Cessna Citation CJ2

The Cessna Citation CJ2 (Model 525A) is the ‘stretched’ successor to the original CJ1, offering a significant jump in both cabin volume and performance. By adding nearly three feet to the fuselage and widening the wingspan, Cessna transformed the 525 platform into a true 6-to-7 passenger jet that remains remarkably easy to fly solo. It is widely considered the ‘sweet spot’ of the legacy CJ lineup for GA owners who need more room than an M2 but don’t want the higher operating costs of the CJ3/4.

Key Features for GA Buyers

• Enhanced Payload & Volume: The extra cabin length allows for a standard 6-seat club configuration with significantly more legroom than the CJ1/M2, plus a private aft lavatory.
• Impressive Speed Boost: Thanks to the more powerful Williams FJ44-2C engines, the CJ2 cruises about 30 knots faster than the original CitationJet, reaching up to 413 KTAS.
• Single-Pilot Simplicity: Despite its increased size, the CJ2 retains the simplified systems and single-pilot certification that are hallmarks of the 525 series.
• Trailing-Link Gear: Features the same forgiving landing gear system as the rest of the CJ family, making short-field operations less stressful.

Trade-offs

• Runway Requirements: While still agile, the CJ2 requires more pavement than the smaller CJ1 (approx. 3,400 ft), which may limit access to the very shortest mountain strips.
• Avionics Variety: Most CJ2s feature the Collins Pro Line 21. While robust, early 3-tube units are less intuitive than modern Garmin touchscreens and can be expensive to support as parts age.
• Weight and Balance: With the extra length and larger engines, pilots must be more mindful of center-of-gravity limits when flying with a full aft baggage compartment and light passenger loads.