Flew in one from the right seat once. Hot day, max gross. Took a lot of runway, didn't climb very well. (no worse than a C172, mind you)
Cruise (down low) was good and comfortable, plenty of room. Most comfortable lighty I've ever been in.
I know nothing about maintenance and operation cost, but based on the experience, it is easy to see why private buyers buy these things in droves over a 172. (In the US anyway)
I know I'd really, REALLY enjoy cruising one around Australia!
Would I buy one? Probably not. I'd likely buy an RV-10 kit and have the boys in Goolwa put it together for me. SR-22 performance well below SR-20 price and likely less maintenance bill shock.
Last edited by baswell; 10th Apr 2012 at 03:00.
Reason: Added "In the US anyway"