The Modern Cirrus Upgrade: Transitioning from SR20 to SR22T

The World's Most Popular High-Performance Piston Upgrade Path

The Cirrus SR22T represents the pinnacle of single-engine piston aircraft performance. Cruise speeds exceed 210 knots, useful load is substantial (1,300+ lbs), and the turbocharged engine delivers performance rivaling many light twins. For pilot-owners who want single-engine simplicity with jet-like performance, the SR22T is the answer.

The SR20-to-SR22T upgrade path is popular precisely because both aircraft share Cirrus's philosophy: modern technology, exceptional safety, and user-friendly systems. Transitioning from SR20 to SR22T feels natural—you're not learning a new aircraft, you're stepping up in a familiar family.

The SR20: A Modern, Safe, and Capable G1000 Trainer

The Cirrus SR20 is proof that modern single-engine aircraft can be both safe and sophisticated. The composite construction, glass cockpit with Garmin G1000 NXi, and the CAPS parachute system make the SR20 popular with high-skill pilots who want to minimize risk.

The SR20 performs admirably for personal transportation: cruise at 160-170 knots, climb at 800+ feet per minute, and operate reliably from small grass airfields. Insurance is reasonable, parts are modern and available, and the aircraft feels contemporary in all respects.

But the SR20 has limits. Cruise speed tops out around 160 knots—fine for weekend flying but limiting for serious cross-country work. Useful load of 1,050 lbs means careful weight management with four full-weight adults. And the naturally-aspirated engine means limited high-altitude performance.

The SR22/SR22T: The Ultimate Piston Cross-Country Machine

Turbocharged Power

The SR22T features a 310 HP Lycoming TIO-540 turbocharged engine compared to the SR20's 200 HP normally-aspirated engine. This 110 HP increase translates to genuinely transformational performance:

• Cruise speed increases from 160 to 215+ knots
• Climb performance nearly doubles (1,200+ FPM vs. 800)
• Service ceiling exceeds 25,000 feet (vs. 17,000 for SR20)
• High-altitude performance is exceptional

Composite Construction

Like the SR20, the SR22T features Cirrus's composite construction. The benefits are substantial: corrosion-free, lighter weight, and superior damage tolerance compared to traditional aluminum aircraft.

CAPS Parachute System

Both SR20 and SR22T feature the CAPS whole-aircraft parachute. At any altitude above 500 feet, you can deploy the parachute system. It deploys a large parachute that lowers the entire aircraft gently to the ground—a life-saving feature that fundamentally changes the safety calculus of single-engine flying.

De-Icing and FIKI Capability

The SR22T can be equipped with full de-icing packages: pneumatic de-icing boots on wings and tail, heated windscreen, and carb heat. With proper equipment and training, FIKI (Flight Into Known Icing) certification is possible—allowing intentional icing encounters with appropriate equipment.

Key Gains: 100+ HP Increase, FIKI, and Turbo Power

Speed Transformation

Consider a typical 600-mile cross-country mission:

• SR20: 600 NM ÷ 165 knots = 3.6 hours flight time
• SR22T: 600 NM ÷ 215 knots = 2.8 hours flight time
• Savings: Nearly 1 hour per leg, or almost 2 hours per round trip

For pilots regularly flying 500+ mile missions, this time saving has immense practical value.

Altitude Capability

The turbocharged SR22T maintains power to 25,000 feet. This enables:

• Flying above weather systems routinely
• Accessing mountain passes that challenge SR20s
• Smoother flight above turbulence layers
• Catching jet streams at higher altitudes for superior winds

FIKI Advantage

With FIKI certification and proper de-icing equipment, the SR22T can intentionally fly through icing layers—a capability that converts "can't depart due to icing" situations into "depart and climb through icing" missions. For serious instrument pilots, this is transformational.

Cost of Ownership: SR20 vs. SR22T

Purchase Price

Used Cirrus prices vary significantly:

• SR20: $150,000-$250,000
• SR22T (turbocharged): $250,000-$350,000+

The SR22T premium reflects the turbocharged engine, performance gains, and capability for FIKI operations.

Financing an SR22T

For a typical $280,000 SR22T:

• $280,000 aircraft, 15% down ($42,000): $238,000 loan at 7% for 15 years = $2,071/month
• $280,000 aircraft, 20% down ($56,000): $224,000 loan at 7% for 15 years = $1,951/month

Annual Operating Costs (150 hours/year)

Fixed Costs:

• Insurance: $2,000-$2,500/year
• Hangar: $2,400/year
• Annual inspection: $1,500/year
• Registration: $350/year
• Total Fixed: $6,250/year

Variable Costs (150 hours, turbocharged):

• Fuel: 12 GPH × 150 hrs × $6/gallon = $10,800
• Maintenance: $30/hr × 150 hrs = $4,500
• Turbo/engine reserve: $20/hr × 150 hrs = $3,000
• Total Variable: $18,300

Grand Total: $24,550/year ($164/hour all-in)

Turbocharged Engine Management

Transition Training

Transitioning from SR20 to SR22T requires 10-15 hours of training focusing on:

• Turbocharged engine operation and management
• Proper power application and leaning techniques
• Temperature management at high-altitude cruise
• Engine failure procedures at altitude
• De-icing system operation (if equipped for FIKI)

Maintenance Differences

The turbocharged engine requires more maintenance:

• Oil changes more frequently (every 25-50 hours)
• Turbocharger inspections and eventual overhaul ($8,000-$12,000)
• More frequent filter changes

Frequently Asked Questions