The MESSY TRUTH About Our Cheap Cirrus SR20 (Still Broken After 2 Years)

Here's the truth about our cheap Cirrus SR20. We have owned this plane for over 2 YEARS and it has been unairworthy over 99% of that time... This video breaks down the real costs associated with owning an airplane. If you want to buy your first plane, watch this video first! We bought this plane sight unseen, as the cheapest Cirrus in the country, and flew it home 1000 miles. Do we regret buying this plane? Maybe...
Cheap Cirrus Reveal: • Buying The CHEAPEST Ci...
Flying Cheap Cirrus Home: • The REAL Reasons Why O...
Flight lessons in Cirrus: • First Flight Lesson In...
Learn to fly! The ground school course we personally use: learn.pilotins...
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PLEASE NOTE: We are aviation enthusiasts. These videos are for entertainment purposes only. We are NOT qualified to give flying instruction. All of our videos, including this one, have been significantly edited down from the original full length raw footage. Many radio calls, checklist steps, and other procedures have been omitted to keep the videos a reasonable viewing length. Please speak to a CFI with any flying questions you may have.

[@1dullgeek]

After this video, I've never wanted a Cirrus less.

[@adotintheshark4848]

and most of them that crashed never used the parachute anyway. I don't know why it's a mandatory replacement. Along those lines, why not require all GA aircraft to have parachutes?

[@rafalwyszkowski70]

@@adotintheshark4848 it has to do with spin recovery certification. Pulling chute is the approved option for spin recovery in SR. Otherwise SR is near impossible to recover.

[@mitchellmimier5004]

@@rafalwyszkowski70Nope, not true at all.

[@sledawgpilot]

@@adotintheshark4848the stall spin certification wouldn’t pass without the chute

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

This is my feeling exactly, any aircraft has many potential problems but this is next level trouble! Get a Corvallis, Viking, Aerostar, Mooney, Bonanza, Arrow, Cessna 182 RG... you name it it would be a better experience...

[@AvgDude]

This is why I bought a 1971 Cessna 150L. Over 24,000 made; so tons of parts. Cheap to maintain; so it’s always flying, albeit slowly. Lots of great STCs & PMAs to improve safety, stall speed, and engine life. And soon it will qualify for light sport. And runs on non-ethanol auto gas. I’ve put over 300 hours of flying in the past two years. I’ve thought of selling it, but nightmare stories like keep me in my 150.

[@theflightpractitioner7288]

Agreed 100%.

[@stubryant9145]

A slow airplane still carries you into the sky. What else really matters? Better than staying on the ground!

[@AvgDude]

@@stubryant9145 And you build up hours without having to fly too far from home. A 300 mile round trip gives me 4 hours of Hobbs time.

[@stubryant9145]

@@AvgDude And solo cross country is still better than driving, even in a J3 Cub.

[@cliffordrandell735]

Auto ⛽ gas? Yeah that is a big plus. I think the 150 is such a neat plane too. Keep it. Fly safe :)

[@quinnjim]

I’m feeling pretty good about selling my Cirrus at this point! A few years ago, a parachute repack was easy to schedule and cost around $10,000. On this trajectory, this job will be $30,000 in a few years.

[@JRAviation]

I hear it’s already 25-30k now!

[@WilliamFluery]

Think of all the illegal aliens we can feed and house for $25-30k

[@mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891]

@@JRAviationright. Ridiculous and stupid.

[@thomasbaugh2189]

GLAD I never bought a Cirrus........I have a SOCATA Trinidad -TB20......way cheaper to operate, fantastic parts/service from factory based in Tarbes, France but with a warehouse/office & support staff here in USA, based in Pompano, FL.......I get my parts within 24hrs!!! (Parachutes are over rated....learn how to fly the plane correctly, you won't need one!)

[@mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891]

@@thomasbaugh2189 great airplane. Awesome flying machine. Congratulations.

[@cwinterholler]

I sold my Gen1 SR-20 last year. Had it 17 years and sold it for 5k less than what I paid for it. I got sick of it because of this kind of crap with parts and the ridiculous parking situation at KSDL

[@lucaragione9522]

@@abel4776pipistrel panthera maybe a good option

[@brianm9962]

Thank you for showing respect to air safety, the aircraft, the ferry rules, and the videoing as a side to the job of piloting. 100% would trust you all.

[@jorgeetrevino6790]

Thank you for sharing. I just eliminated Cirrus from my search-for-an-airplane list…

[@movieprod]

Want to know why I love you guys? You're honest, you're fun, and always positive. Got my license (check flight in a 150!) when I was 18...I'm now 77. Great career as a Producer at Warner Bros... my Archer tied down next to Amelia Earhart's hanger.....exciting times at Burbank when Janet Flights were in and out several times a day. At 77 and retired in Mesa AZ, I miss it all...thanks guys for sharing your passion...a great gift to me!!

