Book a Cessna Citation I
Cessna Citation I
Light jet
The Cessna Citation I defined a new era of business aviation combining true jet performance with the simplicity and reliability that made private flight more accessible than ever. It offers smooth speed, dependable range, and short-field capability rare for its class. Designed for comfort, efficiency, and ease of operation, the Citation I remains the foundation of the legendary Citation family.
The Jet That Made Business Aviation Simple
Overview
The Cessna Citation I was designed to bring the speed and prestige of jet travel to a wider world of operators and owner-pilots. Introduced in the early 1970s as an evolution of the original Citation 500, it offered a revolutionary balance of performance, simplicity, and efficiency. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney JT15D engines, the Citation I cruises comfortably at over 350 knots and can access shorter runways than many larger business jets, offering unmatched operational flexibility for its time. Its straight-wing design delivers stable handling, smooth climbs, and lower approach speeds ideal for both corporate and private missions. Inside, a pressurized, climate-controlled cabin provides comfort for up to seven passengers. The Citation I set the standard for what would become the most successful family of business jets ever built: fast, capable, and remarkably easy to fly.
Comfort and Simplicity in the Sky
Luxury interior
The Cessna Citation I’s interior was designed to make private jet travel approachable yet refined. Blending practical layout with timeless comfort, it offers a quiet, pressurized environment ideal for business or personal missions. Every element (from seating to cabin layout) reflects Cessna’s commitment to reliability, comfort, and understated sophistication, creating a travel experience that feels effortless and welcoming.
Executive Seating and Space
Seating up to seven passengers, the Citation I’s cabin features plush, ergonomic chairs arranged in a club configuration for comfort and easy conversation. It’s designed to offer generous legroom and a relaxed environment on every flight.
Quiet, Pressurized Cabin
A fully pressurized and sound-insulated cabin ensures smooth, quiet travel at high altitudes. Passengers enjoy reduced fatigue, clear communication, and a calm atmosphere throughout the journey.
Practical Design and Accessibility
Thoughtful design makes boarding and in-flight comfort simple. Wide windows, intuitive storage, and efficient climate control combine to create a balanced cabin experience functional, comfortable, and distinctly Citation.
Key Specifications & Performance
Technical Characteristics
The Cessna Citation I brought jet performance within reach of business and private operators alike. Its straight-wing design, twin turbofan power, and efficient aerodynamics deliver smooth handling, excellent short-field capability, and the performance confidence that defined the Citation legacy.
Performance
Maximum Cruise Speed
385 KTAS (713 km/h), efficient cruise performance ideal for business or regional flights.
Maximum Range
1,200 NM (2,222 km), perfect for medium-distance missions without refueling stops.
Service Ceiling
41,000 ft (12,497 m), high-altitude capability for smoother, more fuel-efficient operations.
Takeoff Distance
3,500 ft (1,067 m), short-runway performance for flexible airport access.
Landing Distance
2,600 ft (792 m), safe and efficient landings even on smaller airfields.
Rate of Climb
2,700 ft/min, reliable climb performance for quick ascents to cruise altitude.
Capacity
Passengers
Up to 7, comfortable executive seating for business or personal travel.
Crew
2 (pilot + copilot), dual-crew operation for optimal safety and mission efficiency.
Cabin Volume
230 cu ft (6.5 m³), spacious, pressurized cabin designed for comfort and functionality.
Cabin Dimensions
Length: 11 ft (3.35 m)
Width: 4.8 ft (1.47 m)
Height: 4.8 ft (1.47 m)
Fuel & Engines
Fuel Capacity
4,840 lb (2,196 kg) / 726 US gal (2,747 L), generous fuel reserves ensure solid range and flexibility for business or regional operations.
Engines
2 × Pratt & Whitney JT15D-1A
Proven turbofan engines known for reliability, smooth performance, and efficient operation. Each engine drives the Citation I’s balanced power and dependable climb capability.
Thrust (each)
2,200 lbf (9.79 kN), provides ample thrust for steady takeoffs, fast climbs, and efficient cruise performance.
Cargo & Access
Cargo Door Size
23 × 24 in (0.58 × 0.61 m), compact but functional, providing easy access to the baggage area for personal or business travel gear.
Baggage Compartment
40 cu ft (1.13 m³), divided between nose and tail compartments, accommodating around 5–6 medium suitcases or a mix of luggage and small equipment for all passengers.
The Jet That Redefined Simplicity and Precision
Key feature
The Cessna Citation I transformed private aviation by combining the performance of a jet with the simplicity and reliability of a turboprop. Every aspect of its design reflects Cessna’s goal: to make jet travel more efficient, approachable, and versatile. With its straight-wing architecture and intuitive operation, the Citation I offered the perfect balance of speed, comfort, and control setting the foundation for one of the most successful business jet families in history.
Straight-Wing Design : Precision and Versatility
Performance & Technical Excellence
The Citation I’s distinctive straight-wing design delivers superior stability, predictable handling, and exceptional short-field performance. This innovation allows the jet to operate confidently from smaller airports that were once inaccessible to other jets in its class. It also enhances low-speed control and landing performance, making each approach smoother and safer. The result is unmatched versatility combining the agility of a turboprop with the refined performance of a true business jet.
Operational Simplicity : The Jet for Every Pilot
Safety & Operational Advantage
Cessna designed the Citation I to be as easy to fly and maintain as it is capable in the sky. Its cockpit layout emphasizes clarity and efficiency, reducing pilot workload through intuitive instrumentation and simplified systems. This user-focused approach, combined with dependable twin turbofan reliability, made jet ownership more practical than ever before. The Citation I opened the door to business jet flying for a new generation uniting accessibility, safety, and enduring performance in one timeless aircraft.
Alternative Jet Options
Aircraft
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Flying in a Cessna Citation CJ
The Cessna Citation CJ combines jet performance with light-jet simplicity. Its straight-wing design, refined comfort, and optional private lavatory deliver efficiency, elegance, and true flying freedom.
Cessna Citation I/SP
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Flying in a Cessna Citation I/SP
The Cessna Citation I/SP combines jet performance with single-pilot freedom. Its intuitive cockpit and refined, quiet cabin deliver unmatched simplicity, comfort, and confidence in the sky.
Cessna Citation M2
Light jet
Flying in a Cessna Citation M2
The Cessna Citation M2 blends modern performance with intelligent design. Its optimized wings and connected cabin deliver greater efficiency, comfort, and control with innovation at every altitude.