Cessna Citation Encore

Overview and History of the Cessna Citation Encore

The Encore was certified in April 2000 and the first delivery happened later that year.

The Encore was manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company and is an upgraded Citation V Ultra.

Cessna wanted to ensure that the Encore could climb faster and cruise higher than other aircraft. Moreover, they redesigned interior fittings and passenger seats compared with the previous generations. 

The Citation Ultra Encore was a new development announced at the 1998 NBAA convention and is able to carry five passengers with full fuel.

Following on from the Encore, Cessna then announced the Encore+. The Encore+ was certified by the FAA in December 2006, carrying straight on from the original Encore. 

Performance of the Cessna Citation Encore

The jet comes equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A engines, each providing a thrust output of 3,400 lbs (1542 kg), leading to a total thrust of 6,800 lbs (3084 kg).

These engines enable the Encore to reach a high-speed cruise of 430 knots (796 km/h), and a long-range cruise speed of 372 knots (689 km/h).

Courtesy of the high thrust output of the PW535 engines, the Citation Encore can climb to a maximum cruise altitude of 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), offering smooth, turbulence-free flight experiences even when weather conditions are less than perfect at lower altitudes.

The Encore can fly 1,695 nautical miles (3,139 kilometers) non-stop when flying under optimum conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for both short hops and longer journeys.

Take-off and landing performance are equally noteworthy. The Citation Encore requires a take-off distance of 3,900 feet (1,189 meters) and can land on runways as short as 2,517 feet (767 meters). 

However, it is important to note that these performance figures represent the best-case scenario. Actual range and ground performance can be affected by many factors, including the weight of passengers and luggage, atmospheric conditions, and even the runway surface on the day of flight. 

Interior and Cabin

The aircraft’s cabin dimensions are impressive, with an interior width of 4.8 feet (1.5 meters), a length of 17.4 feet (5.3 meters), and a height of 4.8 feet (1.5 meters).

This generous space accommodates up to 9 passengers at maximum capacity, although 7 passengers is the usual standard for typical travel layouts.

The longest cabin of any light private jet is capable of comfortably holding eight passengers in fully reclinable seats.

A strategic use of seamless wall panels, indirect lights, and mirrors helps create a sense of spaciousness, making the cabin feel larger than its actual volume of 307 cubic feet (8.7 cubic meters).

Passengers are treated to an array of amenities, including individual flat panel entertainment systems, audio jacks, power outlets, and the MagnaStar200 radio phone.

The Encore’s cabin maintains a sea-level atmosphere until reaching 23,586 feet (7,185 meters), with a maximum cabin altitude of 7,800 feet (2,377 meters), ensuring a comfortable environment throughout the flight.

Boarding the Encore is made effortless thanks to a newly-designed airstair entryway, which is particularly considerate for passengers in high heels.

As for the baggage compartment, passengers are well catered for with 43 cubic feet (1.2 cubic meters) of exterior baggage space, plus an additional 28 cubic feet (0.8 cubic meters) within the cabin, equating to more than 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms).

Cockpit

At the heart of the Encore’s flight deck is the Honeywell Primus 1000 suite.

Recognizing the importance of easy operation and clear information display, engineers have reduced the clutter of numerous displays and controls into a more manageable and easy-to-interpret layout.

A confusing array of five screens and over eight analog controls seen in one of the Encore’s predecessors gives way to four sleek, user-friendly screens.

The associated controls are thoughtfully placed on the screens’ faceplates, a design choice that significantly enhances pilot hand-eye coordination and flight performance.

The cockpit is also equipped with advanced engine systems, producing ample bleed air to support the aircraft’s critical functions such as anti-icing, cabin pressurization, and air conditioning. The Encore’s temperature control system has been upgraded to utilize both bleed air and an electrical vapor-cycle machine.

This backup air conditioning system proves invaluable on extremely hot days and can be initiated on the runway to cool the cabin before engine start.

Furthermore, the temperature control system is expertly designed to allow the cabin and cockpit to establish and sustain different temperature settings.

Charter Cost of the Cessna Citation Encore

The Cessna Citation Encore has an estimated hourly charter cost of approximately $2,200 in North America.

However, it’s important to note that this figure is a general estimate and can fluctuate based on various factors. These include, but are not limited to, the aircraft’s current location, destination, trip duration, and time of year. Market demand and fuel costs can also significantly impact the final cost.

Additionally, specific services and amenities requested for the flight might result in additional charges. Hence, while the base rate provides a solid starting point, the total cost of chartering a Cessna Citation Encore can vary depending on a host of factors.

Purchase and Operating Costs of the Cessna Citation Encore

When new, the Encore carried a price tag of around $8.1 million.

Today on the pre-owned market, the Encore jet aircraft has an average value of just over $2.1 million.

Beyond the initial purchase, prospective owners should also be mindful of the annual operating costs.

Flying an average of 200 hours per year, the estimated annual ownership cost for the Encore stands at approximately $615,000.

This figure is inclusive of various expenses such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, and crew salaries among others.