This 2002 Cirrus SR22 G1 Is a Game-Changing ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Watershed design introduced many general aviation pilots to modern airframe structures and advanced avionics.

Jonathan Welsh

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

2002 Cirrus SR22 G1 [Credit: Aerista]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 2002 Cirrus SR22 G1 as "Today's Top Pick" from Aircraft For Sale, representing an early model from a now-dominant general aviation manufacturer.
This first-generation SR22 G1 blends traditional "steam gauge" instruments with modern GPS navigators and a multifunction display, appealing to pilots familiar with analog panels.
The aircraft is highlighted for its impressive performance, including "hot-rod acceleration," rapid climb, and high cruise speed, making it ideal for cross-country flights.
Available for $199,900, this high-performance, four-place composite single is presented as an accessible option on the used market, equipped with a 310 hp engine and comprehensive avionics.

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Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2002 Cirrus SR22 G1.

When I think back to the turn of the century, I recall that Amazon was selling books but claimed it would soon sell everything, many people feared a Y2K technological collapse, and a neat new airplane called the Cirrus SR seemed poised to change the way we fly.

Was the late, great singer Meatloaf correct in positing that two out of three ain’t bad??

The SR22 has ramp appeal, and two large doors that swing up and out of your way. [Credit: Aerista]

Let’s just say the 2000s have been good to Cirrus, which has grown into a dominant manufacturer of general aviation aircraft. The SR20 and SR22 are now the airplanes we are likely to see when we hear an engine overhead and reflexively look skyward.

The sleek, handsome composite models also have been sold long enough and in such high volume that a large number are available on the used market. Indeed, shoppers will find there is a Cirrus to suit most pilots’ needs.

The aircraft for sale today is a first-generation model with a cockpit that mixes traditional, round “steam gauge” instruments with GPS navigators and a large multifunction display. It was a cutting-edge setup a quarter-century ago and still appeals to many pilots who cut their teeth on analog panels. Early SR22s can also be ideal for pilots who place a premium on cross-country performance.

Cirrus aircraft are known for stylish, luxury-car-like interiors. [Credit: Aerista]

When I flew in a Cirrus for the first time, I was most impressed by its hot-rod acceleration on the runway, rapid climb and, most of all, cruise speed. Before taking off from Essex County Airport (KCDW) in New Jersey, we selected Stonington Municipal (93B) in Deer Isle, Maine, as our destination, just for demonstration purposes, because it was my family’s favorite summer spot.

The navigation system said we would arrive on the island in an hour and 50 minutes. We were still climbing. I will never forget that moment. I thought about the 10 hours it takes to drive there, and I was sold.

The SR22 G1 panel includes a mix of Garmin and Avidyne avionics. [Credit: Aerista]

This 2002 Cirrus SR22 has 1,310 hours since new on its airframe, 310 hp Continental IO-550 engine, and Hartzell three-blade aluminum propeller. The aircraft is equipped with a built-in oxygen system and has an empty weight of 2,330 pounds.

The panel features an Avidyne Entegra EX5000 MFD, dual Garmin GNS 430 GPS/nav/coms, GMA 340 audio panel, L3 Skywatch traffic monitoring, L3 Stormscope lightning detection, engine and fuel monitoring, S-Tec 55X autopilot, and Appareo ESG transponder with ADS-B Out.

Pilots looking for a modern, composite, four-place, high-performance piston single at a widely accessible price point should consider this 2002 Cirrus SR22, which is available for $199,900 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use our airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.