Cirrus SR22 vs Van's RV-10
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
iCirrus SR22
The Cirrus SR22 is the best-selling GA aircraft in the world, a distinction it has held for over two decades. Introduced in 2001, it pairs a Continental IO-550-N (310 hp) with the composite airframe, CAPS parachute and Garmin glass cockpit that define the modern Cirrus. Total SR22/SR22T production exceeds 8,000 aircraft.
- +180 KTAS cruise with 804 nm range at 75% power; strong cross-country platform
- +CAPS whole-airframe parachute provides unmatched safety margin
- +Excellent parts availability and Cirrus-authorized service center network
- !CAPS repack every ~10 years is the single largest recurring maintenance cost
- !Composite damage requires specialized certified technicians; repair costs can be substantial
- !Fixed gear and low-wing design poorly suited to backcountry or rough-field operations
Van's RV-10
The Van's RV-10 is the only four-seat aircraft in the RV line and one of the most successful four-seat homebuilt designs ever produced. First flown in 2003, over 1,010 RV-10s have been completed — an extraordinary number for a four-seat experimental. The RV-10 brought Van's trademark performance and efficiency to the four-seat cross-country mission.
- +171 KTAS cross-country performance with four seats and 1,070 lbs useful load
- +Operating cost ($90–$140/hr) significantly lower than certified Bonanza/Saratoga
- +Excellent parts availability and mechanic familiarity (1,000+ flying)
- !2,000–3,000 hour build time creates builder fatigue and quality-control risk
- !IO-540 overhaul at $35,000 is a major cost; plan $17.50/hr reserve
- !Experimental category limits to private operations only (no commercial use)
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