Blitz88 said:
Looking for any advice or feedback on either the Cirrus SR 22 or the Diamond DA40 NG.
Currently considering the purchase of a new or low hour plane in one of these platforms. Most of the use would be flights between the Houston, Austin, Dallas area. Perhaps flights to away games during football season.
All comments appreciated.
How many people are you looking to haul?
For reference, here's my airplane experience:
1. Rented 172R for PPL
2. Bought T182T
3. Partnered in SR22T
4. Partnered in P-Baron
4. Partnered in F90-1
5. Currently partnered in C510
Between those 2 planes, I would go with the Cirrus.
As other have said, you might want to open up your search to other planes. If you need to carry more than 3 adults regularly, I would get something with more payload than the SR22. If not, SR22 all day, every day. The 182 can cover the same missions, but the SR22 will make you a better pilot if you ever want to move up to something faster. Nothing wrong with flying a 182 though.
People will throw out suggestions of planes that aren't made anymore or are made in low numbers by perennially bankrupt companies. I would ignore those. Stick with Cessna, Beech, or Cirrus if you want good support anywhere in the U.S. Piper may be good, but I've never really liked their products. Buy newer. The P-Baron and King Air I partnered in were both 1985 planes. You think you're getting more airplane for the money, and you are when you're not AOG.