Cirrus SR22T Cost of Ownership

Complete financial analysis of owning and operating the modern Cirrus SR22T turbocharged single-engine aircraft

Covering purchase prices, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and total annual operating costs for 2025

The Cirrus SR22T: Modern Single-Engine Performance with Safety Integration

The Cirrus SR22T represents the modern pinnacle of single-engine aircraft design, featuring factory turbocharged powerplants, advanced glass cockpit avionics, and the industry-leading Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) for emergency safety. Produced continuously since 2000, the SR22T series has evolved through multiple generations (standard, turbocharged, G1000, and latest G7 variants) to deliver 214-knot cruise speeds, 25,000-foot service ceiling, and integrated modern technology.

Unlike vintage aircraft or pressurized singles, the Cirrus SR22T combines proven reliability, modern manufacturing, glass cockpit standards, and integrated safety systems appealing to personal-use pilots and professionals alike. The aircraft's parachute system provides unique safety margin that attracts pilots concerned with single-engine emergency procedures, while the turbocharged Continental engine delivers high-altitude performance approaching pressurized alternatives.

Why Pilots Choose the Cirrus SR22T

Modern G1000 glass cockpit provides sophisticated navigation and safety features. Turbocharged Continental TSIO-550-K engine delivers 25,000+ feet capability and excellent climb performance. Ballistic parachute system (CAPS) offers unique emergency safety. Retractable gear, pressurization-like performance without complexity. Active Cirrus community provides strong support. Trade-offs include higher purchase price than comparable naturally-aspirated singles, complex systems requiring training, and parachute system maintenance requirements ($10,000+ per deployment replacement).

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

Used Aircraft Pricing by Generation

Early Generation (2002-2006): $250,000-$380,000 - Original SR22T with glass cockpit transitioning, higher total airframe hours, basic autopilot options
G1000 Era (2007-2012): $380,000-$550,000 - Factory G1000 integration, improved systems, mid-range airframe hours, stronger avionics package
Enhanced G1000 (2013-2017): $550,000-$750,000 - Refined G1000 systems, LED avionics, lower airframe hours, mature platform
G7 Generation (2017+): $750,000-$1,000,000+ - Latest generation with G1000 NXi, modern systems, low airframe hours, premium features
New Aircraft (2025): $779,900+ - Factory new with full G7 features and warranty

Key Price Factors

Total Airframe Hours: Each 1,000 hours reduces value by $15,000-$30,000; low-hour examples (under 1,000 hours) command 10-15% premiums
Engine Hours Until TBO: Engines approaching 2,000-hour TBO reduce value; recent overhauls add 10-15% premium
Avionics Generation: G1000 NXi adds $30,000-$60,000 to value; retrofit G1000 adds $20,000-$40,000; older glass cockpit reduces value by $20,000-$40,000
Parachute Deployment History: Never-deployed CAPS adds slight premium; deployed parachutes reduce value 15-25% (requires $10,000+ replacement)
Maintenance Records: Complete logbooks command 5-10% premiums; deferred maintenance reduces value 10-20%

Financing a Cirrus SR22T

Down Payment Requirements

Most aircraft lenders require 20-25% down payment for Cirrus SR22T. For a $600,000 purchase:

20% Down: $120,000 down, $480,000 financed
25% Down: $150,000 down, $450,000 financed (most common)

Loan Terms and Rates

Aircraft loan terms typically range 10-15 years at 6-7.5% interest:

12-Year Term at 6.5%: $4,175/month ($50,100/year)
15-Year Term at 7%: $3,890/month ($46,680/year)

Insurance Costs

Liability and Hull Coverage

Liability Only ($1M) - Qualified Pilot: $500-$650 annually (750+ hours, IR, 50+ in type)
Liability Only - Less Qualified: $900-$1,142 annually
Liability + Hull ($1M/$245K) - Qualified Pilot: $2,600-$3,150 annually
Liability + Hull - Less Qualified Pilot: $4,000-$5,500 annually

