Flying The Cirrus SR22 - My 6 Month Review As A New Pilot

Are you considering becoming a pilot and thinking of investing in the Cirrus SR22? Take a journey with me as I review my experience flying the SR22 after 6 months of getting my pilot's license. Join me as I discuss the features, performance, and overall benefits of this incredible aircraft. Learn from my real-life experiences and find out why I think the Cirrus SR22 is such an amazing plane for new pilots!
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I am NOT a Certified Flight Instructor and my videos are not for instruction purposes. The video is intended for my own personal experiences and for entertainment purposes only. Do not use my video content as information about how to fly an airplane. To properly learn how to fly you MUST visit your local flight school and work with an experienced Certified Flight Instructor.

[@WesMcV]

Your doing good as a new pilot. If I may offer my advise as years of being a professional turbine pilot and CFI, the “ ballooning you experienced is a result of too much energy ( speed ) and by adding power as it pops up is just putting you right back to where you were. The only reason it didn’t happen the second time is because of your skill in finessing it down. It will be more predictable and easier to control if you learn your ref speed and don’t start the flare at a speed higher than that. Generally 1.3 Vso. Try to time the throttle to be slowed to that speed crossing the threshold. Thanks for sharing your plane !

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thanks Wes! I had a CFI (and Kings Schools) that had recommended adding a touch of power to get yourself set again obviously watching airspeed. But your 💯 right, it’s all about managing power and airspeed. Thanks for watching!

[@ernesthentschel1400]

not to be a spoil sport but these are the things you will learn through experience you will learn by starting out in lower performance aircraft owning 2 cirrus 22 s and a columbia 400 i started out with 500 hours in a cardinal that s just my thought things happen a lot faster in a high performance aircrafty

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Not a spoil sport, but at this point, I’m doing better than even when the video was shot. Every single pilot should be continually learning. I know some pilots who’ve got 40 years of flying under their belts and tell me they’re still learning! It’s humbling to be honest.

[@friendhui4320]

Energy management

[@richardalberg]

I too moved to an SR22 6 months after getting my PPL. Just over two years (and 370 hours) later I am loving the aircraft. Enjoy your flying and good luck with your IR.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

That’s awesome! The SR22 is an amazing machine! I am so fortunate to have one and be able to fly it whenever I’d like. Thanks for watching!

[@All.Fathers]

@@Cirrusly-SeanI just got my ppl and just placed my deposit for one, any recommendations on builds?

[@alansmith2203]

Sean, great video. Learned how to fly with my classmate Dad's tail dragger. We used to fly up to Berryessa and fly over the island kind of low to scatter the cows. Then come in sweet and low. Man, those were fun times. Applied for pilot training in the Navy after college. Recruiter asked my age. I said, "25, Sir"! He said Kid you are almost three years older than what we want. Hard to believe how shocking that was as a 25 year old. What a wake up call that was. Sean, enjoyed your video. Great plane and enjoyed watching the workings of flight commentary and communications between flight controllers and your plane.

[@marcospacheco7303]

Amazing video ! I fly out of KVNY when I was a student pilot my cfi used to take me to Camarillo to practice my t/o and landings back in 2017 , so many memories listening to this specific air traffic controller !

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Yeah!! VNY man! That’s an awesome airport as well! I fly there from time to time as well. Lots of history. Thanks for watching!

[@blakebrothers]

Great video, thanks! I'm a newly minted pilot who did my PPL on a 172 and now working on IFR rating on the same aircraft to keep it simple. I want a Cirrus but thought I should build time on a 182 first but watching your videos may cause me to hit the pause button on that plan - so thanks!

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Congratulations on your PPL! If you do your IFR training with the G1000 system, it would be much easier than my platform. Go get that rating!

[@flyrobroy]

Great video Sean - love the commentary!

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thanks man! It’s all fun and I try to tell it like it is. 😂

[@kerrylloyd4215]

You’re funny dude, I was a little scared early when you started speaking but by the end of the video, I think you’re gonna make it.👍

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thanks I guess.

[@RusscanFLY]

Yeah, I really enjoyed this video, especially since she went from a 172 to Cirrus. I’ve always wondered what that transition is like. Thanks for the video, and fly well!

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s amazing flying the Cirrus SR-22. Next is the Turbo version. 😅

[@goontube74]

Russ I can totally see you in the cirrus bro.

