On Sat, 2 Jul 2005 17:19:03 -0700, "Matt Barrow"
wrote:

Contemplating a Lancair to downsize my six seater to a four seat.

Seems, though, that the Cirrus SR-22 is rather more popular than the
Columbia 350.

Can anyone shed some insights on these two side-by-side?

I have flown the SR22 (one time), but not the 350. I enjoyed my
flight in the SR22. The interior is much like an auto in terms of fit
and finish. Nothing like the Pipers/Cessnas I am used to flying. The
plane handled well. Also, it only took me a few minutes to get used
to the sidestick. It is nice to have a clearer view of the panel than
a yoke provides.

You can download Pilots information manuals from both Cirrus and
Lancair's websites. Here's a few interesting facts I captured from
the info.

Both planes use a Cont IO-550-N, 310hp @ 2700rpm

@ 8000ft PA and standard temp:
SR22 @ 2700rpm @ 22MP = 183ktas on 18.6gph
L350 @ 2700rpm @22MP = 191ktas on 17.4gph

The L350 has 98 gallons useable vs 81 for the Cirrus. If the numbers
in the manuals are correct and ignoring taxi, takeoff, and climb
allowances, the Lancair has a no wind, no reserve range of 1075 nm vs
796 for the Cirrus. That is a substantial delta.