Cessna Citation CJ3

Overview & History

The Cessna Citation CJ3 (Model 525B) is an upgraded and extended version of its predecessor the Citation CJ2. It boasts a stretched cabin and wingspan along with increased fuel efficiency.

As of July 2015, half of the CJ3 aircraft were purchased pre-owned by their current owners, and half were purchased new.

5.3% are currently for sale with 72% of those under an exclusive broker agreement. The average number of days on the market before the sale is 270.

Launched in 2002 and certified in 2004, the Cessna Citation CJ3 is the sixth generation in a long line of Citation Jets, which are have all been painstakingly designed to be the most economical high-performance aircraft available in the modern business jet industry.

The first flight of the Citation CJ3 took place on April 17, 2003. Deliveries began in December of 2004.

Cessna Citation CJ3 Performance

When compared to the fifth-generation Citation Jet, the CJ2, the CJ3 has notable improvements evident in several aspects of the aircraft.

Primarily, the CJ3 is larger, faster, and altogether superior to the CJ2, including a longer cabin, wider wings, higher cruising speeds, and of course, greater fuel efficiency.

With two Williams/Rolls-Royce FJ44-3A turbofans, Cessna has once again chosen the optimal engines to support maximum fuel economy and efficiency.

As a result, the CJ3 has notably low operating costs, which of course, is invaluable to virtually anyone interested in the aircraft.

Similar to the improved version of the CJ2 (the CJ2+), the CJ3 utilizes state-of-the-art natural laminar flow wings, which facilitate superior performance, all while still being economical in terms of production costs, and by extension, operating costs.

Combining its stringent and unwavering dedication to maximizing economy with its impressive short runway and high payload capabilities, the CJ3 is as diverse and versatile as it is efficient.

The maximum cruise speed is 773km/h at an altitude of 10,058m (417kt at 33,000ft).

With two pilots, full fuel, and four passengers with baggage, the CJ3 has an instrument flight rules range of 2,926km (1,580nm) and a visual flight rules range of 3,519km (1,900nm).

The service ceiling is 13,716m (45,000ft) and the maximum gross take-off weight is 6,291kg (13,870lb).

At maximum gross take-off weight, the time to climb to 13,716m (45,000ft) is 27 minutes. The Citation CJ3 uses 149 gallons per hour (GPH).

Cessna Citation CJ3 Interior

Although most travelers interested in the CJ3 are primarily interested in its impressive performance characteristics coupled with its extremely economical value, the interior cabin of this light business jet is surprisingly charming and comfortable.

It can fly its maximum range of 1,875 miles with a typical four-passenger seating configuration, but can also accommodate a maximum of eight passengers in a higher-density seating arrangement.

Fourteen side windows provide ample natural lighting during daytime flights and thoughtful placement of LEDs serves to create a roomier atmosphere throughout the entirety of the cabin.

Other standard but important features include folding worktables and power outlets, which are accessible throughout the interior.

As always, when it comes to providing simple, yet charming high-performance business jet solutions, nobody beats Cessna’s Citation Jet series.

The CJ3’s economy is rivaled only by its reliability, making the CJ3 the optimal choice for any value-conscious private traveler.

The CJ3 cabin is 0.61m (23in) longer than that of the CJ1 and CJ2, providing extra legroom for the passengers.

The wing construction does not include a spar carry-through in the cabin which necessitates stepping over in a conventional aircraft layout.

The cabin can be customized to the operator’s specifications. The cabin is air-conditioned, heated, and pressurized to a nominal pressure differential of 8.9psi (61kP).

There are three baggage holds in the nose, tail cone, and in the cabin, providing a total baggage volume of 1.99m³. The baggage compartment in the cabin is accessible in flight.

Cockpit

The cockpit accommodates two crew members but is designed for single-pilot operation.

The Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 avionics system displays the aircraft’s position on approach and on airport diagrams. The avionics display also shows departure and arrival procedures.

Optional electronic charts include enhanced map overlays showing geopolitical maps with state boundaries, rivers, large lakes, airspace boundaries, and high and low federal airways.

The electronic charts are displayed on the flight deck’s central 8in×10in multi-function display.

The Collins FMS-3000 flight management system is fully integrated with an FAA-approved electronic chart system which provides take-off and landing performance data.

The V speed limit data are automatically calculated for the numbers of passengers entered and are shown on the primary flight display.

The two primary flight displays are 8in×10in active matrix color liquid-crystal displays.

The avionics suite also includes dual VHF-4000 radio tuning units, digital communications and navigation radios, digital audio control panels, a Goodrich Skywatch HP TCAS 1 Traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), a Goodrich Landmark TAWS 8000 terrain avoidance system, and a Smiths electronic horizontal situation indicator (EHSI).

Cessna Citation CJ3 Charter Cost

The cost to charter a CJ3 starts at around $3,050 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 CJ3 typically ranges from $8 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 $900k a year which includes fuel, crew members, and maintenance, etc.