[@wormhole331]

I see those Janet flights all the time in Vegas.

[@baero2019]

So happy to be finally leaving the certified world soon for my Sling TSi.

[@kkbsrt8687]

This video has ruled out the Cirrus from my feasible dream planes. What an informative video.

[@johnfriend862]

The parachute is one huge reason I ruled out the Cirrus pretty quickly. Back in 2019 when I looked at an SR22T is was $10,000, and a deal breaker at that. Since the FAA mandated it for the Cirrus airframe there's no way to just placard it INOP and go on about your business. Even small parts like the tach transducer for every single Continental IO-550 was simply discontinued by Teledyne Continental Motors. A new, updated part was released, but only for new manufacture engines, they refused to release it as a service part. I was quoted $17,500 for a $300 part, because there just weren't any to be found and this guy had one. Remember, a tach is a mandated instrument so without one you're plane is not airworthy. I did find a serviceable used one, and TCM also made the update part available as a service part. My prop heat timer, a simple $300 part, is out of production and completely unavailable. The patent was purchased by Kelly Aerospace, but they never went into production. The design is a dinosaur now, and making a modern solid state design would be even cheaper, but the process to get it STC'd and available is a deal breaker for those who've tried to do it. My prop heat is not placarded INOP, and my FIKI plane is no longer certified FIKI. Welcome to the world of airplane maintenance. Add in the shops can't hire anybody, no one wants to work so these huge shops have like 3 employees. Also, airports are jacking up rental costs for the shops because finding hangar space has gotten so difficult they'd rather kick the shop out and rent the space to store aircraft. It's the perfect storm of no parts, mechanics, & shops losing their hangar. My AI actually now only does work in your hangar, because he lost his.

[@theaviator06]

The parachute was mandated for certification due to spin recovery requirements, not actually for engine failure reasons. The Cirrus couldn't pass the spin testing, so they added a parachute.

[@rossgingerich7759]

What kidney GFR score requires dialysis?

[@alrad5686]

An airplane can turn a millionaire into a thousandaire. Seems like you can't buy a break with that one. Hopefully the parachute install goes well and the annual is relatively trouble free, especially since you haven't flown much since the last annual. Keep up the good content Jeff.

[@bigdaddie40]

Yep, the way to have a million dollars in aviation: start with 2 million.

[@sebastientoussaint5461]

😂😂😂

[@michaelsullivan3553]

But NOTHING compares to flying , helps to make good decisions tho

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Fascinating. An eye opener to those of us who are not pilots. It is one thing to love an older car. If it runs, fine. If not, you use a different one. But a plane must be perfect, so scheduled maintenance is just a cost of ownership.

[@ryanhall60]

Wow painfull! Experimental for me since completing my plane November 2022. No regrets!

[@alexmikhael5061]

I am really likkin that COMPAIR 6seater one ;) just saying... again... ;)

[@demagescod9657]

What do you have?

[@chennemeyer]

Nothing kills the airplane buying mood more than this video other than my wife. What a cluster, I trial flew a demo Cirrus last year, spectacular plane, and spectacular price, now realizing what it would cost in lost time and more money it becomes a true buzz kill like no other. I guess experimental, or small cheap and very old aluminum planes form the 60s

[@DeltaBravoMattalac]

I am based out of KDVT and also just got a ferry permit to take my bird to Arapahoe at KAPA yesterday. I saw your plane there and realized that I am next in line behind you and was part of that same order of parts that came in at once. But I only saw this video randomly in an FB aviation group after I got back to Phoenix, so that was trippy coincidence. In my case, I timed the order for my SR22 G1 such that I wasn’t really delayed at all by parts, but I expired at the end of Jan so I am overall only expecting a net grounding of one month due to shop availability delays beyond the time needed to actually do the work. But I am fine with it, as it was well communicated and coordinated.

[@colinm6714]

Thanks for convincing me to never buy a Cirrus! Not that I could really afford an SR22. Working on my tailwheel rating now after not flying props for 12 years. Got my eyes on some saucy Cessna 180s or maybe a Vans series

[@ar15gator]

WOW! Depressing! Don’t be buying a Cirrus plane is the lesson here, Thx for sharing, sorry for your struggle, OMFG! ,

[@MikesGarageReviews]

My wife and I was planning on buying a brand new Cirrus. I'm glad I seen this video and now we aren't buying one. I'm not buying from a company that's not looking out for it's customers.

[@BigBisalreadytaken]

Cirrus is Chinese-owned now. You can do better elsewhere.

[@billtaglia2865]

40 plus hours labors?

[@ingresswizard9044]

Newer planes don't have so much trouble as the Gen 1 planes

[@tomstulc9143]

Chinese made plane

[@akudapapua]

He could have gotten things fixed faster. He needs to change his mechanic. He's also not staying on top of the aircraft's maintenance. He mentions that they should have thought about it in advance but doesn't really go too in-depth on that. You can also use a place that's Cirrus certified. They'll have parts.

