The True Operating Cost of Cirrus SR22
The Cirrus SR22 represents modern single-engine aircraft design with ballistic parachute safety system. Plan for $32,000–$38,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $320–$380 per hour. Lower fuel burn and innovative Cirrus Perspective avionics reduce costs compared to older performance aircraft, though parachute system maintenance adds unique line items.
Quick Specs: Cirrus SR22
| Specification | SR22 (Turbo / Naturally Aspirated) |
|---|---|
| Engine | Lycoming IO-550 (310 hp naturally aspirated) / Cirrus SR22T (310 hp turbocharged) |
| Fuel Burn | 6.5–7.0 gal/hr (NA) / 7.5–8.0 gal/hr (Turbo) |
| Cruise Speed | 130–145 mph (NA) / 145–160 mph (Turbo at altitude) |
| Useful Load | 1,150–1,250 lbs |
| Seats | 6 |
| CAPS Parachute | Ballistic Recovery System; repack every 15 years |
TL;DR: Cirrus SR22 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $14,000–$18,000/year (insurance $1,800–$2,500, hangar $4,500–$5,500, annuals $1,200–$1,800, avionics $1,000–$1,500, parachute reserve $1,000)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $18,000–$20,000/year (fuel, oil, mx reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $32,000–$38,000/year (~$320–$380/hour)
- Finance a $240,000 SR22: Add $3,600/month ($43,200/year) at 6.5% over 7 years
- Parachute maintenance: ~$1,000/year reserve (repack $15,000 every 15 years)
What Counts as Operating Cost
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $1,800–$2,800/year for $200,000–$250,000 hull with 500+ hours. Parachute system may reduce rates 5–10%.
- Hangar: $4,500–$5,500/year (aircraft integrates Perspective avionics; benefits from hangar protection)
- Avionics subscriptions: $1,000–$1,500/year (Cirrus Perspective G2000 NXi, weather, synthetic vision)
- Annual inspection: $1,200–$1,800 labor
- CAPS parachute reserve: ~$1,000/year (15-year repack cycle)
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Fuel (naturally aspirated): 6.8 gal/hr × $6.50 = ~$44/hour
- Oil and filter: $4–$5/hour
- Engine reserve: $14–$18/hour
- Propeller reserve: $6–$8/hour
- Maintenance: $18–$24/hour
- Landing fees: $5–$12/landing
Fuel Burn and Hourly Cost
Fuel Cost Calculation (Naturally Aspirated)
- Fuel burn: 6.8 gal/hr
- Fuel price: $6.50/gal
- Hourly cost: 6.8 × $6.50 = $44.20/hour
Annual Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons | Cost @ $6.50/gal |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 340 | $2,210 |
| 100 | 680 | $4,420 |
| 150 | 1,020 | $6,630 |
| 200 | 1,360 | $8,840 |
Maintenance & CAPS Parachute
Engine and Systems
- Lycoming IO-550: 2,000 hours TBO; $28,000–$32,000 overhaul
- CS Propeller: ~$9,000 overhaul at 1,500+ hours
- Annual inspection: $1,200–$1,800
CAPS Parachute System
- Deployment cost: $15,000–$20,000 (one-time if deployed)
- Repack cycle: Every 15 years (~$2,000–$2,500 labor + supplies)
- Annual reserve: $1,000/year (amortized)
- Inspection: Included in annual; visual checks quarterly
Insurance & Storage
Insurance Premiums
- $220,000 hull, 500+ hours, private use: $1,800–$2,200/year
- $220,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $2,400–$3,200/year
- CAPS parachute discount: Many insurers reduce rates 5–10%
Storage Options
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Hangar | $375–$460 | $4,500–$5,500 |
| Tie-Down | $100–$180 | $1,200–$2,160 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $16,000 | $7,000 | $23,000 | $460 |
| 100 | $16,000 | $14,000 | $30,000 | $300 |
| 200 | $16,000 | $28,000 | $44,000 | $220 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $240,000 SR22, 6.5% APR, 7 years = $43,200/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $30,000 | $43,200 | $73,200 | $732 |
| 200 | $44,000 | $43,200 | $87,200 | $436 |
Financing the Cirrus SR22
- Typical purchase price: $200,000–$280,000 (depends on year, avionics, engine time)
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $180,000–$240,000
- Term: 7–10 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $2,600–$3,600
Lender Requirements: 600+ credit, private pilot, $120,000+ annual income, hull insurance, pre-purchase inspection, appraisal. Lenders like JakenAviation view SR22s favorably due to modern design and strong resale.
Alternatives to Consider
- Beechcraft Bonanza: Similar price; higher fuel burn (8.5 gal/hr) but 6-seat comfort without parachute complexity.
- Piper M350: Pressurized twin; more expensive to operate but twin-engine safety and ice capability.
- Cessna 210: Older, retractable single; lower purchase/operating cost but less modern avionics.
Get prequalified for SR22 aircraft financing »
Sources: Cirrus Aircraft Specifications | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS