Cirrus SR22T

Cirrus introduced the SR22T in 2010 as a refined turbocharged single replacing the earlier Turbo SR22 (which used Tornado Alley Turbo's STC aftermarket conversion of the normally-aspirated SR22). The SR22T launched with the Continental TSIO-550-K factory-installed engine, derated from the engine's 350 hp thermodynamic capability to 315 hp for cooler operating temperatures and improved cylinder longevity. The derating decision addressed cylinder durability issues that had plagued earlier Turbo SR22 conversions.

Production has run continuously since 2010 through generation transitions. The G3 / G5 era (2010-2017) used Garmin Perspective avionics. The G6 (2017-2024) introduced Perspective Touch+ with full-screen layouts. The current G7 (2024+) added refined cabin features and updated avionics. CAPS repack at 10-year intervals applies to the SR22T as to all CAPS-equipped Cirrus aircraft. Total SR22 / SR22T production exceeds 8,000 aircraft, making the family the most-built modern composite single in production history.

The SR22T fleet has remained popular with cross-country pilots and family owners who want altitude capability for weather routing and turbo-equipped cross-country efficiency. Cirrus has built an extensive service center network, COPA provides comprehensive type-club support, and the CAPS safety record has demonstrated the value of the whole-airframe parachute system through over 250 documented saves as of 2026.

The SR22T cruises at about 213 KTAS at FL220 burning 18 gph of 100LL. At lower altitudes, cruise drops to 195 KTAS at similar fuel burn. The turbocharger maintains rated power to about FL250. Service ceiling is FL250 (operational, non-pressurized). Time-to-climb from sea level to FL200 is about 18 to 20 minutes at maximum gross weight. The SR22T's altitude capability gives meaningful flexibility for weather routing and high-altitude cross-country missions.

Useful load on an SR22T is about 1,100 to 1,200 pounds. Full fuel (92 gallons usable) leaves about 525 to 625 pounds for people and bags. Four-seat capacity is real for cabin space but useful load tightens with full fuel and four adults. Range with reserves is about 1,000 nm at long-range cruise. The combination of speed, range, altitude capability, and CAPS safety makes the SR22T one of the most-capable cross-country piston singles available.

The Continental TSIO-550-K is the engine on every SR22T. Six-cylinder, horizontally opposed, fuel-injected, twin-turbocharged piston rated at 315 hp at 2,500 RPM (derated from the engine's 350 hp thermodynamic capability). Continental's published TBO is 2,000 hours (2,200 hours for serial number 1006000 and later) per Continental Service Information Letter SIL 98-9E.

Field overhauls at Western Skyways, Mattituck, or other reputable Continental turbo shops run $60,000 to $80,000 in 2026 prices. The twin turbochargers add substantially to overhaul cost. Plan on additional $6,000 to $12,000 for turbocharger work at overhaul time. The Hartzell three-blade scimitar propeller standard on the SR22T runs $4,000 to $7,000 to overhaul.

Oil consumption on a healthy TSIO-550-K runs about 0.5 to 0.8 quarts per hour. The derated operation (350 hp engine running at 315 hp) extends cylinder life relative to non-derated turbo applications. Most SR22Ts reach TBO with proper management. Cylinder work at 1,000 to 1,300 hours is less common on the SR22T than on the earlier Turbo SR22 STC conversions that ran the engine at full thermodynamic output.

Plan on $380 to $530 per flight hour at 150 hours a year of utilization, all-in. The SR22T's operating cost reflects the twin-turbo engine, modern panel, CAPS reserve, and Cirrus parts pricing. Fuel and oil run about $103 to $130 per hour at 18 gph and $5.50 to $7 for 100LL. Engine overhaul reserve is $30 to $40 per hour. Prop overhaul reserve adds $2.50 to $4.00 per hour. Airframe maintenance reserve is $45 to $70 per hour. CAPS repack reserve amortizes at $13 to $17 per hour at 150 hours/year utilization.

Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add another $120 to $200 per hour at 150 hours a year of utilization. Insurance on the SR22T is meaningfully higher than the naturally-aspirated SR22 due to higher hull values and turbo operation. First-time SR22T owners pay $5,500 to $10,000 a year typically. Established SR22T pilots pay $3,500 to $6,500.

Acquisition cost in mid-2026: G3/G5 SR22Ts (2010-2017) trade $580,000 to $850,000. G6 SR22Ts (2017-2024) trade $750,000 to $1.05 million. G7 SR22Ts (2024+) trade $1.0 to $1.2 million. New SR22T G7 from Cirrus starts above $1.2 million with 18 to 30 month delivery lead times.

COPA membership is essential. Annual dues run about $90. COPA Cirrus Embark and recurrent training programs are functionally required by insurance for first-year SR22T coverage.