[@h7qvi]

Parachute must be made of $100 bills stitched together

[@JRAviation]

Right 😂

[@deantait8326]

I drove drag race cars for years and I always packed my own parachutes….

[@sethfreedman3473]

Probably would be cheaper that way 😂

[@alexmikhael5061]

@@deantait8326 from what I ahve read on the netz, it's not really about the CHUTE.... or the ROPES... it's the HANDELING OF THE ROCKET SOLID FUEL ROCKET DEVICE that don't have that many peeps trained to deal with, and the restrictrictions of working with the stuff that makes it go BOOOOMBOOOOOM and watnot... ;) and CIRRUS don't wanna allow peeps to train other peeps, they control it like APPLE controles their CODE ;) or well that's the idea *I* GOT :) V have a great one!!! lthe rocket, and the BREAKING THE SHEELL and the recomposit work that has to be done to REBIND the stuff to the frame and make the ''eggshell they break'' look good enuf for them cirrus owners to not complain! :) that's the idea *I* got from reading up on it the other night...

[@DdDd-ss3ms]

Listen, It's a live saving device, the packed parachute and the rocket motor must be 100% reliable for over 10 years. Perhaps first inform you about the work, the materials needed to get to a for over 10 year fail proof device which you only can try one time.

[@Raqsoicy]

I would never have thought in the almost decade. I have been watching you guys that you guys have an aviation channel. This is really cool.

[@raymondgill9796]

The words "cheap for a reason" spring to mind.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I love the notion of flying - but this is just one among a countless stream of examples why GA is truly a sucker's game.

[@collinreesejones5525]

Shoulda bought a Mooney! Your patience is admirable... 🤪

[@dirtcurt1]

Buy a Mooney and your AP will hate you if he likes you and love you if hates you. Same with any turbocharged airplane. Pilots love em mechanics hate them. Hate =money. I don’t blame them either.

[@nightfall22]

My bro always kills me… 4 days later it becomes unairworthy and the old ass drunk dude stumbling down the stairs… that’s one of my favourite clips. I didn’t expect to see it here I’m crying 😂. Also I wouldn’t fly the plane. Rules exist for a reason and if he’s caught the dumpster fire will become napalm

[@Motoguy94]

I don't think i will ever buy a certified aircraft. Experimental all the way.

[@c1d2e]

Just have to be really careful if buying a used one, so many shady hangar owner mechs out there doing who knows what.

[@brentdavidson1]

@@c1d2e just gotta get inspection from a mechanic knowledgeable about that model not a random a&p

[@glennschlorf1285]

Nothing wrong with a certified aircraft just gotta be certified parts

[@That_5.0_Ranger]

@@glennschlorf1285exactly. Add a zero on the end of the price for certified vs experimental parts.

[@Motoguy94]

@glennschlorf1285 yeah, which I guess you can't get anymore.

[@WilliamBillHarder]

I always thought I would like a Cirrus, this video has given me great pause. I’m a 60 year old guy that can afford it. It’s like the old Jaguar where you always need 2. One in the shop and one to drive. Think I’m back on a new Arrow.

[@mitchellmimier5004]

Don't form your opinion based on this video. These guys have no idea what they are doing and are likely intentionally doing this for clicks and views. There's a reason Cirrus is the best selling airplane and has been for years. No manufacturer is perfect, but Cirrus isn't any worse than any other.

[@nilslindenblad9856]

Thanks. I love the way you have fun doing these videos. Can't wait to see this plane back in the air. Keep em coming.😊

[@jasonschoenhoff4486]

This could be of great help to you. Get ahold of Wells aircraft based out of KHUT Hutchinson KS. They are a platinum cirrus service center. I worked there for a short time. They work miracles on Cirrus aircraft. They have strong Girrus ties. It probably won't be cheap but I bet they could have you in the air soon and their work is top notch. Reach out to Don Rogers at Cirrus.

[@moseskelly2886]

This sounds VERY stressful and overwhelming. I'm praying that everything will go and has gone smoothly so far and stays that way.

[@jonfelty6063]

Feel your pain on this one! Still a great story and thanks for sharing!

[@rafalwyszkowski70]

Normally when aircraft are certified they must demonstrate the can be recovered from a one turn spin. The SR22 did not meet that minimal requirement for certification and the chute was accepted as the recovery method. The SR22 has poor recovery characteristics from spins and the manufacturer states in the POH that CAPS is the only recovery method.

[@cliffordrandell735]

That's pitiful

[@jackdale9249]

is it REALLY incapable of recovery ? or did they just not bother ? what design quirk makes it so impossible when all others can ? Re chute : clearly there is some gross greed going on here ! it hardly REALLY would cost $25K for a bloody chute and rocket ! and $1500 for some rubber blocks > LOL theses guys are making serious $ !