[@RusscanFLY]

@@goontube74 me too!😂😂😂

[@bhollingsworth]

This was recommended to me, and I'm glad it was. Another fun aviation channel to follow. Please keep the content coming!

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

That’s awesome!! Thanks to whomever suggested it to you! I’ll do my best! 😊

[@JT_Huie]

Awesome video man! I’m so obsessed with the idea of learning to fly, just very expensive! I love watching people get to fly and get that POV.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thank you! It is very expensive for sure, but if you wanted to make a career out of it, get a loan like you would for college and join a flight school that will get you from beginning to the airlines in one place. That would be my suggestion. It is amazing to fly, and I never get tired of it!

[@Lou-z4c]

Please check and double check your instruments. When you put in 1201 sqawk, it didn't take and put you back on VFR (1200) transponder code. Technically you flew through the VFR SFR corridor without correct code. Check 3:46 in the video.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I’ll be sure to in the future.

[@steini6771]

Great! Subscribed after a nanosecond. Sean, your channel will grow big and fast. Greetings from Norway.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thanks man!! I appreciate that very much! A goal of mine is to fly to Europe one day! Here’s to that!

[@FamilyManMoving]

Pretty topical. I'm in my PPL and talking to Cirrus now. Thanks for your insights.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

That’s awesome!! There’s so much more to it than what was covered, but you’d love your new plane!! No doubt!

[@FamilyManMoving]

@@Cirrusly-Sean Thanks. You're also flying around my old stomping grounds (former South Bay/Redondo resident). We're east coast now.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Oh wow! Yeah I fly from Camarillo to Long Beach often. Offices in both cities. I bet the East Coast is awesome!

[@goontube74]

nice flight i enjoyed it. Great to get another pilots perspective on all phases of flight🙌🏿

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thank you! I’m always learning and trying to do my best.

[@Maximka1100]

Lovely plane. Came across the video of you flying with Yoel the other day. Enjoy flying man.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Yeah! Yoel is the best! Thanks for watching!

[@mike1525]

I got to fly as a passenger in a g3 sr22 gts a few days ago. absolutely love it. such an awesome aircraft, especially coming from flying a Cessna 152

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

That’s awesome! I feel very fortunate to have the SR22, especially for the missions that I like to fly! I’ve never flown a 152 before.

[@mike1525]

@@Cirrusly-Sean hopefully you never will fly a 152 😅

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Hahahaaa! I’m sure they’re great, just a little slower is all. Great trainers and time builders I imagine.

[@DR0NE_BEE]

Cool video :D I was looking into the Cirrus SR22, and came across your video. Looks nice, and somehow I could feel how nice it would`ve been to fly it in person.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Yes absolutely! It’s always easier to get a great feel when you’re actually in the plane. But definitely check them out!

[@DR0NE_BEE]

@@Cirrusly-Sean Found one at a price tag of 765 000 USD. Its a bit steep, but seems like a good plane to fly. Like you stated im the video, "you're basically flying your house" price wise. Looking forward to see more of your flights, and fly safe brother 💪🏻

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

They can get expensive, but mine is a G2, so it has the older glass panels from Avidyne and the GNS430’s. But still, even with the older effects, it is still very capable and intuitive as compared to the 172 I was training in for my private certificate. Look at some of these models for sure.

[@zacharynorman397]

Hey Sean, as a fellow Cirrus pilot, happy to have found the channel. I remember when I transitioned from a C172 to my first SR20 with Avidyne, it was a lot. Now I'm flying G6 SR20 with Perspective +. One of the best things about being a pilot is constantly learning. Whether thats new ratings or endorsements, or learning to fly new planes. I look forward to more videos!

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thank you for your kind words! I am always learning something new every time I go up and fly. It’s a beautiful challenge and so worth it!

[@FredFolkerts]

Thanks for posting this video.. We are always learning and thats what makes it enjoyable. While I look forward to owning a Cirrus one day I have a long path (ground school) ahead of me. But I am going to enjoy it

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Get it man! I applaud you for getting your PPL going, you will never regret it, I swear!

[@raiderdefendant2225]

Great video I’m from Long Beach, but I live in Utah now. I am about to start student ground school . Thanks for sharing.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Nice! Go get it! You will not be disappointed at all!

[@adriandigby9813]

Great video and love the authentic and honest commentary - this is real flying! I flew out of Santa Monica when I was visiting LA in September and loved the flying out there, slightly different to the UK flying. Love the Cirrus and you are making me consider it - would be great to connect to hear more of your experience. Have a fab festive break. 😊

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thanks for the kind words! Yes, I am lucky enough to have a Cirrus, and totally love my plane! She makes trips so awesome and opens up travel like never before. Ask any questions you have!