Fuel and Operating Costs

Fuel Consumption

SR22T burns 12.7-18.3 GPH depending on power settings. At 75% power (16.4 GPH):

At $6.00/gallon: $98/hour in fuel
At $6.50/gallon: $106/hour in fuel
At $7.00/gallon: $115/hour in fuel

Maintenance and Reserves

Hourly Maintenance: $24.30 per hour
Engine Reserve: $13.63 per hour (2,000-hour TBO)
Oil and Consumables: $3.91 per hour
Annual Inspection: $1,600 per year

Hourly Variable Costs

Fuel: $98-$115/hour
Hourly Maintenance: $24.30/hour
Engine Reserve: $13.63/hour
Oil/Consumables: $3.91/hour
Total: $140-$157/hour

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

Hangar or Tie-down: $2,000-$4,000 per year
Insurance: $2,600-$5,500 per year (depends on qualifications)
Annual Inspection: $1,600 per year
Maintenance Reserve: $1,500-$2,500 per year
Miscellaneous: $500-$1,000 per year

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $8,200-$14,600 per year

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year

Loan payment: $3,890/month ($46,680/year)
Fixed costs: $11,400
Fuel (100 hours × $106/hr): $10,600
Maintenance (100 hours × $24.30): $2,430
Engine reserve (100 hours × $13.63): $1,363
Oil/consumables (100 hours × $3.91): $391
Annual inspection: $1,600
Total: $74,464
Hourly Cost: $745

Scenario 2: 150 Flight Hours/Year

Loan payment: $46,680/year
Fixed costs: $11,400
Fuel (150 hours × $106/hr): $15,900
Maintenance (150 hours × $24.30): $3,645
Engine reserve (150 hours × $13.63): $2,045
Oil/consumables (150 hours × $3.91): $586
Annual inspection: $1,600
Total: $81,856
Hourly Cost: $546

Scenario 3: 200 Flight Hours/Year

Loan payment: $46,680/year
Fixed costs: $11,400
Fuel (200 hours × $106/hr): $21,200
Maintenance (200 hours × $24.30): $4,860
Engine reserve (200 hours × $13.63): $2,726
Oil/consumables (200 hours × $3.91): $782
Annual inspection: $1,600
Total: $89,248
Hourly Cost: $446

Cirrus SR22T vs. Comparable Aircraft

SR22T vs. Piper Malibu Mirage

The Malibu Mirage ($700K+) costs more than SR22T ($600K average) but offers cabin pressurization and better high-altitude efficiency. SR22T provides modern avionics, parachute safety, and simpler systems. Operating costs are similar ($300-600/hour). SR22T buyers value modern technology and parachute safety; Mirage buyers value pressurization.

SR22T vs. Mooney M20 Ovation

The Mooney ($350K average) costs significantly less than SR22T ($600K) but lacks turbocharged capability and modern glass cockpit. Operating costs are lower (~$250-350/hour). SR22T buyers invest in turbocharged performance and modern avionics; Ovation buyers prioritize economy.

Next Steps to SR22T Ownership

Build IFR Experience: Earn instrument rating if not current, then accumulate 50+ hours in complex aircraft
Find Your Aircraft: Search Cirrus-focused brokers, trade-a-plane.com, and controller.com for available examples
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Hire Cirrus-experienced A&P mechanic; budget $3,000-$5,000
Arrange Financing: Contact aircraft lenders 60-90 days before purchase
Secure Insurance: Obtain quotes verifying qualifications align with rates
Secure Hangar: Reserve space before delivery
Transition Training: Complete 15-20 hours Cirrus-specific transition training