[@mitchellmimier5004]

@@jackdale9249 It can recover from spins. It has been demonstrated countless times. It's not certified for spins because Cirrus didn't pursue it.

[@JD96893]

I will never buy a cirrus. Very insightful video.

[@ChiliStyles]

Should have bought my airworthy one. I have a 2000 Sr-20 G1 and haven't had any issue with any type of part supplies.

[@Motoguy94]

Yeah, but in however many years the parachute has left, it will be the sane problem. There is going to be a sea of unairworthy cirrus. This is the kind of thing that ends a company.

[@stevepaul6360]

Be thankful. We had one of the later G1 (all electric) SR20, was airworthy until the first annual at which point we had issues with multiple parts being unavailable - the pucks, for example. The fuel pump was sent to USA for overhaul as parts not available here, they wanted us to buy a new pump. Eventually so frustrated we sold the aircraft as a bad joke....

[@realone4341]

Sooner or later they will suffer from not over responding to these issues. It's almost criminal that business owners with market edge swim in money while slighting customers.

[@bubbaman12289]

Someone should do something about letting other companies step in it's insane....a knob for my Garmin...a fking knob was 400 dollars and 4 months to get insane

[@beandrive]

Could make your knob yourself or have some one else make one for you?

[@riaanlouw1874]

@@beandrive yeah, get a working sample , Scan and 3D print it.

[@davidbenji1]

The LESSON to be learned from this is to order the parts NOW in anticipation of the NEXT repack. Not only will you avoid any parts delays but the parts will probably DOUBLE in price over the next 10 years. GREAT VIDEO!!

[@andrewp734]

or hear me out, dont buy a plane that has to have a parachute repacked.

[@davidbenji1]

​@andrewp734 Yeah! That too!!!

[@bobrewer202]

You risk having the replacement chute being unqualified by the time you replace it.

[@davidbenji1]

@bobrewer202 So maybe just buy the parts with no expiration date. Or maybe don't buy them now but at least 12 months in advance.

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

@@andrewp734 Good advice.

[@operationscomputer1478]

'airplane hasn't flown for 2 years, no i'm going to do a single circuit before i fly a 4hr trip into the mountains'. Yep, that seems safe.

[@alexmikhael5061]

that 6 seat COMPAIR is sounding pretty good right now ;) LOL

[@tomsamuelson767]

JR: I fly a Turbo Lance II out of Centennial. My hangar's about 200 yards from Arapahoe Aero. We've had some fuel pump rebuild issues of our own but nothing like what you've experienced. Cripes! Hit me up if you have time when you're here.

[@alanbranch851]

You’d think Cirrus had a Tibetan monk packing parachutes partime

[@plektosgaming]

That's an entire engine replacement on most small planes. Just absurd costs with this plane.

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

@@plektosgaming Truly!

[@davesdrone3125]

If its going to be down for several months more due to an annual, and possibly an overhaul, why not slip your chute repacking to the right so you get a full 10 years of use out of it after the annual and possible rebuild is done?

[@dwaynemcallister7231]

I think getting a large pile of bills together for a bonfire and watching them burn would be less expensive, frustrating and overall more fun.

[@bigdaddie40]

I can do an annual on my Mooney for the yearly parachute reserves on a Cirrus. Just as fast and 30% less fuel burn.

[@cliffordrandell735]

And the Mooney is probably safer. Definitely cooler 😊 At least to a non aviator airplane fan like me:) Mooneys are my favorite.

[@bigdaddie40]

@@cliffordrandell735 The Mooney is a solid airplane. The drawbacks are: 1) It's tight inside, but comfortable and 2) It is payload limited. You can carry 2 people and full fuel or 4 people and SOME fuel. It's the perfect airplane for my wife and me.

[@cliffordrandell735]

@@bigdaddie40 I have heard they have a steel or aluminum "roll cage" or similar safety construction? Perhaps that accounts for the added weight and lack of room? I'm glad you guys are out there paying the cost of keeping general aviation alive. My son and I have flown as passengers in single engine planes several times and loved it. I even got some stick time with a friends Barracuda once although not for but a few minutes. But what a thrill it was:) We had plenty of altitude and airspeed and I just slowly banked but I felt like the Red Barron:)

[@bigdaddie40]

@@cliffordrandell735 The cabin area of the Mooney is indeed steel tube structure. The reason the airplane is small inside is because it was made to be small and fast. I typically see about 160kts (184mph) at economy cruise getting about 20mpg. Unheard of in an airplane. It's far from perfect but is a great bang for the buck. The newer Mooneys go faster because they threw an engine on it making 50% more power. Guess what? 50% more fuel burn but not 50% faster. The power required to go faster is the square of the airspeed increase thus to go 2X as fast requires 4X more power. If you're ever in Central California I'll take you for a ride. Sorry JR Aviation, I didn't mean to hijack this great video.

