On 10-Jul-2003, "Guy Elden Jr." wrote:

Oh I probably don't need to be wooed... I'm pretty much sold on it based
purely on speed. I'd like to be able to fly down to Atlanta and back for
weekend visits with the family from time to time, and it seems that this
plane would be ideal for that.


The distance from CDW to ATL isv about 650 nm. Many relatively high
performance singles will not be able to make that trip nonstop with typical
IFR reserves. The SR-22 is one that can, as long as headwinds are not too
severe. Another is a later, normally aspirated Arrow (with 72 gal. fuel).

As a rule of thumb to figure calm wind IFR range, I subtract from the
plane's fuel load the quantity required for 1.5 hrs at normal cruise (to
cover getting to the alternate plus the required 45 min. reserve), then
divide the remainder by the cruise fuel burn and then multiply by the cruise
speed.

Example for the SR-22 with 82 gal usable fuel, 15 gph cruise burn rate and
180 kt cruise speed:

82 - (1.5 X 15) = 59.5 gal.

59.5/15 = 3.97 hrs

3.97 X 180 = 714 nm IFR range.

No problem covering the 650 nm trip from CDW to ATL, but against an average
15 kt headwind it would be right on the edge (while maintaining the same
conservative reserve margins).