Light Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation CJ1+: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna Aircraft Company
Cessna Citation CJ1+: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Cessna Citation CJ1+, produced from 2005 to 2010, is the FADEC-equipped successor to the CJ1 and the immediate predecessor to the modern Citation M2. Powered by twin Williams International FJ44-1AP turbofans producing 1,965 lbf each with full FADEC engine control, the CJ1+ delivers 1,300 nautical miles of range, 389 ktas maximum cruise, and a 41,000 ft service ceiling with single-pilot certification. The CJ1+ occupies Model 525 serial numbers 0600 and higher. Pre-owned market today: $1.6 to $2.5 million.
For owner-operators who want FADEC engine control and Pro Line 21 avionics at pre-owned pricing well below the Citation M2, the CJ1+ is the strongest value in the CJ1 generation.
Citation CJ1+ Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2010 (replaced by Citation M2 in 2013) |
| FAA Certification | 2005 |
| Production Years | 2005 to 2010 |
| Model 525 Serials | 0600 and higher |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 5 |
| Passengers (Max) | 6 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,300 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 389 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 340 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 41,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Williams International FJ44-1AP |
| Thrust per Engine | 1,965 lbf (3,930 lbf total) |
| Engine Control | Full FADEC |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 (improved) |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 10,700 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 11 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 193 cubic ft |
| Original Price (2005) | $4,500,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $1,600,000 to $2,500,000 |
What's New on the CJ1+ vs CJ1
The CJ1+ introduced three meaningful improvements:
- Williams FJ44-1AP engines: 1,965 lbf vs 1,900 lbf (3.4% thrust increase)
- Full FADEC engine control: Reduces pilot workload significantly
- Updated Pro Line 21 avionics: Software and hardware refinements
The airframe, cabin, fuel capacity, and other systems remained essentially unchanged from the CJ1.
History
The CJ1+ launched in 2005 to modernize the CJ1 platform with the engine technology Cessna would later carry forward into the Citation M2:
- 2005: CJ1+ FAA certification, production begins at Model 525 serial 0600
- 2005 to 2010: Production run of approximately 250 aircraft
- 2013: Citation M2 launches, replacing CJ1+ in Cessna's entry-level jet lineup
- 2014: GE Honda HF120 announced as retrofit option for CJ/CJ1/CJ1+
Cabin Interior
Identical to CJ1 cabin dimensions and base configuration:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 11 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 193 cubic ft |
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 389 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 340 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,300 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 3,250 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,770 ft |
Engines: The FADEC Difference
Two Williams International FJ44-1AP turbofans, each producing 1,965 lbf of thrust with full Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC).
The FADEC system provides:
- Automatic engine management: Pilot sets thrust lever; FADEC manages fuel flow
- Engine protection: Prevents over-temperature, over-speed, and surge conditions
- Cold-start optimization: Improved starts in cold conditions
- Reduced pilot workload: Particularly meaningful in single-pilot operation
The FJ44-1AP engine family carries forward into the modern Citation M2 (with the FJ44-1AP-21 variant offering 10-15% more cruise thrust).
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 with refinements over the CJ1:
- Integrated EFIS displays: Primary flight and multi-function displays
- Dual flight management systems: Standard
- Weather radar with vertical scan: Standard
- TCAS I: Standard
- Common retrofits: WAAS/LPV, ADS-B Out, synthetic vision, electronic charts
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~120 gph) | $840 to $1,080 |
| Engine Reserve | $310 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $290 |
| Misc Variable | $180 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$1,620 to $1,860/hr |
Annual operating budget at 300 owner-flown hours: approximately $850,000 to $1.05 million.
Charter rates: $3,200 to $3,800 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2009 to 2010 CJ1+ | $2,200,000 to $2,500,000 |
| 2007 to 2008 CJ1+ | $1,900,000 to $2,300,000 |
| 2005 to 2006 CJ1+ | $1,600,000 to $2,000,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Turboprop: FADEC reduces transition workload
- Charter Operators: Strong economics and dispatch reliability
- First-Time Light Jet Owner-Operators: Pro Line 21 plus FADEC is forgiving
- Value-Focused Citation Buyers: Modern engine technology at sub-M2 pricing
Less suited if:
- You need Garmin G3000 touchscreen avionics
- You require Synthetic Vision out of the box
- You need transcontinental range
- You want autothrottle (M2 retrofit option, not on CJ1+)
CJ1+ vs Citation M2 Comparison
| Feature | CJ1+ (2005-2010) | Citation M2 Original (2013-2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | FJ44-1AP (1,965 lbf) | FJ44-1AP-21 (1,965 lbf, 10-15% more cruise thrust) |
| Avionics | Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 |
| Range | 1,300 nm | 1,550 nm |
| Max Cruise | 389 ktas | 404 ktas |
| Cabin | 193 cu ft | 240 cu ft (revised layout) |
| Pre-Owned Price | $1.6M to $2.5M | $3.5M to $4.5M |
The M2 represents substantial improvements in avionics, range, cruise, and cabin layout, justifying the price premium for many buyers.
Pros and Cons
What the CJ1+ Does Well
- FADEC engine control reduces pilot workload
- Pro Line 21 avionics ahead of original CJ
- Williams FJ44-1AP reliability and fuel efficiency
- Single-pilot certified
- Strong fleet support and parts availability
- More attainable than Citation M2
Tradeoffs to Understand
- 1,300 nm range less than current CJs
- Pro Line 21 dated vs Garmin G3000 in M2
- Cabin smaller than premium light jets
- No autothrottle
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the CJ1+ different from the CJ1?
The CJ1+ (2005) added FADEC engine control with the upgraded Williams FJ44-1AP engines (1,965 lbf vs 1,900 lbf on the CJ1) and refinements to the Pro Line 21 avionics suite. Airframe and cabin are identical.
How is the CJ1+ different from the Citation M2?
The Citation M2 (2013) introduced Garmin G3000 avionics, the upgraded FJ44-1AP-21 engines (with 10-15% more cruise thrust), winglets, revised cabin layout, and increased range (1,550 nm vs 1,300 nm).
Is the Citation CJ1+ single-pilot certified?
Yes.
What engines power the CJ1+?
Two Williams International FJ44-1AP turbofan engines, each producing 1,965 lbf of thrust with full FADEC control.
How far can a CJ1+ fly?
The Citation CJ1+ has a maximum NBAA IFR range of approximately 1,300 nautical miles with four passengers.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation CJ1+ is the strongest value in the legacy CJ1 generation, combining FADEC engine control and refined Pro Line 21 avionics at pre-owned pricing well below the Citation M2. For owner-operators who don't need the M2's Garmin G3000 or longer range, the CJ1+ delivers proven Citation performance at attainable acquisition cost.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation CJ1: Pre-FADEC Predecessor
- Citation CJ (Original): Founder of the Family
- Citation M2 (Original): Direct Successor
- Citation M2 Gen2: Current Production
Production of the Citation CJ1+ ended in 2010. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.