[@mackenzietotaro4350]

Great vid! Cant escape those career tracks anywhere lol

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thanks! Hahaa, I know, they are prevalent everywhere I go! Lol

[@JRGarage]

Sweet video! Nice editing!

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thanks man! More videos to come for sure!!

[@jeffhurtubise4955]

Sean Yahns' got the best shit, just came across your video, made it half way through before I recognized you, glad to see you're doing good! Let me know if you ever make it to Oshkosh for the airshow, I'm right around the corner in Upper Michigan now.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Lol!! Hey man! Yeah hopefully I’ll make the next show for sure! We gotta catch up!

[@jaygallamore562]

The Cirrus is a nice aircraft! Retired Navy pilot here. Flying in the LA basin is a good exercise in situational awareness and focus on safety - good job. I noticed before your takeoff you tossed your phone on the right seat. Also not sure if the backpack there was secure. You might consider ensuring everything in the cockpit is secure in case you encounter turbulence or any maneuver that could dislodge loose items. Don’t need stuff flying around inside the aircraft or going where they shouldn’t be. I have very little time flying VFR and when doing so in small aircraft am completely outside my comfort zone. I am much more comfortable on an IFR flight plan. Fly safe!

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

@@jaygallamore562 yeah I usually have my flight bag on my right seat, but probably should secure it better, especially in less than favorable conditions. I’m still working on my IFR currently, hopefully I’ll have that rating in a couple months.

[@airrd]

More of this please!

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I’ll be working on it! 😊

[@danwein]

I hope to get one of these for my first plane

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I hope you do too! You’d love it!

[@AdamMcClean]

Really enjoyed the video Sean! 🤟

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Awesome! I’m glad you liked it! Many more to come!

[@heavyizthacrown-5842]

Try bringing power back to idle at ~50 ft AGL, once at idle try a subtle flare just before touchdown If the main gear don’t touch right away, just hold that slight flare until touchdown. This eliminates the need/urge to add throttle.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thanks! Yeah I’ve been working diligently at perfecting my landings. I love the challenges of flying.

[@heavyizthacrown-5842]

@@Cirrusly-Sean You were too high during approach and you pulled the throttle to idle *too soon* the Cirrus is light, it stops easily, take a deep breath next time and don’t go to idle until you’re “over the fence”. Keep up the good work!

[@accountname4442]

Thank you for making these Sr22 videos! I'm waiting for your next ones! What mounts do you use for your cockpit cameras?

[@markandshelice]

Love the videos very entertaining! Notice your squawk was still VFR over the LA special flight rules instead of 1201 curious if anybody made you aware of it or receive something in the mail?

[@GeneIpenburg]

at 3:50 he changes code to 1201

[@Lou-z4c]

@@GeneIpenburg the code didn't change and Sean didn't verify, so Mark was correct.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Oops!! I messed up! I noticed that after you said it. I looked to see and was like awwww maaannnn! 😂 I’ll be sure to double check that in future flights!

[@droge192]

Good call on replacing the STEC 55. With the Avidyne DF-90 you'll get FLC mode (climbing at IAS) and VNAV. STEC 55 is very limited with just VS mode.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I still need to replace the STec 55X. 😢 But the auto pilot you spoke of is the one I want. One day.

[@WildOn2sVlog]

I went from a 172 to a cirrus to a meridian and back to a cirrus. 😊.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Wow! That’s quite the cycle!

[@ytlongbeach]

Thx for the great vid. I'm currently training in a C172S. Your bird looks fun ! P.S. They do may Cessna's with similar performance, like the C182 and higher. Cheers.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thank you! Yeah the 182 is pretty cool as well, but I absolutely love my Cirrus for my long XC trips for speed and endurance.

[@FlightX101]

Thanks for Sharing!

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Absolutely! Glad you liked it!

[@chrisstrobel3439]

Dig that old school Avidyne suite 👍

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Yeah still works pretty good, but definitely in need of an upgrade.

[@raya.2041]

Nice video. But since your video is about "flying the Cyrus SR 22" it would be enjoyable to get a lot more information about the performance specs throughout the flight. More interesting to the viewer than the frequency you're using, etc. Keep making videos!

[@digbyisapilot]

Love the video Sean!

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thank you!

