Plane & Pilot 2017 Buyer’s Guide: Single-Engine Piston Planes

Newcomers, upgrades, and old favorites: 20 piston singles for 2017.

Plane & Pilot

Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 08:13 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The current market for single-engine piston aircraft offers a diverse range of options, from entry-level fixed-gear trainers like the Piper Archer and Cirrus SR20, to high-performance pressurized models such as the Piper M350.
Many leading models, including the best-selling Cirrus SR22 G6, feature advanced avionics suites like the Garmin G1000 NXi or G3000, enhancing cockpit functionality, safety, and user experience.
Several aircraft have received significant updates, such as the Mooney Acclaim Ultra with its new composite shell and improved cabin access, or new Part 23-certificated models like the Tecnam P2010.
The market includes planes with specialized niches, ranging from utility-focused aircraft like the Cessna 182 Skylane to fast, cross-country machines like the Cessna TTx and Mooney M20 Ovation Ultra.

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Cessna TâTx

There’s one natural competitor to the industry-leading SR22, the Cessna TTx, a product that was conceived, developed and hatched around the same time as the SR22, but suffered a series of unfortunate events early in its production life that limited its success. Today’s Cessna TTx is a compelling alternative to the Cirrus, with better forward speed (around 20 knots better), a more advanced cockpit, with the Garmin G3000 touch-controlled suite, a more satisfying hand-flying experience and certificated spin worthiness. The TTx is in many ways the Bonanza for the next generation, an airplane that’s fast, comfortable and technologically advanced, but with a true sidestick, fixed gear for ease of operation and lower insurance rates, and the most advanced cockpit in light GA. Like the SR22, the TTx is an expensive airplane, with typical prices with all the bells and whistles hitting $750,000.

Niche: Premium fixed-gear

Base Price: $689,000

Competitors: Cirrus SR22, Piper Matrix, Mooney Acclaim Ultra

Read our Cessna TTx pilot report.

Cessna TTx Specifications

Learn more at Cessna.