[@cliffordrandell735]

@@bigdaddie40 Thanks for the great explanation of your plane. I think you have a great bird there for sure 😊 I had to retire early after 30 years in Law Enforcement at 51 and am battling cancer (the most evil disease I've ever heard of BTW) so I can only dream of going to California one day but I appreciate the offer to fly. I pray I could ever take you up on it :) I know my son sure would in a heartbeat:) He loves to fly:) We never missed an airshow when I was healthy. I've got to stick around to take him to more because his mother probably won't but we shall see. I know general aviation is expensive but you "can't take it with you" and it's a lot cheaper than some peoples money pits I'll bet:) Money well spent.

[@scottbeyer101]

My mechanic is adamantly against Cirrus for this very reason. He just turns people away and says sorry, life is too short for me to deal with Cirrus as a partner.

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

Good stuff. I like how ya break it down. owning a cirrus is about like owning a jet. You can afford to buy it, he just can’t hardly afford to own it”. I had a sr20 gen 1 for a few years Luckily it only had 400 hours total time and I still had a few years left on the umbrella and I’m lucky to say other than a bad magneto in three years that’s the only money I spent on it.

[@CobusDerrenberg]

GREAT video & update 👍✨ Sorry about all the issues 😖 Where's Sasha ?! Best to you all 😎👍✨

[@thewatchersofthewood3530]

I am so happy to never have to worry about keeping my private plane running! 🤣

[@deltadelta1658]

I had a pre-buy done at Arapahoe for my G3 SR20 in October of 2021. I was very pleased with the professional service. Perhaps you can get them to do the annual while they are doing the parachute. I had my Parachute done in Nov. of 2022. I had ordered the parts 9 months prior and it all worked out well. My price for the repack was about the same. You did not mention that if the parachute is ok Cirrus will give you back about $5000 for the parachute core that the shop sends back.

[@dsrgarage]

I have an experimental with a BRS and was able to send mine off and had it back from repack in a month

[@Gerrypickles1940]

Good luck dude 👍 wish you the best

[@rickwiggins283]

Consider this: Cirrus 'engineers' design a ~$1 million single-engine plane that cannot recover from a stall/spin then band-aid it with a 'recovery' device that costs ~$25,000 per pull.

[@brianbohannon8044]

I bought a G2SR20 in December and I too had pucks that needed replacement. I heard they were well on back order but somehow my shop was able to get in one week direct from Cirrus. Sorry about your luck. My parachute is due in 2025 and I’ll order a year in advance.

[@shamoy1000]

Thanks for the investment advice. I'm going to look into stock piling some fuel pumps and ballistic chutes

[@f.n.schlub]

I always learn from your vids. It would be nice if you had a running ticker in the corner showing cost so far, starting with purchase price then adding EVERYTHING including ALL travel expenses related to this aircraft. Yes, include transit to/from, hotel, car rentals, meals, landing fees, fuel, filing fees, contract pilot costs, etc., etc. ... That would inform about actual cost of your purchase. Also, if you ever make it to Tucson, treat yourselves to the astonishing work of Chef Richard Knott. He has a channel on YT and Instagram so you can preview what I mean. Perhaps a celebratory flight and dinner with a master chef ? Call ahead and warn him. He'll take you to a whole other level and imprint you with a new set of culinary memories. Tucson. Who'd a thunk it ? And remember, "Taste is a function of memory."

[@kerolosisfat4198]

I would love to see more Bonanza content!

[@ATLTraveler]

How did you make your money? Just curious most people can’t drop $20K on a parachute…

[@stevenflattum156]

I miss your content and adventures! Next one please!

[@n62bv]

I've owned four Beechcraft/Raytheon products 78 C24R, 81 C24R, F33 and B58. Not once did it take over two weeks for a part. Heck one time the FBO broke a magnesium nose wheel steering component in my C24 while in the Bahamas by towing it incorrectly and had a new one in 48 hours. The ONLY time you should really need a chute is if you over stress the frame and fold a wing up or break the tail off.

[@josephhamilton1184]

Just had my Cirrus SR22 parachute done in Dec. cost me $16300. I gave my 12wk notice to Cirrus that I would need it. We were told it could be late Dec or Jan, but it showed up and was installed before I had to ground it. Guess I was lucky

[@jamesspurgeon2791]

Where did you get it done?

[@davidswelt]

It's not just the Cirrus. Our Cessna 310 was in maintenance for 7 months out of calendar year 2023: a 3-month annual, and 4 months for a fuel tank to get fixed. Similar situation in 2022. I think I spent more time flying it to shops and so on than anything else.

