G1 (1999-2003)

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 11:46 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The Cirrus SR20, introduced in 1999, pioneered general aviation by standardizing advanced features like an airframe parachute, glass panel, graphical GPS, and sophisticated autopilot, leading to a rapid increase in production by 2003.
The more powerful SR22, delivered in 2001, further evolved the series with features like optional TKS ice protection and the introduction of the Avidyne Primary Flight Display in 2003, alongside early special editions like the Wright Brothers and Centennial SR22s.
Current market prices for these early generation (G1) Cirrus aircraft range from approximately $180,000 for an SR20 to $350,000 for an SR22, with Centennial editions averaging around $290,000.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Upon certification in the early 2000s, the composite SRs were restricted to white-only finishes, for better heat deflection. This Wright Brothers Edition SR22 was the first of the line to feature a colored finish, which was said to be reminiscent of the linen wings of the Wright Flyer.

The SR20 was first delivered in July 1999, and the total production that year was only nine aircraft. This grew to 90 in 2000, 270 in 2001, 350 in 2002, and 450 in 2003.

The delivery of the SR20 in 1999 brought much fanfare due to introduction, standardization and integration of the airframe parachute, glass panel, graphical GPS/nav/comm and sophisticated autopilot.

Avionics (standard and/or options)

Six-pack

Digital MFD

GNS430 (or 420 or 250) Multifunction Navigator/digital radio

Sagem multifunction display - Cirrus Buyers Guide - Plane & Pilot — The first SRs boasted electromechanical flight instruments supplemented by a large centrally mounted Sagem multifunction display.

Autopilot

Stec 55 (or 30)

Ice Protection

TKS (SR22 only)

The SR22, with its 310-hp engine, was first delivered in July 2001. Inadvertant Ice Protection (TKS) was optional in 2002. The first Avidyne Primary Flight Display (PFD) was introduced in March 2003.

The first special-edition Cirrus was a run of 100 Centennial Edition SR22s in 2003 with dual glass, TKS and a special linen white paint and tan interior to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first flight.