I'd like to tap into the BT's expertise on SR-22T useful load. The partner and I are considering a SR-22T with AC. Mission requirements and location dictate that it be a TC or TN and have air-conditioning. Given that configuration, it appears that the SR-22T with AC is a bit lacking in useful load (900 lbs or so). I don't want and can not purchase a plane that can not carry 3 adults. The earlier models have a 82 gal fuel capacity, and the later have a 92 gal capacity. Filling up the tank leaves about 350-400 lbs payload, which is not workable.

So, the question is,,,,is there a workable solution for partial fueling of SR-22Ts? I understand there are "tabs" installed for only loading 47 gals useable, but seems to be a bit short for any reasonable leg. I also understand that the earlier models have fairly inaccurate fuel gauges. So, what do you do? Fill to the tabs and then add an additional 15 gals? Fuel measuring sticks?

I'm not quite ready to write of the plane as a possibility, but it has to meet the mission requirements. Bottom line, what is the standard practice in the Cirrus crowd, specifically the SR-22T crowd?

Turbo is needed for out west flying, and I like to go fast in the mid teens. AC is needed because I live in TX and it is hotter than hell, and I am past the days of sweating like a horse in a old generation aircraft.

Appreciate the group's knowledge on this.

Chris C

The CiES fuel probes are retrofittable and make for very accurate fuel level.

So, what is a typical useful load for SR-22T, and how do you work your fuel load/stage length?

Chris C

I just switched from an A36 to an SR22T. Your very question above pushed us into a G5 model (with commensurate budget increase) to get a 3600lb gross weight. My useful load is 1089 - I couldn’t make enough of the numbers work for the older turbos with ~900lb useful load. As a practice, we keep the aircraft fueled to the tabs, which is 60 gals, which provides enough fuel for most missions and 3 adults and bags. If I’m only taking one passenger plus me, I’ll top it off (92 gals) and either do a long leg (KPAO -> KAPA) or I can pop down to LA and not have to fuel for my return.

If you DM me your email address, I can send you my ForeFlight W&B profile and you can play with it if that would be helpful.

The fuel gauges may or may not be accurate enough, but the fuel monitoring is very accurate. Enter that data correctly after refueling and you'll be in good shape.

As Chris stated, you may want to look at G5 or G6 models. The gross weight was bumped up from 3400 lbs to 3600 lbs at the G5 model.

I've seen early NA G3 models with AC and TKS at 1040-1050 useful, so that would put a Turbo model a little under 1,000. Those the G3 models with Avidyne and 430s. It seems the ones with Perspective are a little heavier, or maybe they just added more weight in later models that just happened to have the Perspective system.

Have you considered a 36TC/TN with tips and AC and a GW increase?

Matt,
Ive owned 5 Bos and 1 P Baron and flew a C414 for awhile. I had zero complaints about the TN A36. The prospective partner is a non-pilot and relays on contract pilots to fly him around. He is interested, but not hard over about a Cirrus SR-22. I'm intrigued with the wider cockpit, integrated avionics, and honestly the chute. I had a rebuilt engine come throw a rod and come apart after 450 hours (top notch company did the work) and its got me thinking. Barons are a lot of maintenance and fuel burn. Bonanzas are just a bit narrow up front and if one of the pax wants to go from front to back it is just about impossible. The engine failure shook my faith in Continental. Looked at a Malibu/Mirage, but the real world maintenance costs are staggering from what I've seen.

On the SR-22T, I'm just spinning the numbers to see if the plane will be able to accomplish 80-90% of the missions. I was shooting for a Malibu/Mirage

So far, what i am seeing is that the useful load of a Cirrus SR-22T is a real limitation.

Chris C

I'll do that.

Can you elaborate on this comment?

My experience - no single thing but a lot of stuff that adds up. It's really more of a cheap cabin class twin than a high end single

1) increased training costs. Insurers more often require particular bits
2) increased hangar costs due to wingspan
3) Engines run at 65-75% power in the flight levels don't cool great. Cylinders rarely go to TBO. Exhaust systems the same.
4) Windshield was a $20K part (10 years ago) that requires 80 hrs labor to replace. Good for 10 years give or take
5) Boots need replacing every so often
6) Lots of redundancy = lots of stuff to break. Prop heating elements, heated stall switch, two vacuum pumps that are both the pricey (and not in stock at your local FBO) 400 series.
7) Niche/high end systems - gas caps (again 10 years ago) were $700

A continental powered Malibu had 1400lb useful load in many instances and will be similar to maintain over a newer Turbo Cirrus. Same engine run the same way. Landing gear and pressurization don’t add much to cost. A local A&P who does a lot of cirrus work did my Malibu.

Filling to the tabs and adding what extra is needed for the flight and/or allowable with the planned payload sounds like the best plan. Verify that with the totalizer and as long as they match within a gallon, you're good.

I got G3 TAT bird. It’s simply an amazing machine. Really amazing.
Best piston airplane IMHO.

If you are seriously considering a SR22T, at mid 6 figure cost, then spend $65 and join the Cirrus owners site.
There is a wealth on info on the various models, pro and con, from many many more owners/ operators than you will her from on Beechtalk
In addition, Steele Aviation published a guide to all the Cirrus models. You can probably call Jaime Steele and get a copy

Bits and pieces

1) if a malibu and an SR22t cost the same to maintain over 5 years, the cirrus must have some spendy parts the piper doesn’t. The malibu is a very cost efficient 340/duke. It is not a cost-efficient f33/cirrus

2) 47 gallons is over 3 hours to dry tanks at 65% lop. From my base in central MS that covers all of MS, AL, LA, AR and most of TN. Plenty of missions that works.