Cessna 501 Citation I/SP

Turbofan twin engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear

Range Map

Origin:

• nm at current load

• click map to move • two fingers to move map

Payload vs. Range

Configure weights

Occupants

lb + lbs / pax

Select payload

gal

Fuel on board

lbs

Extra weight

Range

Available Range / nm

Mission capable. Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.

Fuel capacity reduced by gallons ( gal usable for nm range).

Over max gross weight. Reduce payload by lbs to safely operate this aircraft.

Extra weight is the additional payload available with your selected passengers.

Mission Profile

Used market

345

KTAS

Cruise Speed

910

Max Range

41,000

Service Ceiling

Occupants

818

lbs

Wet Payload

Endorsements & ratings:

High-Altitude
Pressurization
Multi-Engine
Instrument

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Cessna 501 Citation I/SP

Type certificated 1977

Overview

The Cessna 501 Citation I/SP is the single-pilot-certificated version of the original Citation I (Model 500), engineered to let owner-operators step up from high-performance twins and turboprops into a turbofan jet without a required second-in-command. It is mechanically the Model 500 airframe: same straight wing, same Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A/-1B engines, same 11,850 lb maximum weight, certificated under its own FAA type certificate (A27CE) in January 1977. It shares the family’s Slowtation reputation and rewards owners with docile handling, short-field access, and an airframe with no published fatigue life limit.

Key Features for GA Buyers

Single-pilot certification. Unlike the two-pilot Model 500, the 501 is factory-certificated for single-pilot operation, cutting crew cost and scheduling friction for owner-flown turbofan operations, the most accessible path into jet ownership of its era.
Simple, docile systems. Straight wings and straightforward mechanical systems give very forgiving stall behaviour and an easy transition from cabin-class turboprops, more King Air than swept-wing jet.
Short-field flexibility. The wing extensions and thrust reversers standard on later Citation Is allow operation from runways as short as 3,000-3,500 ft.
No airframe life limit. Like the rest of the family, the 501 airframe has no fatigue life limit, making it a sustainable long-term asset where corrosion is controlled.

Trade-offs

Speed. Cruise in the mid-300s KTAS is meaningfully slower than swept-wing contemporaries; the Slowtation nickname is earned.
Engine overhaul economics. The JT15D-1A/-1B turbofans are reliable and parts-supported, but a hot-section or full-overhaul cycle can approach the airframe’s acquisition cost.
Legacy avionics. Many 501s still carry early panels and autopilots; modernising to current airspace compliance (e.g. Garmin G600/G700) is a common six-figure investment.
Range with full seats. A full cabin trades heavily against fuel, often limiting practical range to roughly 500-600 nm.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions & Weights

Height: 14.3 ft
Length: 43.5 ft
Parking area (ft²): 2769.35 ft²

Max Takeoff Weight: 11,850 lbs
Max Landing Weight: 11,350 lbs
Useful Load: 4,597 lbs
Fuel Capacity: Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 564 gal

Performance

Cruise Speed: 345 KTAS
Never-Exceed (V_NE): Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 260 KIAS
Max Structural Cruise (V_NO): Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 260 KIAS
Approach Speed: 96 KIAS
Stall, Clean (V_S₁): 82 KIAS
Range: 910 NM
Service Ceiling: 41,000 ft
Rate of Climb: 826 - 2719 fpm
Takeoff over 50 ft obstacle: 3,500 ft
Landing ground roll: 2,930 ft

Engines

Sources

Where the figures on this page come from. Cessna 501 Citation I/SP specifications are traced to published references; estimated values are flagged inline next to the figure.