Cirrus Users Guide V26.docx Page 19 of 23 Printed 10/10/16
Ground Handling and Parking
The wingspan is just over 38 feet! Situational awareness is very important as you
move the aircraft on the ground. The wingspan is wider than many other general
aviation aircraft and the wing is closer to the ground. Look around before you move
the aircraft to ensure that your ground handling (or taxi) will not bring the Cirrus close
to other aircraft or fixed objects on the ground. When in doubt, ask someone to assist
you as a “wing walker” until you are certain that the airplane is clear of all obstacles.
Ground Handling
The SR20 has a max take-off weight of 3,050 lbs. and a Generation 5 SR22 or SR22T
tops out at 3,600 lbs. so it can be a challenge to handle without assistance. ALWAYS
use a tow bar for controlling the nose wheel as you move the plane around. Make
certain that the tow bar is between prop blades as shown here. If a blade is pointing
straight down, turn the prop 60⁰ counter-clockwise, looking from the front at the prop.
MAKE SURE THE KEYS ARE NOT IN THE IGINITION AND BOTH BATTERIES ARE
OFF BEFORE TURNING ANY PROP.
When moving forward you can pull the tow bar or the prop. If you have help, ask them
to pull from in front of the wing by grabbing the door frame. When moving in reverse DO
NOT PUSH WITH THE TOW BAR. There is a risk that the lugs will jump out and
damage the wheel pant. Instead, push on the inner most part of a prop blade and use
the tow bar to steer the nose wheel. NEVER PUSH ON THE PROP SPINNER!
Remember also that the nose wheel is free-castering, so if you have someone helping
you ask them to push with you on the base of another prop blade, as close to the center
line of the fuselage as possible. If the person helping pushes backwards on a wing,
even at the root, the plane will start to pivot quickly and get off line. Of course if you’re
pushing from behind DO NOT PUSH ON THE FLAPS OR THE AILERONS. PUSH
ONLY ON THE WING ITSELF.