[@stevepaul6360]

I'm a little shocked that they can "only" complete one chute at a time - Cirrus in Gronau (Netherlands) are proud of the fact that they can remove and refit the Chute (on a G2 or later) within a day or two.... The ever increasing cost of the Chute is for me one reason why I sold my G1, moved to an experimental - chute repack total will be less than half the price you were charged....

[@bpnracing1256]

Being an A and P, I would have no problem owning a cirrus. The TBO on the engine isn't a set in stone deal. There are things you can do to get it to pass compression.

[@phillipgignac4468]

Love the aviation videos can’t wait to see more!

[@jaimevloera]

That hair needs its own channel..

[@bigclosetmusic4925]

If the maintenance schedule is not followed, the parachute must be placarded as “INOPERATIVE” until maintenance can be performed. 14 CFR § 91.213. You can fly until you get what (parts etc) you need.

[@costismanka1089]

id love to own an plane but with those costs aint cheap at all even licence is expencive but what you get in return is just amazing keep vids coming i know nothing about planes but learning loads from your vids maybe if i win the lottery i will buy myself an cesna at least for start and an licence flying lessons etc

[@wormhole331]

Since you're replacing the chute anyways you should have pulled the caps and floated on down to the service hangar.

[@Acc0rd79]

So glad I own a Beech Sierra! No parachute and no other drama to deal with. Yah it's an older plane but who cares. Like your F33's are great and no reason to ever look back. Knowing prices will go up again by the time it goes in for repack in 10 years it could be 30 to 35k. That just doesn't make it worth owning. Just my 2 cents.

[@ArneAsada69]

I’m shocked buying a turd turned out to be a messy situation.

[@alalmquist9423]

You sir are one hell of a CIRRUS salesman.

[@odril]

I'm owning a 1984 M20J since 2020 and it was on the ground 3x1 days for annual and 1 week for a magneto issue. The engine and prop are on condition. Mike Bush rulez!

[@Owners1]

The repack is due on my SR20 G2 in just under 2 years. This is actually shocking to see and I'm wondering if I should go ahead and preorder the parachute within the next few months?

[@jeremiahpuckett5836]

Just noticed your plane is still here at KAPA. I’ve been wondering why Arapahoe Aero always has so many Cirrus parked there. Now I know. A full week per parachute.

[@OmarEwert]

You live and you learn. Welcome to aviation

[@matthewschaefer2678]

the best thing i’ve learned from these videos… is man do i need to become a plane parts seller lol… so much demand and so little supply

[@baero2019]

Supply is artificially constrained by the government (in the certified world).

[@odyshopody9387]

Wow, remind me never to buy a Cirrus. I used to own a Grumman Yankee years ago and thought having my A&P would make it more affordable to own, nope. Still had to pay for an annual every year even though I saved some money by doing all the work the IA wrote up. TSO parts are crazy expensive. Reminded me of what they say about owning a boat, the two best days are the day you buy it and the day you sell it! I don't fly or wrench on planes anymore, but if I ever did decide to get back into aviation I'd definitely look for a nice kit plane to build in my garage, those Carbon Cubs look pretty cool. Just wondering why there isn't an STC out there to remove the parachute if you don't want to deal with all the costs and headaches of repacking it every 10 years. I know it's nice to have that added safety factor, but to be honest most planes don't have parachutes, I think only Cirrus and some experimentals do. Surprised if there isn't an STC to remove it. Anyway good look with the Cirrus when your finally able to fly!

[@cessna177flyer3]

Like others have said, the parachute on the Cirrus is required because of undesirable spin characteristics. Removing it is not an option.

[@Vanya80151]

For many owners, parachute costs will match or exceed engine overhaul costs (most owners get about 100 hours per year, so 20 years between engine overhauls). DA40 or C172 are good alternatives. I have a C172, about the same vintage, and parts are usually easy(ish) to get.

[@rjmilne1]

You’re totally right in what you’re saying. I own both a c172 and have owned a DA40. In my experience however, the Cirrus is a much more sexy plane to fly. The c172 is better on grass (unpaved) runways.

[@stevepaul6360]

The comfort in an SR 20 beats any C1x2 hands down. The space inside is unparalleled and the performance is, for a fixed gear, mind blowing. Agree with grass runways though.....

[@cessna177flyer3]

The interior in my Cessna 177B Cardinal is much larger than a 172/182. Not quite Cirrus, but close. The comment I get most often when giving a Cirrus driver a ride is “this thing is REALLY comfortable!” I get 130-135 knots true on 10-10.5 GPH. Landing on grass is no problem. And I don’t have to climb onto the wing to get in.

[@plektosgaming]

Moral of the story - don't buy a Cirrus and stick to major brands or go experimental. The #1 thing you need to look at when you buy anything that moves is what is the aftermarket and parts situation. It's why you don't buy some piece of junk like a Mazda RX-8. There are no new engines left for it and parts are all over the place. Compared to a Subaru BRX which you can get parts for everywhere. In plane terms, stick with Cessna or DIY.

