CitationJet business jet charter
A twin-engine business jet, the CitationJet combines versatility, reliability and comfort with low operating costs. Powered by a pair of Williams FJ44-1AP engines, the CitationJet is an outstanding competitor as an entry-level light jet charter. Sometimes simply referred to as the CJ, the CitationJet has the ability to take off and land on a runway as short as 3,080 feet, and is the logical alternative to a turboprop aircraft. With seating for up to six passengers and a range of 1,300 nautical miles, the CitationJet is the perfect choice when considering a private jet charter from places like:
- Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta
- Los Angeles to Aspen
- Washington, D.C. to Miami
All of those destinations are within reach without stopping for fuel, and with a full passenger load. Cessna, an American aeronautics company based in Wichita, Kansas, has long been a force in the light jet segment of private aviation. The CitationJet, which first entered the market in 1993, is one of the primary reasons for their enduring success. In terms of overall value, they’re extremely hard to beat because they:
- Are inexpensive to buy
- Have low operating costs
- Utilize simple, yet effective, systems
- Are easy for a single pilot to fly
A Complete Redesign
As a complete redesign of its predecessor (the Citation I), the CitationJet featured an upgraded wing design that resulted in reduced drag and, therefore, increased speed. Additionally, the Williams/Rolls-Royce engines were more fuel efficient, smaller and lighter than the previous power plants used on the Citation I. This helped give it increased range. Coupled with more powerful Williams/Rolls-Royce turbofans (each one supplies 1,900 pounds of thrust), and all of a sudden the CJ was a class leader for performance:
- High-speed cruising: 434 mph
- Standard cruise speed: 371 mph
- Cruising altitude: 41,000 feet
The CitationJet is also a decent climber, reaching 37,000 feet in just 25 minutes. With specs like this, it’s easy to see why the CitationJet quickly became the leader among light jets. It was fast, light and relatively easy to handle, even for a single pilot. Furthermore, it’s short-runway capabilities provide corporate and leisure travelers with access to:
- Restrictive airports
- Remote destinations
In terms of cabin size, the interior of the CitationJet is around the class average, measuring:
- 4.7 feet high
- 4.8 feet wide
- 11 feet long
This is ample space for a small corporate contingent in need of a private jet charter for short-hop missions. It’s also a popular option for families looking for a quick, convenient mode of air travel for a vacation getaway.
The Start of a Light Jet Revolution
Cessna ended up building a total of 359 original CitationJets before introducing its successor, the CJ1. Beyond that, there are numerous other variants that all owe much of their success to the original CitationJet. These include the CitationJet:
- CJ1
- CJ1+
- CJ2
- M2
- CJ2
- CJ2+
- CJ3
- CJ3+
- CJ4
- CJ4+
Due to its status as a single-pilot-certified aircraft, the CitationJet was a popular choice among private aviation enthusiasts. Easy handling and simplistic avionics systems made it a dream to fly compared to other light jets. For jet charter passengers, it provides peace of mind knowing your travelling aboard a trustworthy aircraft.
