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 2000 to 2005, is the first major revision of the original CitationJet (Model 525) and bridges to the modern CJ family. Powered by the same twin Williams International FJ44-1A turbofans as the original CJ but enhanced with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and a moderate maximum takeoff weight increase, the CJ1 delivers 1,300 nautical miles of range, 387 ktas maximum cruise, and a 41,000 ft service ceiling with single-pilot certification. The CJ1 occupies Model 525 serial numbers 0360 to 0599. Pre-owned market today: $1.2 to $2 million.
For owner-operators wanting modernized Citation 525 avionics at attainable pre-owned pricing, the CJ1 hits a sweet spot.
Citation CJ1 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2005 (replaced by CJ1+) |
| Production Years | 2000 to 2005 |
| Model 525 Serials | 0360 to 0599 |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 5 |
| Passengers (Max) | 6 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,300 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 387 ktas |
| Long-Range Cruise | 340 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 41,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Williams International FJ44-1A |
| Thrust per Engine | 1,900 lbf (3,800 lbf total) |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| 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 (2000) | $4,200,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $1,200,000 to $2,000,000 |
History and Evolution from Original CJ
The Citation CJ1 launched in 2000 as the successor to the original Model 525 CitationJet. Cessna's design objective was modernization without disruption: keep the proven natural laminar flow wing and FJ44-1A engines, but bring avionics into the integrated EFIS era with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 suite.
Platform timeline:
- 2000: CJ1 enters production at Model 525 serial 0360
- 2000 to 2005: Production run of approximately 240 aircraft
- 2005: Replaced by Citation CJ1+ (serial 0600+) with FADEC engines
The CJ1 was a transitional aircraft, important for the CJ family because it introduced modern avionics integration to the platform.
What's New on the CJ1 vs Original CJ
- Pro Line 21 avionics: Modern EFIS integration replacing legacy hybrid displays
- MTOW increase: From 10,400 lbs to 10,700 lbs
- Range increase: Slightly enhanced through MTOW improvement
- Same FJ44-1A engines: No FADEC (introduced on CJ1+ in 2005)
- Same airframe and cabin: Dimensions unchanged from original CJ
Cabin Interior
Identical cabin dimensions and base configuration to original CJ:
| 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 |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 5-Seat Configuration: Forward club with rear forward-facing
- 6-Seat with Belted Lavatory: Optional
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 387 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 | 3,280 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,770 ft |
Engines
Two Williams International FJ44-1A turbofans, each producing 1,900 lbf of thrust (3,800 lbf total). Mechanical fuel control (no FADEC; FADEC was introduced on the CJ1+ in 2005).
Avionics: Pro Line 21
The Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 was a significant step forward for the CJ family:
- Integrated EFIS displays: Primary flight and multi-function displays
- Dual flight management systems: Standard
- Weather radar: Standard
- TCAS I: Standard
- Available retrofits: WAAS/LPV, ADS-B Out, synthetic vision, electronic charts
Most CJ1s have been retrofit with current ADS-B Out compliance and modern navigation databases.
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~120 gph) | $840 to $1,080 |
| Engine Reserve | $300 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $290 |
| Misc Variable | $180 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$1,610 to $1,850/hr |
Annual operating budget at 300 owner-flown hours: approximately $850,000 to $1.0 million.
Charter rates: $3,000 to $3,800 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2004 to 2005 CJ1 | $1,700,000 to $2,000,000 |
| 2002 to 2003 CJ1 | $1,400,000 to $1,800,000 |
| 2000 to 2001 CJ1 | $1,200,000 to $1,600,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Owner-Operators Stepping Up From Turboprop: Familiar Cessna handling
- Buyers Wanting Modern Avionics on a Budget: Pro Line 21 ahead of original CJ
- Charter Operators: Strong dispatch reliability
- First-Time Single-Pilot Jet Owners: Forgiving learning curve
Less suited if:
- You need transcontinental range
- You require FADEC engines (consider CJ1+)
- You want Garmin G3000 touchscreen avionics (consider M2)
- You need the largest cabin in segment
CJ1 vs CJ1+ Comparison
| Feature | CJ1 (2000-2005) | CJ1+ (2005-2010) |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | FJ44-1A (1,900 lbf, mechanical) | FJ44-1AP (1,965 lbf, FADEC) |
| Avionics | Pro Line 21 | Pro Line 21 (improved) |
| Range | 1,300 nm | 1,300 nm |
| Pre-Owned Price | $1.2M to $2M | $1.6M to $2.5M |
Pros and Cons
What the CJ1 Does Well
- Pro Line 21 avionics step up from original CJ
- Single-pilot certified with proven handling
- Williams FJ44-1A engines: reliable, fuel efficient
- Strong fleet support and parts availability
- Attainable acquisition pricing
Tradeoffs to Understand
- No FADEC engines (CJ1+ retrofit option)
- 1,300 nm range less than current CJ variants
- Pro Line 21 dated vs. Garmin G3000 in M2
- Cabin smaller than premium light jets
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the CJ1 different from the original Citation CitationJet?
The CJ1 (2000) introduced the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and a moderate maximum takeoff weight increase, while retaining the same Williams FJ44-1A engines as the original CJ.
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), while retaining the CJ1's Pro Line 21 avionics platform.
Is the Citation CJ1 single-pilot certified?
Yes.
How far can a CJ1 fly?
The Citation CJ1 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of approximately 1,300 nautical miles with four passengers.
What engines power the CJ1?
Two Williams International FJ44-1A turbofan engines, each producing 1,900 lbf of thrust, with mechanical fuel control.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation CJ1 is the bridge between the original CitationJet platform and modern CJ family avionics. The Pro Line 21 avionics suite was a meaningful improvement at the time, and the airframe and engines benefit from 25+ years of fleet experience. For owner-operators on a budget who want modern integrated avionics without the price premium of FADEC engines, the CJ1 hits the sweet spot.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation CJ (Original): Predecessor Variant
- Citation CJ1+: FADEC-Equipped Successor
- Citation M2 (Original): Modern Replacement
- Eclipse 500: Affordable Twin-Jet Alternative
Production of the Citation CJ1 ended in 2005. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.