual. It has amsafe airbags and a chute for the wife. Its a comfortable traveling machine. We are taking it to the Bahamas this weekend for the first time which says a lot that she would agree to take such a long trip in it.

Good write up Scott. It would be helpful to the audience if you mentioned which model(s) of SR's your experience was with. IMO, I don't care much for G1 / G2 SR's as the interior fit / finish and avionics integration is miles apart from the G3+ models. There's also no rudder / aileron interconnect in the G3+ models which makes for very nice hand-flying characteristics as you mentioned.

I think you can make a solid case for a PA46. Pressurization is a game changer for sure. For me, my wife had massive confidence flying in the SR and that was a big decision maker for me. She would not have felt the same level of confidence in a PA46. Go figure...

I think the PA46 does a great job as both a serious traveling machine and economical fun burger getter.

I agree with your overall analysis, but not this. No statistical study to refer to but anecdotally the lowest price PA-46 I’ve seen (maybe high $300’s, most in the $400’s) is quite a bit more than the the lowest price SR22 I’ve seen (mid to low $200’s), which means a PA46 that is older than an SR22 is still more expensive. Hangar options are limited too. About the only plane I realistically can see moving up to, but would likely need a partner to do it. In the mean time, loving the Cirrus.