flew one in LA with an FAA safety counsellor as the check out pilot. He had a very sceptical view of the whole Cirrus manual/philosophy/parachute etc
The good news is that the plane is just fine, handles perfectly well, and after about an hour and a half of circuits plus sim engine failures and an IFR flight back to Santa Monica revealed no unpleasant traits at all. Any competent pilot could fly it.
But..........
It only has one engine, so...night or actual IFR ...over populated areas/mountains/sea etc is still as unwise with achute as without.
Also the glass cockpit encourages VFR pilots to fly like pretend IFR pilots, and a lot of customers are seduced by the false security provided by all the shiny technology, rather than stick their head out of the window and use natures horizon.
Almost lastly, my chum went to cirrus "approved" training and asked about their unusual attitude recovery technique. The instructor's response was that Cirrus recommend immediate engagement of the autopilot to correct unusual attitudes!! Cue pilot rolling inverted and engaging autopilot.....
Is this true?
Finally, just get a Twinstar and have done with it, thats how I'd spend my money, I'll take the extra engine over the parachute.