Brad, I don't dispute that- I think my point was the female input factor may not be entirely logical, I'm sure the chute does fare well with that audience, but so did the second engine way back when, both have drawbacks.

I think the fit/finish of the Cirrus product is what attracts newer pilots and the co-pilot crowd, personally. The chute is just the icing on the cake that seals the deal.

The LX7 is incorporating it by default, because it's expected now out of the $800-$1m on a single engine plane crowd, absolutely lead by Cirrus.

I think the parachute was 80-90% of their success initially. Cirrus has continually improved the product and earned there #1 standing.

When I had Columbia 350 (NA) for the first 7-8 years I drooled over the 400’s-turbocharger.
I thought nothing of flying Charlotte to Raleigh or anywhere else in low IFR.
I aged a little and began to be less comfortable in low IFR plus flying west out of Charlotte there are trees trees and more trees not to mention CLT approach keeps ga airplanes low for 40-50 miles.

Perception IS reality.

I love my Aerostar! Pressurized and fast. Cirrus is easier to fly and less stressful.

Columbia was a head to head fabulous contender to Cirrus. Better in most areas and not as good in a couple. Painful to me to see Columbia die.

Lack of chute killed it just like it killed Mooney and mortally injured Bonanza

Then why speak up? They completely replace the wings and tail, eliminating the issues with the IVP, they are also building them all out of the same jig, correcting potential alignment issues home builders have, leading to standardization, and perfection

I can’t understand blindly talking down something versus researching it with a few clicks

I flew a Seneca II and C340 with my wife prior to the SR. She liked the Seneca II better than the C182 and Cherokee Six I flew prior to it but she didn't love the Seneca. While she liked the cabin size of the C340 she liked it less than the Seneca. I'm still in the dark as to why on that one.

However, her attitude about flying changed ENTIRELY when I began flying the SR22. She looks forward to flying now. She smiles when we fly now (never did before). She asks me when we're going to go flying again (never did before).

A couple of years ago I was going to migrate into a Piper Jetprop. She literally cried when I explained what I was going to do and asked my why were going to take a 'step back' in the airplane. Can you believe that, a Jetprop being perceived as a 'step back'?

I don't understand it one bit but it is what it is.

I flew a Seneca II and C340 with my wife prior to the SR. She liked the Seneca II better than the C182 and Cherokee Six I flew prior to it but she didn't love the Seneca. While she liked the cabin size of the C340 she liked it less than the Seneca. I'm still in the dark as to why on that one.

However, her attitude about flying changed ENTIRELY when I began flying the SR22. She looks forward to flying now. She smiles when we fly now (never did before). She asks me when we're going to go flying again (never did before).

A couple of years ago I was going to migrate into a Piper Jetprop. She literally cried when I explained what I was going to do and asked my why were going to take a 'step back' in the airplane. Can you believe that, a Jetprop being perceived as a 'step back'?

I don't understand it one bit but it is what it is.

Ask them how many would want a second engine?

I flew a Seneca II and C340 with my wife prior to the SR. She liked the Seneca II better than the C182 and Cherokee Six I flew prior to it but she didn't love the Seneca. While she liked the cabin size of the C340 she liked it less than the Seneca. I'm still in the dark as to why on that one.

However, her attitude about flying changed ENTIRELY when I began flying the SR22. She looks forward to flying now. She smiles when we fly now (never did before). She asks me when we're going to go flying again (never did before).

A couple of years ago I was going to migrate into a Piper Jetprop. She literally cried when I explained what I was going to do and asked my why were going to take a 'step back' in the airplane. Can you believe that, a Jetprop being perceived as a 'step back'?

I don't understand it one bit but it is what it is.

That's another head scratcher Kevin. What didn't they like about the A36 compared to the V tail???

The things Cirrus has done with the interior, creature comforts, conveniences, and styling has been absolutely revolutionary in the light plane market. It’s the only plane on the ramp with an interior that feels like a high end car. I’m not surprised they’ve been so successful.

SWMBO has made it known that if we ever graduate from flying club to sole ownership money, we’re getting a Cirrus.

You need to get out of that dying club right now Eric...

You need to get out of that dying club right now Eric...

As far as handling goes, I think it is wonderful that the SR22 has an autopilot.

However, I have to say, I like hand flying the 400. I find it a little heavy in roll and light in pitch, but it goes wherever you point it.

Comfort-wise, the earlier Avidyne Columbias were not all that comfortable, unless they had the optional Oregon Aero seats. Those either became standard equipment or virtually all the 2006+ model were produced with them. My 2007 has the Oregon Aero seats and they're very comfortable even for long flights.

Most of the SR22's I've been I found the seats less comfortable, especially on a longer ride.

Honestly, the parachute thing appeals to some and it wasn't a factor for me.

What ruled out the SR22 was the wingspan. It's the same as a Seneca II, which means it would not fit in a standard T-hangar at my field. The Columbia has a 36' wingspan, which easily fits. The wait for a larger hangar and the $1400/m rent vs. a mere $653/m for a T-hangar cinched it.

So there you go. Fits in the hangar. Big selling point in my decision.

Don,

It made no sense. They walked around the wing to the clamshell doors and stopped. Never got in it. I guess they wanted a big change. Anyway, happy with the pa46 now.


Not to hijack this thread... When I was looking at the sr22s the turbo models were not held in high regard. I was on Copa for a while and it seems that the T models were always said to be not worth the expense. Conversely, the TN Bonanzas are very desirable and fetch good value in the market. Just curious.
Kevin

Kevin, the original turbo models were aftermarket TAT turbos. They had some difficulties with some of the exhaust components and were known for having higher mx. The Conti turbo system is warranteed by Conti and it's a rock solid design. They have very little mx issues and in my 4+ years owning SR22T's I've never spent a nickel on the turbo or exhaust systems. It's a fantastic setup.

My understanding on this is that your view is backwards, the TN setup was viewed as superior but continental lowballed the bids and got exclusive contracts with cirrus

Copa has extensive threads discussing this, lots of people have their own opinions and experiences, good that you have not had any issues, I have not had any real issues with my TAT setup either