[@shadowdarkfall]

Controller sounds like he is a really cool controlling ( TWR at arrival) How he says CEEYA to people and still being pro. Also awesome save on the falir! if your ever in AZ lmk! I fly out of FFZ

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Yeah I like the controllers in the Fresno CA area, they are the nicest everrrr. One time I was flying back from Oregon dropping a friend off in Visalia. The controller came on and was like "November 381CD...did you know about the NOTAM for Visalia Airport Being Closed and not letting planes land?" I was like "noooooooooo!" He keyed back up laughing his ass off and was like "just kidding man! I had to mess with you after a long flight from Oregon!" Thanks for the invite!! I will keep that in mind!

[@aperrywithpressley9698]

Ha! 172 to Houston. I did a 150 from Kentucky to Houston. IT TOOK 5 DAYS LMBO! Good times lol

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

5 Days!! OMG, thats brutal! What was the issue, or were you stopping a lot for sight seeing and town hopping?

[@curryblackwell]

Great videos. I’m about to take possession of an SR 22. I’m curious about your audiovisual set up. I have a couple of GoPro but I’m trying to decide exactly how to set them up. Suggestions?

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I use 2 GoPro 11’s and the audio cable connected to the rear camera over the shoulder. I need to get another camera for the wing, but even I am trying to figure out what I’ll do for that particular camera. The audio plugs right into the jacks for the coms so you capture everything from tower and such. Have fun with it!

[@stevedoc62]

Worked at CMA for 6 years in the 90's. Never gave a straight in to a VFR aircraft due to noise abatement. Always left traffic from the east. Wonder what changed.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Not sure really. But there are tons of straight ins these days. It’s a much busier airport than some in the area.

[@raya.2041]

I used to fly in and out of there all the time when I had a Cessna tied down there for a few years in the early 2010's. We did straight in all the time. The area where they did not want us flying over was that neighborhood on the hill just to the north of the airport.

[@benjaminb1011]

Love this!!! More 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@LRobichauxIV]

Did you do your primary flight training out of Long Beach? Although it’s difficult, training out of a busy Delta under a busy Bravo pays major dividends later in your flying life, particularly in IR training.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I primarily fly out of Camarillo CA. LB is another airport I fly to often for business, but your right, better to fly often out of busy airports and Bravo areas for future flights and security (so to speak).

[@jessegarcia6711]

Great Video! I like the information you gave. Did you do your training out of Long Beach?

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thank you! I did my training out of Camarillo actually. I just fly to LB often for business.

[@DR0NE_BEE]

just subbed, in hopes to see more videos whenever you have the time :)

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

The intent is to make lots of videos for enthusiasts and anyone willing to watch!

[@DR0NE_BEE]

@@Cirrusly-Sean awesome bro 😎

[@ThomasAfterHoursASMR]

Seen one of these planes today at an air show and now I’m traveling down rabbit holes lol At 41 years old would it even be worth it to learn how to fly

[@chucklemasters6433]

looks like the stick is connected to the nose wheel the way you are steering that thing around with your left hand while taxiing! also you commented about responding to the controllers instructions in a timely manner so next time you get a takeoff clearance remember that you can taxi the plane and push the PTT at the same time.. surprising how much quicker you can get on the runway and get moving when you start to taxi immediately when you hear the words 'cleared for takeoff"! you don't stop the plane in midair to respond to the controller right? you don't even need to wait to taxi while the controller says whatever he may add to the takeoff clearance much less wait until you are finished responding to it. "cleared for takeoff" means MOVE IT!

[@darthmoomoo]

What mount are you using to attach your camera inside the cabin?

[@TheCapTan]

Great video. I’m based out of KRAL. You plan on going with Garmin gfc 500?

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thank you! Honestly I was thinking of going all Avidyne avionics, but still not sure. Some say go all Garmin, others say Avidyne. I just want stuff that works well.

[@TheCapTan]

@@Cirrusly-Sean I have the gfc 500 in my arrow. I love it. Avidyne has the new vantage but you use the old autopilot. If you ever want to check the it out stop by KRAL. I can use it to fly the whole LA special flight rules from a saved flight plan. Vnav is my favorited feature.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thanks for the offer!! I’ll have to make some time for that!

[@TheCapTan]

Flew it yesterday. First time I got bravo clearance from Smo direct KRAL.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

That’s amazing! I was at ARA Aviation the other day looking at the GFC500 and the 750 and 650 for the plane. 150k 😅

[@pjncompany]

He is like a kid in a candy store. This me every time I can find an excuse to get in a left seat lol

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I feel like a kid in a candy store! I’m a lucky guy to be able to do this. Thanks for watching!

