Cirrus SR22: Celebrating the Worlds Best-Selling GA Aircraft

The Cirrus SR22 has become a beloved icon in general aviation, known for its cutting-edge technology, performance, and unparalleled safety features. Now, in an exciting collaboration, MotoArt has partnered with Cirrus to create exclusive PlaneTags crafted from N878SR, a retired SR22 aircraft. Join us in celebrating the SR22’s impact on modern aviation and its legacy in the skies. Dive into the story behind this partnership and discover what makes the Cirrus SR22 PlaneTags so special.

What is the Cirrus SR22?

Cirrus SR22 flickr photo by Zedwarf shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license

The Cirrus SR22 is a high-performance, single-engine, four- to five-seat aircraft designed and manufactured by Cirrus Aircraft. Introduced in 2001, it has become one of the most popular general aviation planes worldwide, recognized for its speed, efficiency, and advanced safety features. Powered by a Continental turbocharged IO-550 engine, the SR22 boasts a cruising speed of around 180 knots and a range that allows for comfortable long-distance travel, making it a top choice for personal and business aviation. A defining feature is the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), a built-in parachute designed to lower the entire plane safely in emergencies, setting the SR22 apart in terms of safety. With its modern avionics, spacious cabin, and versatile capabilities, the SR22 continues to be a leader in general aviation, appealing to pilots seeking both performance and peace of mind. 

Photo courtesy of Cirrusaircraft.com

In 2024, Cirrus celebrated 10,000 deliveries of the best selling, high performance single engine piston aircraft with the announcement of a new SR Series G7, with many new improvements, including an advanced avionics suite, as well as a custom blue and white paint scheme. 

What is GTS x G3 Turbo? 

The GTS X G3 Turbo refers to a specific trim and generation of the Cirrus SR22 aircraft, representing a premium model that combines advanced features and performance enhancements. “GTS” signifies a high-end trim level in the SR22 series, offering additional features such as enhanced avionics, luxury interiors, and aesthetic upgrades. The "G3" indicates the third generation of the SR22, which brought improvements in aerodynamics, increased fuel capacity, and optimized handling. Combined with the powerful turbocharged engine, this model provided the SR22 with exceptional performance, higher cruise altitudes, and faster speeds. The GTS X G3 Turbo is celebrated within the SR22 lineup for embodying the pinnacle of Cirrus’s innovation in personal aviation.

Cirrus SR22 History and Development

The Cirrus SR22 was introduced by Cirrus Aircraft in 2001, quickly establishing itself as one of the most advanced and desirable planes in general aviation. Building on the success of its predecessor, the SR20, the SR22 was developed to meet the growing demand for an aircraft that combined performance, safety, and comfort in a single, accessible model. Over the years, Cirrus has continued to refine the SR22, introducing upgrades that enhance its power, range, and technology, keeping the aircraft at the forefront of the market. With thousands of units sold globally, the SR22 has earned a reputation as a reliable, high-performance aircraft that appeals to a wide range of pilots, from private owners to business travelers.

Cirrus Aircraft: Revolutionizing General Aviation

Founded in 1984, Cirrus Aircraft has established itself as a leader in general aviation, known for its dedication to safety, innovation, and performance. With the launch of the SR20 in the late 1990s and the SR22 soon after, Cirrus transformed general aviation by introducing a modern composite airframe, advanced avionics, and pioneering safety features, including the revolutionary Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The SR22, in particular, quickly became the world’s best-selling general aviation aircraft, setting a new standard with its combination of luxury, performance, and advanced technology. Cirrus’s commitment to enhancing flight safety and pilot experience has left a lasting mark on the aviation industry, inspiring advancements in aircraft design and elevating the expectations of pilots around the world.

Cirrus SR22 Key Features

The SR22 stands out not only for its performance but also for its sleek, cutting-edge design. Built with a composite airframe, it offers increased durability and fuel efficiency compared to traditional aluminum-bodied aircraft. Inside, the SR22 features an intuitive glass cockpit, equipped with the Cirrus Perspective+ by Garmin, a state-of-the-art avionics system that provides pilots with comprehensive flight data, navigation, and communication tools. Beyond technology, the SR22 is designed with comfort in mind—its spacious, well-appointed cabin includes seating for four to five passengers, climate control, and easy-to-use controls, making it ideal for longer journeys. Most famously, the SR22 is equipped with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), a built-in safety feature that can deploy a parachute to bring the plane down safely in the event of an emergency. This combination of performance, technology, and safety has made the SR22 a top choice for pilots looking for both excitement and peace of mind in the skies.

