With its new wing, the third generation Cirrus became the longest and largest production run of the SR22 model turning out about 1,690 airplanes during the six years from 2007 – 2012. And, the innovations continued.
Understanding the design milestones during this time will help you group G3 planes with similar features that affect pre-owned asking prices. Here are four significant time periods associated with the third generation SR22:
A. 2007 Avidyne: The early third generation SR22 planes shipped with the Avidyne Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multifunction Display (MFD). Basically, the same avionics found in the second generation planes continued with the G3 for fifteen months. We’ll review pre-owned pricing for the “Avidyne” turbo and normally aspirated SR22-G3 planes. But take note, in the spring of 2008 avionics changed.
During this time-frame, GA magazines were writing articles about synthetic vision and a new generation of GA avionics with advanced capabilities. Garmin was a recognized leader and Cirrus collaborated with them develop a new avionics package. By the spring of 2008, Cirrus marketing announced – Cirrus Perspective by Garmin™.
B. 2008 Cirrus Perspective by Garmin™ delivered an array of improvements over the Avidyne system. Power combined with Perspective avionics delivered improved performance, navigation and safety. By the end of 2008, the standard Cirrus suite of avionics was Perspective even though it was more expensive. Ten years later, a price premium for Perspective over Avidyne is still evident in pre-owned planes.
From 2006 – 2009, all Cirrus SR22TN turbo planes were equipped with Teledyne Continental Motors IO-550-N and a factory installed STC Tornado Alley Turbo system. The turbo-normalizing installation included dual-turbochargers, dual-intercoolers, dual waste-gates which produce 310 horsepower up to FL 25K.
C. 2009 – 2012 TCM IO-550K Engine and FIKI:
Cirrus Turbo comes of age in the G3. A new lighter carbon fiber wing with more fuel gave the turbocharged plane ample capacity to climb high quickly and go the distance. Turbocharging boosts maximum true airspeeds to about 212 knots in the upper flight levels, compared to 175 knots for the normally aspirated SR22 at lower altitudes. Aviators “enjoy life in a higher plane.” The Cirrus turbo remains a top seller.
In 2010, Cirrus introduced the SR22T Teledyne Continental Motors TSIO-550K with dual turbochargers and intercoolers. The engine produces 315 horsepower at 2,500 rpm. A typical climb to 16,000 feet, should produce about 1,000 fpm at 120 knots and consume 9.87 gallons (based on 16 minutes from sea level, full rich at 37 gallons per hour). Cirrus SR22T TSIO-550K Turbo is certified to FL 25K.
During 2010, Cirrus buyers had the install option of the Tornado Alley Turbo or the Teledyne Continental Motors K model turbo. After 2010, the standard became the TCM turbocharged TSIO-550K. The Cirrus TCM Turbo model designation is SR22T (The Tornado Alley Turbo-normalized designation is SR22TN) .
These Teledyne Continental Motors had recommended Time Between Overhauls (TBO) of 2,000 hours, until 2012 when TCM increased it up to 2,200 hours.
In 2009, Cirrus and CAV Ice Protection completed a Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) certified system for the SR22, which has additional features and upgraded components over the previous G1, G2 and G3 inadvertent ice protection systems. The FIKI system was a clean-sheet TKS redesign. The fluid flow rates and distribution are significantly improved.
D. 2012 Weight There’s More: Buyers of pre-owned planes have an advantage – they know what’s on next year’s model. In 2013, again Cirrus redesigned the wing and announced the SR22 fifth generation. The G5 has a 200 pound increase in useful load. So, you’d expect a price difference between the last year of the G3 and beginning of the G5 in 2013 (Cirrus skipped the G4 designation).
By the numbers
In general, third generation SR22 production can be separated into turbo and normally aspirated models. Currently, about 4% of the turbos and 2% of the normally aspirated G3 planes are available for sale (40 turbos / 922 mfg. = 4%; 15 normal / 765 mfg. = 2%). But we’ll go further and distinguish pre-owned G3 asking prices by the grouping outlined above.
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