Sources and Citations

PlanePhD (2025). "CIRRUS SR22T - Specifications, Performance, Operating cost, Valuation" - Comprehensive aircraft valuation and operating cost data. Retrieved from https://planephd.com/wizard/details/864/CIRRUS-SR22T-specifications-performance-operating-cost-valuation
BWI Aviation Insurance (2025). "Cirrus SR22 Insurance Cost" - Current insurance premium data by pilot qualifications. Retrieved from https://bwifly.com/cirrus-sr22-insurance-cost/
Flying Magazine (2024). "Cirrus SR22T: Tried, True, Turbo" - Aircraft performance and ownership review. Retrieved from https://www.flyingmag.com/aircrafts-pistons-cirrus-sr22t-tried-true-turbo/
AOPA (2024). "Cirrus SR22T - More of a good thing" - Aircraft specifications and owner perspectives. Retrieved from https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2013/may/pilot/cirrus-sr22t-more-of-a-good-thing
Cirrus Aircraft (2025). "SR22T Price List" - Official manufacturer pricing for 2025 SR22T G7 aircraft. Retrieved from https://cirrusaircraft.com

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, insurance costs, and fuel prices fluctuate based on market conditions, location, and individual circumstances. Consult with aviation lenders, insurance brokers, and aircraft mechanics for personalized quotes. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct thorough due diligence and professional inspections before purchasing any aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Cirrus SR22T cost?

A new Cirrus SR22T starts at approximately $779,900 in 2025. Used models range from $250,000 (older 2002-2005 models) to $800,000+ (recent low-hour examples). 2010-2015 models average $450,000-$600,000, while 2015-2022 models range from $600,000-$800,000. G7 models (newest generation) command premium pricing near or above new aircraft prices.

What are the annual operating costs for an SR22T?

Total annual operating costs range from $35,000-$50,000 at 100-150 hours of annual flying. This includes fuel ($3,000-$5,000), insurance ($2,500-$8,000 depending on qualifications), maintenance ($2,500-$3,500), engine reserves ($1,500-$2,000), annual inspection ($1,600), and fixed costs like hangar ($2,000-$4,000). Hourly operating costs typically range from $250-$400 depending on utilization.

How much fuel does an SR22T burn?

A Cirrus SR22T burns approximately 12.7-18.3 gallons per hour depending on power settings. At 75% power cruise (16.4 GPH), hourly fuel costs are $98-$115 at current prices ($6-7 per gallon). The Continental TSIO-550-K turbocharged engine offers flexible cruise options from economical 55% power (12.7 GPH) to high-speed 85% power (18.3 GPH).

Is financing available for a Cirrus SR22T?

Yes, financing is widely available for Cirrus SR22T aircraft. Most lenders require 20-25% down payment, offer 10-15 year terms at 6-7.5% interest rates. For a $600,000 SR22T with 25% down ($150,000), expect monthly payments around $3,800-$4,200 over 12-15 years. Credit score and total flight hours affect lending terms.

What insurance costs should I expect?

Insurance for an SR22T ranges from $500-$5,500+ annually depending on qualifications and coverage. Qualified pilots (750+ hours, instrument rating, 50+ hours in type) with liability-only pay $500-$650/year. Comprehensive liability and hull ($1M/$245K) costs qualified pilots $2,600-$3,150/year and less-experienced pilots $4,000-$5,500/year.

What makes the SR22T unique?

The Cirrus SR22T features factory-turbocharged capability (25,000 feet service ceiling), modern G1000 glass cockpit standard, parachute safety system (ballistic recovery), retractable landing gear, and 214-knot cruise speed. The integrated Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) offers unique emergency safety that appeals to personal-use pilots. Air-cooled single-engine design is simpler than pressurized alternatives.

Is the SR22T suitable for cross-country flights?

The Cirrus SR22T is excellent for cross-country flying with 1,000+ nautical mile range, 214-knot cruise speed, and modern glass cockpit avionics. Turbocharged capability allows efficient high-altitude flight. IFR-capable avionics and autopilot on modern G7 models enhance long-distance flying. Limited to single-engine capability, so requires solid IFR and single-engine proficiency.

What's the resale value of an SR22T?

Cirrus SR22T aircraft hold value well compared to other single-engine aircraft, with typical depreciation of 2-4% annually for well-maintained examples. A $600,000 SR22T might retain 50-60% of value over 10 years. Modern G7 models retain value better than older generations. Low total airframe hours and G1000/G1000 NXi avionics command premiums in the used market.

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