Why the Cirrus SR22 Stands Out

Technological Advancements

The Cirrus SR22 has set the standard for technological innovation in general aviation, particularly with its advanced avionics suite, the Cirrus Perspective+ by Garmin. This glass cockpit system provides pilots with an array of essential information at their fingertips, including weather updates, terrain awareness, traffic information, and synthetic vision for improved situational awareness. The system’s intuitive design makes navigation and control seamless, even for newer pilots, and offers enhanced safety through detailed visual displays and automated alerts. In addition to avionics, the SR22 incorporates several automated systems, from fuel management to engine monitoring, allowing for smoother, more efficient flights and reducing pilot workload.

Comfort and Versatility

One of the SR22's most appealing qualities is its combination of performance with a high level of comfort. The cabin is spacious and luxuriously designed, with high-quality materials, ergonomic seating, and climate control, ensuring a comfortable experience for both pilots and passengers on long journeys. With a cruising speed of around 180 knots and a range of roughly 1,200 nautical miles, the SR22 is capable of handling a wide range of missions, from short regional hops to cross-country trips, making it versatile for personal, business, or leisure use. The thoughtful cabin layout also allows for flexible configurations, providing storage space for luggage or gear, and ample legroom for up to five passengers.

Influence on General Aviation

The SR22 has left a lasting mark on general aviation, influencing design trends and raising expectations for safety and performance in small aircraft. With its pioneering parachute system, the SR22 has set a new industry benchmark for in-flight safety, encouraging other manufacturers to rethink safety standards. Its use of composite materials, sophisticated avionics, and luxurious cabin design has inspired the development of newer models in general aviation that aim to blend performance with comfort and safety. The SR22’s success in the market has proven the viability and demand for an aircraft that balances high performance with cutting-edge technology, making it an influential player in shaping the future of general aviation.

Cirrus SR22 GTS X G3 At A Glance

Cirrus SR22 GTS X G3 Specifications: 

• Manufacturer: Cirrus Aircraft
• Model: SR22 GTS X G3
• Tail #: N878SR
• Crew: 1
• Passengers: 3
• Wingspan: 38 ft 4 in 
• Length: 26 ft 0 in 
• Height: 8 ft 9 in

Cirrus SR22 GTS X G3 Performance: 

• Range: 1,345 mi
• Cruise Speed: 222 mph
• Ceiling: 25,000 ft
• Empty Weight: 2,330 lb
• Max Takeoff Weight: 3,400 lb
• Rate of Climb: 1,400 ft/min
• Engine: 1x Continental IO-550-N27B

N878SR

N878SR, a Cirrus SR22 built in 2007, originally featured a robust Continental turbocharged IO-550 engine, providing it with impressive performance and reliability. In 2015, the original engine was replaced with an older, overhauled IO-550. However, the overhaul facility missed a critical step: replacing the camshaft gear, as mandated by the engine manufacturer’s service bulletin. This oversight ultimately proved consequential. In 2019, while N878SR was climbing to cruise altitude, the camshaft gear suffered a fatigue failure, causing a complete engine power loss. Attempts to restore power were unsuccessful, and at 1,200 feet above ground level, a passenger deployed the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), allowing the aircraft to descend safely and avoid a catastrophic outcome. Read more about this incident here. In 2024, N878SR’s journey continued as it was repurposed as PlaneTags, offering aviation enthusiasts a unique piece of history that embodies both the innovation of Cirrus’s safety systems and the resilient spirit of the SR22 series.

MotoArt Finds A Cirrus SR22

In 2024, MotoArt was thrilled to acquire N878SR, bringing the Cirrus SR22 into the PlaneTags collection. “The SR22 is an incredible addition to our general aviation collection,” said Dave Hall, MotoArt’s owner. “As the world’s best-selling general aviation aircraft, it represents innovation, safety, and the spirit of personal aviation. We’re excited to offer our fans the chance to own a piece of this iconic plane and celebrate its legacy in a new way.”

Cirrus SR22 PlaneTags

Cirrus SR22 PlaneTags will be available beginning Thursday, November 14, 2024 on planetags.com and the PlaneTags app. This limited edition collection is numbered to 1,500 and will be available in a variety colors at launch, including white, burgundy and combinations in black, white and burgundy. 

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