Cessna Citation CJ4

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

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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

451

KTAS

Cruise Speed

Occupants

2165

Max Range

1101

lbs

Wet Payload

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Cessna Citation CJ4

The Cessna Citation CJ4 (Model 525C) represents the pinnacle of the CitationJet family, effectively blurring the line between light and midsize jets. While it shares the 525 DNA, it is a significant departure from the CJ3, featuring a brand-new 12.5-degree swept wing (derived from the Sovereign) and more powerful Williams FJ44-4A engines. As of 2026, the CJ4 Gen3 continues to be the largest and fastest aircraft certified for single-pilot operations, offering a ‘no-compromise’ solution for high-end owner-operators.

Key Features for GA Buyers

Single-Pilot Apex: The CJ4 is the largest jet you can legally fly without a co-pilot, making it the ultimate goal for many owner-operators. The Gen3 models further enhance safety with Garmin Autothrottles and Emergency Autoland.
Swept-Wing Speed: Unlike the straight-wing CJ1-CJ3, the CJ4’s swept wing allows for a maximum cruise of 451 KTAS (Mach 0.77), putting it in direct competition with much larger midsize jets.
Single-Point Refueling: A major quality-of-life improvement for GA operations, allowing for faster turnarounds and easier handling at FBOs compared to smaller light jets.
Mission Versatility: With a 2,165 nm range and excellent short-field performance (3,410 ft TOFL), it can fly non-stop from Chicago to Los Angeles while still accessing smaller regional airports.

Trade-offs

Operating Costs: The increased weight and larger engines lead to a higher fuel burn (approx. 210-220 GPH) compared to the smaller CJ3.
Weight/Licensing: With an MTOW of 17,110 lbs, it is well above the 12,500 lb ‘large aircraft’ threshold, requiring a specific type rating and rigorous annual training.
Runway Sensitivity: While still impressive, the swept wing is slightly less forgiving on very short or contaminated runways compared to the ‘straight-wing’ simplicity of the CJ1 or CJ2.