Eight-seat early light business jet · Light business jets · production 1971–1985 · See its reach on the 3D globe
A Cessna Citation I costs approximately $696k (€644k) to $832k (€770k) to buy at 1978 market values, and about $771k (€714k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $9,639 (€8,925) per flight hour all-in. It seats 8, cruises at 357 kt (411 mph) and has a published range of 1,328 nm (2,459 km), needing about 3,281 ft (1,000 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.
| Maximum takeoff weight | 5,376 kg |
|---|---|
| Usable fuel | 2,134 L |
| Maximum operating altitude | 41,000 ft |
| Baggage weight | 159 kg |
| Engine | 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1, JT15D-1A or JT15D-1B turbofans |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 8 |
| Reported payload proxy | 2,167 lb (983 kg) |
| Reported range | 1,328 nm (2,459 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | Not used for mission ranking |
| Cruise speed | 357 kt (411 mph) |
| Runway need | ~3,281 ft (1,000 m) |
| Landing gear | Retractable tricycle |
| Pressurised | Yes |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | $238k (€220k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $2,052 (€1,900) |
Low acquisition price and short-field capability are attractive, but obsolete avionics, engines and maintenance support can dominate economics.
Indicative cash costs at 1978 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.
| Annual use | Annual cash cost | Effective cost / h | Five-year cash outlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 h / year | $689k (€638k) | $17,226 (€15,950) | $4.2m (€3.89m) |
| 80 h / year | $771k (€714k) | $9,639 (€8,925) | $4.61m (€4.27m) |
| 120 h / year | $853k (€790k) | $7,110 (€6,583) | $5.02m (€4.65m) |
| 180 h / year | $976k (€904k) | $5,424 (€5,022) | $5.64m (€5.22m) |
Every figure above is built from a $238k (€220k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $2,052 (€1,900) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $450k (€417k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.
Cessna Citation I cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.
On top of a pilot certificate, this aircraft obliges the person flying it to hold the following. Each one is time and money before the first trip, and insurers usually attach their own minimums on top.
US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.
An indicative 1978 market price for a Cessna Citation I is $696k (€644k) to $832k (€770k). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.
Flying 80 hours a year, a Cessna Citation I works out at roughly $771k (€714k) annually, which is about $9,639 (€8,925) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $2,052 (€1,900).
Reported range is 1,328 nm (2,459 km). PlaneFit does not yet use this figure for mission ranking on this model.
Beyond a pilot certificate, a Cessna Citation I requires type rating. This aircraft is turbojet-powered, so 14 CFR 61.31(a) requires a type rating for the specific type regardless of weight. Expect a formal initial course at a training provider and recurrent training every year, both of which insurers normally make a condition of cover. These are US requirements and are stated for orientation; confirm them against the current regulation and an instructor.
Plan on approximately 3,281 ft (1,000 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.