Light Jet
Cessna Citation CJ3
Range
1,740 NM
Cruise speed
415 kts
Seats
7
History
The Citation CJ3 belongs to a family of Cessna business jets that dates back to the early 1970s. Cessna announced the CJ3 in 2002, and the first flight followed in April 2003. The design took the CJ2 as its starting point, with better avionics and engines and more cabin space.
Compared with earlier CJs, the CJ3 flies further, carries more payload and uses less fuel. Its wing has a larger span and takes advantage of natural laminar flow, producing more lift for less drag, which allows a higher speed and better economy. Two Williams FJ44-3A turbofans power it, the flight deck uses Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 avionics, and the aircraft is certified to be flown by a single pilot.
The CJ3+ arrived in 2014 with upgraded avionics, and its stronger engines add over 200 nm of range. Inside, it has a redesigned cabin, new seating and improved soundproofing. The original CJ3 remained in production until 2015, when the CJ3+ took its place on the assembly line.
The CJ3 sold well for Textron Aviation. Figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association show 416 built between 2004 and 2015, with 2008 the busiest year at 88 deliveries. It remains a common choice for both private and corporate clients, for ownership and for charter.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | Citation CJ3 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cessna |
| Aircraft category | light jet |
| ICAO Designator | C25B |
| Start/End of Production | 2004 - 2015 |
| Number of pilot(s) | 1 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 1740 NM (3222 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 2040 NM (3778 km) |
| Cruise speed | 415 kts (769 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 278 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.74 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 350 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 108 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 969 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 844 m |
| Rate of Climb | 4478 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 45000 ft |
| Thrust | 2820 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | 2 x Williams FJ44-3A |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 15.6 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 4.6 m |
| Wing span | 16.26 m |
| Cabin height | 1.4 m (4.75 ft) |
| Cabin length | 4.8 m (15.6 ft) |
| Cabin width | 1.47 m (4.8 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 1.8 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 7 |
| Seats (max) | 9 |
| Suitcases | 6 |
| Carry-on luggage | 6 |
| Maximum payload | 968 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 6291 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight - MLW | 5783 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 2661 L |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Range and pace: With 1,740 nm (3,222 km) of range and a cruise speed of 415 kts (769 km/h), the CJ3 handles short and medium-haul trips well.
- Seating for seven: The cabin seats seven in a standard layout, with enough room for passengers to rest or get work done during the flight.
- Capable flight deck: The CJ3 flies with the Rockwell Collins ProLine 21 avionics suite and is approved for flying by one pilot, which reflects how well its systems support the crew. Charter flights usually carry two pilots.
- Short-runway access: Needing only 969 m for take-off, the CJ3 can use smaller airports, which brings passengers closer to where they actually want to be.
- Economical to fly: Operating costs are lower than those of larger jets, which makes the CJ3 a sensible charter choice for companies and individuals who want private travel without paying for more aircraft than they need.
Disadvantages
- Not the fastest light jet: Some other light jets cruise faster than the CJ3. On short flights the difference is small, and the CJ3 is still well suited to shorter domestic and international trips.
- Awkward cockpit access: Some pilots find getting into and out of the CJ3 cockpit difficult. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has pointed to console placement and cockpit ergonomics as the cause, and Cessna improved pilot entry on the CJ3+.
FAQ
What will a Citation CJ3 charter cost?
That depends on the trip itself. Route, travel dates, the position of the nearest suitable aircraft and the operator all affect the price, so there is no standard rate. Our advisors price each request individually and set out the quote in full before you book.
How many Citation CJ3s were built?
According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Cessna produced 416 CJ3s between 2004 and 2015. Deliveries peaked in 2008 at 88 aircraft. With a fleet of that size, the CJ3 is one of the easier light jets to find for charter in many regions.
Citation CJ3 or Phenom 300: what are the differences?
Both rank among the best light jets, and the differences are modest. The Embraer is a little larger, with a longer cabin and more headroom, and it can take up to 10 passengers against the CJ3's 9. It also has slightly more range. Cabin equipment is similar on aircraft of the same age, but the Embraer remains in production, so clients who want a newer interior may prefer it.
What range does the Citation CJ3 have?
With IFR reserves the CJ3 is rated for 1,740 nm (3,222 km), and its ferry range is 2,040 nm. That allows non-stop sectors like Paris to Marrakech or London to Athens, which makes it well suited to regional and continental trips. Payload, weather and altitude all affect the actual figure.
Can one pilot fly the Citation CJ3?
Yes. The CJ3 holds FAA certification for single-pilot operation, which means a suitably trained pilot can fly it without a co-pilot, subject to the operator meeting training and experience rules that vary by country. Charter flights usually use two pilots anyway, for added safety and better service on board.
What does the CJ3 offer over the Citation CJ2?
The CJ3 grew out of the CJ2, with a longer cabin and more range. It seats seven in a standard layout against six in the CJ2, and its range rises to 1,740 nm (3,222 km) from the CJ2's 1,330 nm (2,463 km). For longer itineraries or a little more comfort, the CJ3 is usually the better choice.
Should I choose the CJ3 or the larger Citation CJ4?
The CJ4 is the bigger sibling, with eight seats in a standard layout against the CJ3's seven. It also flies further, 1,927 nm against 1,740 nm, and cruises faster. If your group fits in seven seats and the route is within 1,740 nm, the CJ3 covers the trip well.
Gallery
Figures are published manufacturer data, shown for illustration only. Images are generated for this concept and show the Citation CJ3 type, not a specific aircraft. Cessna and Citation CJ3 are trademarks of their owner, used only to identify the aircraft.