[@FLYBOY123456789]

Mistakes - 0, uhhs - 3,296...get that instrument rating...game changer...

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I am so looking forward to my Instrument Rating!

[@DanMerck]

So what do you do when you have to use the restroom?

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Hold it. Lol

[@robinthomsoncomposer]

How do you guys afford these planes?

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Have a business that makes the purchases and payments for fuel and maintenance!

[@martindurkin5223]

Minor point: the controller requested you reduce speed TO 110 not 110 or less.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Whoops

[@brandonjones5096]

Whys he say towards the beginning of the flight that he cant fly into the clouds?

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

@@brandonjones5096 In order to fly into clouds you must be an instrument rated pilot on an instrument flight plan. I’m not instrument rated yet, but have flown in clouds with my instructor, it can definitely be disorienting if you are not careful and focus on your instruments only.

[@lordmarsgaming1935]

So funny cause controllers are doing so much work and the pilot is just cruising hahaha. Having done both I prefer the easy flying option to controlling. Flying is soooo much easier.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I could not imagine what they must go through! I hear them sometimes trying to communicate to some pilots who just aren't getting it, and is making the controllers job a nightmare! Flying is much easier I think. Lol

[@Curlybill-yh6dg]

Doing some

[@joepecorelli1099]

When flying over LA can you smell the POOP from up there ? 😊

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

@@joepecorelli1099 not at all. It’s quite nice actually. Great views, especially at night.

[@Thomipangang]

It seems you are not using the full potential of your rudder… your turns seem a bit choppy, especially that 360..

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Is that right? 🤔

[@Thomipangang]

@@Cirrusly-Sean I mean, I’m just a student pilot but my turns seem much smoother. That 360 looks very similar to a turn without rudder due to it being a bit choppy…

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Thanks! But no, the turn was completely coordinated. It’s called a crosswind that can push or make it seem choppy sir.

[@curtisaitken7027]

roger Roger.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Love it!

[@adamsrosales6519]

Talk to me Goose

[@Williamb612]

Spend a million more and buy a used Honda Jet....it is smoother, quieter, faster, flies higher, and burns less fuel than the Cirrus VJet....and has a lavatory so you can truly use the 1000 mile range without taking a break every three hours

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I wish I had that kind of money!!

[@TCB84]

Why can't you fly in the clouds?

[@kobartlett]

Pilots who don't have an Instrument Rating,can't fly through clouds because they can lose their sense of direction and lose control of the aircraft. Flying through clouds can also be dangerous because of the turbulence that can be dangerous

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Flying into a cloud can disorient a pilot who is not trained for it, and can place the aircraft in a dangerous attitude and the pilot may not even know it. Stalls, graveyard spirals or spins can take a pilot out in a cloud.

[@williamadler3003]

Talk less, fly more....Use checkilists. Horrible sterile cockpit.. Capt. Ret. ATP, CFI/ME, FETJ. Type rated B-747, B-737, DC-10, EMB-110. 30,000 Total time.

[@Iamabot4708]

Did you admit the tax fraud on camera.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Exactly how did I do that?

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

The answer is no. Apparently you don’t know tax law.

[@Mobev1]

As a cirrus pilot myself I flew the avydine and it is an easier more simplified and liked better by many. There is a guy that writes about it on the internet.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Who is the guy who writes about it? I would like to see more about it.

[@Mobev1]

@@Cirrusly-Sean I’ll ask ai for u

[@Mobev1]

Ai said he couldn’t find the guy. I think he may have a school of older cirrus aircraft. Ai did say that many people like the older avionics because they are more user friendly and the major depreciation has already happens. Finally I believe there is an upgrade out of Florida from the original maker of the avionics.

[@Mobev1]

Those avydines I couldn’t figure out how to turn off traffic on ground.

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Yeah story of my life! lol

[@Mobev1]

Avydine advantage is out now

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

I would love to upgrade to that new system! Big cost though.

[@doublehelixcom]

Less interested in transitioning from a 172 and more so in how you afford a Cirrus!?

[@Cirrusly-Sean]

Gotcha! Make it a business expense. I have multiple offices and makes sense to travel by air rather than ground.

[@Mobev1]

If you financed that thing you crazy. I don’t finance any depreciating assets.