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Used Aircraft Guide: Cirrus SR20 Serves Double Duty

It can be a trainer and a traveler, but bring your A game no matter the mission.

The Aviation Consumer Staff
Verified
Edited By: Travis Tingle
Expect to pay top dollar on the used aircraft market for any Cirrus SR20 that’s in good condition. [Credit: The Aviation Consumer]
Expect to pay top dollar on the used aircraft market for any Cirrus SR20 that’s in good condition. [Credit: The Aviation Consumer]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The Cirrus SR20 has evolved from its 1999 introduction as a trainer into a highly demanded personal traveling aircraft, known for its innovative design, ergonomic cabin, and crucial safety features like the CAPS whole-airplane parachute system.
  • Throughout its production, the SR20 has undergone significant generational upgrades (G1-G6), including advancements in avionics, a shift to all-electric systems, airframe redesigns, and an engine change from Continental to Lycoming, improving useful load and TBO.
  • The SR20 boasts a composite airframe and numerous crashworthiness features, offering adequate performance and serving as a stable, trim-dependent aircraft that effectively prepares pilots for the faster SR22.
  • Ownership entails specific maintenance considerations, such as recurring costs for CAPS system component replacements (e.g., 6-year line cutters, 10-year repack) and addressing ADs related to exhaust systems and brake issues, often requiring specialized service.
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The first Cirrus sure has matured since its introduction in 1999 as the SR20 G1. While the SR20 was generally looked at as a trainer, it has plenty of performance to work as a personal traveling airplane. That’s why later-model SR20s—sporting nearly identical cabin ergonomics, avionics, and aesthetic styling as the faster SR22—sell for a price premium.

When The Aviation Consumer looked at the market for used SR20s a few years ago, we found the airplane was in huge demand. Although inventory appears to be slightly better, and there are various configurations of OEM and retrofit avionics (plus two engine options), you won’t find any smoking deals. In fact, expect to pay top dollar for any SR20 that’s worth buying.

The Aviation Consumer Staff

Published since 1972, The Aviation Consumer, a Firecrown brand, features in-depth technical reviews on everything from headsets to avionics to new and used aircraft. We have incorporated the brand's popular Used Aircraft Guide (UAG) into FLYING to bring greater resources to our readers. Subscribe to The Aviation Consumer and access hundreds of UAG reviews.

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