[@stevepaul6360]

Appears that you've never actually owned an aircraft, let alone flown one. Firstly, a Cirrus is in a league apart from any Cessna you might care to mention. It's like comparing driving a 5 series BMW with a small VW Beetle from the 1960s - comfort is one thing. To believe Cirrus ísnt a major brand when their aircraft have been the highest selling over the past decades is just delusional - they ARE one of the big brands. As for engines, the IO 360 (SR20) and IO550 (SR22) can easily be overhauled, it's just Covid screwed with the supply chains - I'd take a Cirrus everyday of the week and twice on Sunday compared to a Cessna. However I also had the option to go experimental, which I did. Not as fast, not as spacious but significantly less expensive and a lot more fun.....

[@plektosgaming]

​@@stevepaul6360 If you can't get parts and service for it due to the manufacturer being a bunch of fools, then Is it arguably "better"? As far as safety goes, well, Cessna has them beat on that as well. It's very much like that BMW you mentioned above. Only those with endless pockets should own one. BMW can't even make a reliable V8 engine. For almost 20 years. And the whole "Covid" excuse is long past. It's a parachute and a known consumable, yet the manufacturer can't seem to care. I mean it's not Hawker levels of bad to work on and deal with, but it's not inspiring confidence seeing what so many owners have to go through to keep their older ones running. As for owning a plane, I'm not that wealthy yet that I can literally burn stacks of $100 bills every week but I have several friends who do. They all say to stay away from these smaller manufacturers and just stick with Piper or Cessna or DIY.

[@stevepaul6360]

@@plektosgaming not really. I’ve known Pipers being AOG because of parts. If the fuel pump is unavailable for an IO360, doesn’t matter whether it’s fitted to an SR20 or another aircraft. They’re both grounded.

[@stevepaul6360]

@@plektosgaming How can Cirrus be held accountable when BRS or other parts manufacturer lets them down? If the fuel pump on an IO360 fails, it doesn't matter whether that engine is fitted to a Cirrus or another aircraft - the part is needed. To claim that Cessna is better because they've been fortunate with parts is just delusional. Parts for a 1960 Volkswagen Beetle are more readily available that a Tesla Model 3 - is the Beetle the better car????

[@cessna177flyer3]

Agree. And I own a Cessna Cardinal. Except instead of a Beetle, I consider it more like a Passat. 😎

[@23aviatorguy]

Are you guys gonna have to replace the Garmin 430? I think I heard Garmin was not going to support the 430 and 530 models anymore.

[@stevepaul6360]

Why replace them? They're still good navigators. The issue comes when Garmin no longer provides spares, that's when I perceive plenty replacing it with Avidyne 440s as a drop in replacement....

[@willraefpv]

They are extremely reliable units. I wouldn’t be too worried. If it does break, it’s not too hard to replace

[@willraefpv]

⁠@@stevepaul6360100%

[@juliocesarmendezcarvajal7042]

This is a shame; the parachute is one of the things my wife liked about this plane. It gives you so much peace of mind that you know you have something you can use if shit hits the fan. I'd like to see what other Cirrus owners think about this! I love this plane very bad!

[@craigtoney7151]

Yall need a twin turbo diesel plane…just saw one on facebook and that thing is 👌🏻

[@RusscanFLY]

This made me realize that buying a Cirrus aircraft, is an absolute fools errand. This sounds absolutely ridiculous, and I’ve heard other stories in addition to this one. Yeah, they look like amazing machines, and with the G7 just haven’t come out, I’m sure people are really enthusiastic about getting their hands on one of those. would be looking to get a legacy. cirrus and that seems like that would be a huge mistake! What a train wreck!

[@dereklee3850]

We had a G3 sr22, and 4 weeks after purchase and inspection it was due an annual ok it had just been fitted with new chute as part of the deal but the annual quote was for £28,000 after a massive row and a threat of taking them to court it somehow reduced to £6500, loved the plane flying wise but expensive geeeeeez now been sold on

[@MrJohnBos]

If I ever decide to buy a Cirrus, I will definitely take the parachute reserve into account when I figure cost of ownership. For now, my C182 is serving me just fine.

[@r.b.moleno479]

I think (as a cirrus and Beechcraft owner) that you’re on the mark with your parts availability displeasure, this could have been much shorter time with some better planning. Fix it, get ur license and get rid of it!

[@cc-to]

Re the remarks at 3:10...is Arizona really too hot'n'high for light aircraft in the summer? Just the Cirrus or is this true for a lot of GA planes?

[@varleyfitch6544]

How’s it going with getting your license?

