Cessna Citation CJ3

Turbofan • twin engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear

Range Visualization

Origin: · click map to move · nm at current load

Payload vs. Range

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Avg. pax weight (lbs)

Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)

Luggage per pax (lbs)

Default: 30 lbs

Passengers

lbs @ lbs / pax

Select payload

0 lbs

Fuel on board

gal

+ Weight

Range

Available Range / nm

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

Fuel tradeoff required — You'll need to leave gallons of fuel behind ( gal usable for nm range).

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

Mission Profile

416

KTAS

Cruise Speed

Occupants

2040

Max Range

820

lbs

Wet Payload

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Cessna Citation CJ3

The Cessna Citation CJ3 (Model 525B) is widely regarded as the ‘gold standard’ of the light jet category. By stretching the CJ2 fuselage and increasing the wingspan, Cessna created an aircraft that perfectly balances fuel efficiency, speed, and cross-country range. It is arguably the most capable aircraft ever certified for single-pilot operations, offering transcontinental reach with the simplicity of a much smaller jet.

Key Features for GA Buyers

Transcontinental Utility: With a 2,040 nm range, the CJ3 can comfortably fly non-stop between most major US city pairs (e.g., New York to Denver) with reserves.
Single-Pilot Mastery: The CJ3+ variant introduced the Garmin G3000, while the legacy CJ3 uses a highly reliable Pro Line 21 suite. Both are optimized for solo operations with extensive automation.
Class-Leading Climb: Its power-to-weight ratio allows it to climb directly to FL450 in under 30 minutes, getting above weather and airline congestion significantly faster than the CJ1 or CJ2.
Remarkable Resale Value: Due to its immense popularity among owner-operators and charter companies, the CJ3 holds its value better than almost any other light jet on the market.

Trade-offs

Acquisition Cost: Excellence isn’t cheap; a pre-owned CJ3 often commands a premium price—sometimes $1-2M more than a comparable CJ2+.
Cabin Profile: While longer, the CJ3 still shares the ‘dropped aisle’ fuselage diameter of the original CitationJet. It is comfortable, but taller passengers will still find the 4’ 9” height a bit restrictive compared to a mid-size jet.
Weight and Balance: Like its predecessors, it is sensitive to weight and balance; with 7+ passengers, you will likely need to leave some fuel behind, reducing it to a 1,000 nm aircraft.