Cessna Citation CJ1

Overview & History

The Cessna CJ1 model is classified in the Light Jet category with six seats and an enclosed lavatory.

The Citation CJ1 improved upon the original CitationJet with an updated EFIS avionics suite and an increased maximum takeoff weight. The CJ1 can be single-pilot operated.

As of June 2020, 88% of the Citation CJ1 aircraft were purchased pre-owned by their current owners, the other 12% new.

11.3% are for sale with more than half of those (64%) under an exclusive broker agreement. When for sale the average time on the market is 367 days.

The original CitationJet (model 525) had its first flight in 1991 with FAA Certification in 1992 and then the first delivery in 1993.

The Citation CJ1 was the second aircraft in the CitationJet/CJ series which replaced the original model CitationJet (CJ).

It began production in 2000 and ended manufacturing in 2005. During that time, a total of 198 aircraft were produced with all but three currently in operation.

Cessna Citation CJ1 Performance

The CJ1 is extremely fuel-efficient, burning an average of 134 gallons per hour. The economy of its fuel burn can be largely attributed to Cessna’s choice of engines.

It uses two Williams/Rolls-Royce FJ44-1A turbofans, each of which delivers 1,900 pounds of thrust on takeoff.

The CJ1 has a payload capacity of 1,400 pounds; its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 10,600 pounds is 100 pounds heavier than the MTOW of its predecessor the Citation Jet.

The maximum fuel weight also increased 300 pounds to a total of 3,220 pounds.

These alterations resulted in better range/payload flexibility, offering owners more options in flight planning.

The most surprising result of the significant increase in the payload is that the CJ1 is actually faster than the Citation Jet.

The Citation CJ1 has a maximum range (subject to headwinds, high altitude, hot temperatures, or higher capacity) of 1,290 miles and a maximum speed of 434 mph.

The CJ1 was specifically designed to be able to operate on short runways.

At sea level the CJ1 can take off in 3,080 feet; on runways at an altitude of 5,000 feet, its takeoff distance increases to a mere 5,710 feet.

Cessna Citation CJ1 Interior

The cabin measures 11 feet long by 4.8 feet wide by 4.8 feet tall giving it a total cabin volume of 186 cubic feet.

The dimensions make it comfortable for 6 passengers, with the maximum configuration seating 8.

Most owners, knowing the economical features of the CJ1, are surprised at how comfortable it is. The full-length dropped aisle gives the cabin a roomier feel.

The double-sealed door uses a fastening system similar to that of a vault, which reduces cabin noise.

Toilet, leather interior, galley facilities, air-conditioned and pressurized cabin for passenger comfort, and extremely generous luggage capacity are some of the facilities.

The design goals of the Citation Jet can be summed up in three words: simplicity, economy, and performance.

This proved to be a challenge, especially in creating an aerodynamic structure that is financially prudent to produce and handles well.

Previous Citations had used a straight wing, which slows the aircraft considerably but dramatically reduces production and design costs.

The Citation Jet upgraded to a natural laminar flow wing, which took four years to design in a joint venture between Cessna and NASA.

This wing delays the onset of airflow separation longer, improving the lift-to-drag characteristics ten to fifteen percent when compared to earlier straight-wing designs.

Cockpit

The Citation CJ1 comes equipped with the advanced Pro Line 21 avionics package, complete with three 10 inch by 8 inch flat panel LCD screens capable of operating as Primary Flight Displays and Multi-Function Displays.

Other systems featured in this avionics suite include single FMS-3000 coupled with VNAV and RNP 0.3 capability, Pro-Line 21 CNS radios, a Single Automatic Direction Finder (ADF), an electronic chart database, an XM Broadcast weather, an Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS), RTU-4220 radio tuning units, a Flight Management System (FMS), a File Server Unit (FSU) with enhanced map overlays, a solid-state weather radar, and a Maintenance Diagnostic System (MDS).

This avionics system is simple enough to allow for single-pilot operations for greater flexibility in flight operation planning, therefore reducing operating expenses.

Cessna Citation CJ1 Charter Cost

The cost to charter a CJ1 starts at around $2,500 an hour.

Hourly charter rates do not include all taxes, fuel, and other fees. Charter costs will vary based on year of make/model, schedule, routing, passenger & baggage totals, and other factors.

Purchase Price

The acquisition cost for the CJ1 typically ranges from $2 million.

The price of a jet depends on the production year; it can also go above the given range if the production is new.

It will cost buyers around $1 million a year which includes fuel, crew members, and maintenance, etc. Price of preowned is around $1.5 million a year.