[@edvangreunen47]

I would like to see some cirrus content. Maybe look at getting a second engine refreshed now to just swap in when the inedible happens, like it always seem to do with this plane. Sell it in a few years

[@robertlewis3712]

Start your parts order for the next annual and include the parachute. Do the annual with the parachute. Start fresh

[@easttexan2933]

I would have kicked that can down the road long ago. Just can't imagine incurring that expense on the slim chance that you might make a bad flying decision and need it. Uh, on the other hand, after watching your videos for the last year or so, yeah, that parachute option would be a good choice for you guys.

[@jeremiahpuckett5836]

Wish I had watched this video when it first came out. I’m at KAPA everyday. Would love to have said hello when you’re dropping off the SR20 or at least suggest a good lunch spot. I thought KAPA was expensive for 100LL. Almost $9 for you guys??? Ouch. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed KAPA. It’s one of the busiest exec airports in the country.

[@baomao7243]

In the past, if it felt like a good deal, a Cirrus seemed like a good purchase opportunity. I have COMPLETELY soured on Cirrus based on what i saw here. Life is too short.

[@davidbenji1]

$2,000/year seems like a good deal for peace of mind that you have a parachute to bail you out of a bad situation that might otherwise KILL you.

[@pmccoy8924]

Yes. Recently a pilot on his first solo used his when colliding with another plane. BlancoLirio covered it. Plane was totaled but the fresh pilot has a story, the other pilot landed safely as well. Def worth it if you have the money. If you don't have the money you have no business flying at all.

[@cessna177flyer3]

If GA was limited to people with Cirrus money in order to fly, GA woukd be dead.

[@CornyWebb]

Sounds ridiculous that an expired parachute makes this plane not-airworthy. In the unlikely even of an inflight emergency the plane can still be flown directly to an emergency landing. Something that is literally Private Pilot 101 ... flying the plane to the ground and landing as safely as possible. I would guess that the times a parachute would be beneficial, perhaps

[@supermotos]

Always a bit surprised when Americans know Trailer Park Boys for some reason. That's awesome.

[@JRAviation]

It’s iconic here

[@supermotos]

@@JRAviation That's great to hear. One of the best Canadian TV shows along with Kenny vs Spenny.

[@kevingreen7644]

Canadian comedy is top tier here

[@speedfinder1]

This is a good example of why "General Aviation" like "Auto Racing" won't exist long into the 21st century. Once, they were both a modestly priced activity and a great thing to do on the weekends. Then the Presidents of the companies supplying goods and services discovered that their company offices were a bit too small and their homes needed extending and here we are! Some items have hundreds of percent added to their retail costs, in relation to their original material costs. If you compare the relative values of parts made in the 1950s and the parts made today, CNC and automation should have made them less costly, as there are less man hours and less material wasted, but the reverse is true. I've been involved in manufacturing some engineered parts to proper FAA standards for a completely non aviation arena project. The overall costs were in the region of about $1000.00 per unit. We had some of the operations done under contract to an aircraft repair shop with the contract clearly confirming that it was NOT an aircraft part. We were told that if the identical part made from the same materials to the same tolerances, the price would have been $15.000. Sad to say, in 100 years time but neither activity will be available to the common man.

[@bcfreedomfighterbcff167]

Insurance ad Goverment are mostly to blame for the mess as always... Sad reality we live in when a Cirrus brand new should cost no more than 1-150k imo....

[@jayc4283]

Reasonably sure that if you buy something out of state and for whatever reason they do not tax you, you are still responsible in your home state to submit the tax. maybe if you picked it up is a loophole, but if they ship it to an in State address you might want to ask an accountant some questions. Of course If I buy something from out of State and they do not collect tax (on behalf of my state) is anyone going to come looking? Not likely unless it is a lot of money. It used to be they only had to collect if they also had a "presence" in the State it was shipping to, but after e-commerce exploded, E-Bay , Amazon etc all collect tax and submit to destination address state now. Your social media visibility puts you in a position of being noticed, where my set of Rims from Michigan delivered to Nevada will never be noticed.

[@johanplane7067]

To me a Cirrus sounds like a real lemon! The aftermarket should be a priority, not only the sales dept. In retrospect I'd rather have a real lemon - they are great in drinks!

[@dickdegraaff5455]

Dear Jeffrey and Christian, The by you owned Cirrus SR20 flies really awesome but it’s a shame that parts are so hard to get what’s making prices ridiculous expensive. I think for this reason not a lot of people are interested in buying such a plane. Wish you more success with other planes and send you love from the Netherlands

[@plektosgaming]

I'd honestly sell it and move on. It might be another year before it's all sorted and ready to fly.

[@dredwardchippsfrontdesk8676]

Sell it now and buy a Vans RV10 it will fly circles around the Cirrus it’s half the price and will never have supply problems!

[@randomgnome87]

I've got a Cherokee 180 and I was thinking about moving up to something faster. I think I'm going to look at a Lance