Cirrus SR20

The composite trainer that introduced whole-airframe parachute safety to the mainstream

Overview

Cirrus United States ICAO: SR20 1999–Present Active $280,000

The Cirrus SR20 is a four-seat composite single-engine aircraft developed for personal and training use. It helped popularize advanced avionics and whole-airframe parachute systems in general aviation. The aircraft marked a shift toward modern safety-focused design.

Live Fleet Activity (SR20)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Continental IO-360-ES
Engine type
Piston
Power
200 hp · 149 kW
Avionics
Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
3
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
—
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
—
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
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Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
14,800 lb  ·  6,700 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
950 lb  ·  450 kg
Fuel capacity
Max cruise speed
156 kt  ·  180 mph  ·  289 km/h
Maximum speed
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Cruise speed
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Approach speed
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Range
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Fuel burn
32.98 nm/gal  ·  16.13 km/L
Ceiling
—
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
1,480 ft  ·  450 m
Landing distance
850 ft  ·  260 m
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Cirrus SR20 1 1

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Operational Context

Cirrus SR20 — composite four-seat single-engine aircraft

The SR20 first flew in 1995 and entered service in 1999 as Cirrus Aircraft’s initial production model. Designed with extensive composite construction, it featured a side-yoke control system and a fixed tricycle landing gear layout. One of its defining characteristics was the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, an integrated whole-airframe recovery parachute intended to enhance occupant safety.

Powered by a Continental IO-360 piston engine producing approximately 200 horsepower, the SR20 cruises at around 155 knots (285 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 3,050 pounds (1,380 kg). The aircraft typically seats four occupants and has a range of approximately 800 nautical miles (1,480 km) depending on configuration.

The SR20 quickly gained traction with flight schools and private owners seeking a technologically advanced platform. Its glass cockpit avionics set a new standard in the light aircraft market. The model laid the foundation for the larger and more powerful SR22, reshaping expectations in personal aviation.