Light Jet - Legacy Production
Cessna Citation CJ3 (Original): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Cessna Aircraft Company
Cessna Citation CJ3 (Original): Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The original Cessna Citation CJ3 (Model 525B), produced from December 2004 to 2014, is the further-stretched CJ family member that opened up genuine transcontinental missions with single-pilot certification. Powered by twin Williams International FJ44-3A turbofans, the original CJ3 delivers over 1,900 nautical miles of range, Mach 0.737 (423 ktas) maximum cruise, and a 45,000 ft service ceiling. Approximately 500 CJ3 and CJ3+ aircraft were delivered between 2004 and spring 2018. Pre-owned market today: $3.5 to $5.5 million depending on year.
For owner-operators wanting CJ-family operations with transcontinental range, the original CJ3 hits a sweet spot between the CJ2+ and CJ4.
Citation CJ3 (Original) Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2014 (replaced by CJ3+) |
| Unveiled at NBAA | September 2002 |
| First Flight | April 17, 2003 |
| FAA Type Certification | October 2004 |
| First Delivery | December 2004 |
| Model Designation | Cessna 525B |
| Total CJ3 + CJ3+ Delivered (through 2018) | 500 |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified) |
| Passengers (Standard) | 6 in club configuration |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 1,900+ nm |
| Range at Long-Range Cruise | 2,000+ nm |
| Max Cruise Speed (MMo) | Mach 0.737 (423 ktas) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Williams International FJ44-3A |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Cabin Length | 15.7 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 277 cubic ft |
| Fuel Burn | 160 gph |
| Original Price (2004-2009) | $5,995,000 to $7,500,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) - 2004-2009 | $3,500,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) - 2009-2014 | $5,000,000 to $5,500,000 |
History and Stretched Capability
The Citation CJ3 was unveiled at the September 2002 NBAA convention and represented the next major fuselage stretch in the CJ family. Cessna designed the CJ3 to deliver genuine transcontinental range while maintaining single-pilot certification and Williams FJ44-family economics.
Platform timeline:
- September 2002: CJ3 unveiled at NBAA convention
- April 17, 2003: First flight
- October 2004: FAA type certification
- December 2004: First customer delivery
- 2014: Replaced by Citation CJ3+ with enhanced avionics
- 2018: 500th CJ3/CJ3+ delivered
The CJ3 exceeded Cessna's original performance predictions, reaching 1,900+ nm at maximum cruise (Mach 0.737 at FL450) and 2,000+ nm at slower long-range cruise speeds.
Cabin Interior
The CJ3's cabin is a further stretch over the CJ2/CJ2+, delivering more usable cabin volume:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 15.7 ft |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.75 ft (57 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 277 cubic ft |
Seating Configurations
- Standard 6-Seat Club: Center-style club configuration
- 9-Passenger Maximum: With belted lavatory and additional seating
Cabin Features
- Accessible in-flight baggage compartment: Class-distinguishing feature
- External baggage access: Additional storage
- Refreshment center: Forward galley provisions
- Customizable cabin: Multiple completion options offered by Cessna
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Mach (MMo) | Mach 0.737 (423 ktas) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax, max cruise) | 1,900+ nm |
| Range (Long-Range Cruise) | 2,000+ nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Fuel Burn | 160 gph |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to Los Angeles (2,140 nm) - achievable at long-range cruise
- Chicago to Honolulu (3,830 nm) - not achievable
- Houston to Boston (1,531 nm) - comfortable
- London to Moscow (1,484 nm) - comfortable
Engines
Two Williams International FJ44-3A turbofan engines, the same engine family that powers the CJ2+ (-3A-24 variant) and CJ4 (FJ44-4A variant). FADEC control standard.
Engine TBO: 5,000 hours on-condition.
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated avionics suite. Many CJ3s have been retrofit with:
- Garmin GTN 750 GPS upgrades
- ADS-B Out compliance
- WAAS/LPV navigation
- Synthetic Vision (where available)
- Electronic charts (IFIS)
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~160 gph) | $1,120 to $1,440 |
| Engine Reserve | $317 (5,000 hr TBO) |
| Airframe Maintenance | $269 labor + $370 parts ($639 total) |
| Misc Variable | $200 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,276 to $2,596/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $1.5 to $1.8 million all-in.
Charter rates: $3,500 to $4,500 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2012 to 2014 CJ3 (final production) | $5,000,000 to $5,500,000 |
| 2009 to 2011 CJ3 | $4,500,000 to $5,000,000 |
| 2007 to 2008 CJ3 | $4,000,000 to $4,500,000 |
| 2004 to 2006 CJ3 (early production) | $3,500,000 to $4,000,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Transcontinental Owner-Operators: 1,900+ nm range enables coast-to-coast missions
- Step-Up From CJ2+: More cabin, more range, similar pilot pool
- Charter Operators With Longer Missions: Better mission economics
- Light Corporate Flight Departments: Workhorse platform
Less suited if:
- You need modern Garmin G3000 avionics (consider CJ3+ Gen2)
- You require autothrottle (CJ3+ Gen2 adds this)
- You need 8+ passenger capacity (CJ4 better)
CJ3 (Original) vs CJ3+ vs CJ3+ Gen2
| Variant | Years | Engines | Avionics | Range | Pre-Owned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citation CJ3 (Original) | 2004-2014 | FJ44-3A | Pro Line 21 | 1,900+ nm | $3.5M-$5.5M |
| Citation CJ3+ | 2014-2021 | FJ44-3A | Garmin G3000 | 2,040 nm | $6M-$8M |
| Citation CJ3+ Gen2 | 2025+ | FJ44-3A | Garmin G3000 + autothrottle | 2,040 nm | New |
Pros and Cons
What the Original CJ3 Does Well
- 1,900+ nm range enables transcontinental missions
- Williams FJ44-3 family proven reliability
- Single-pilot certified
- Accessible in-flight baggage (class-distinguishing)
- Six-seat club cabin with refreshment center
- 45,000 ft service ceiling
- Strong residual value in CJ family
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Pro Line 21 dated vs Garmin G3000 on CJ3+
- No autothrottle
- Cabin width still 58 inches (typical for CJ family)
- 160 gph fuel burn higher than CJ2+
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can the original Citation CJ3 fly?
The original Citation CJ3 has a maximum range of approximately 1,900 nautical miles at max cruise speed and over 2,000 nm at long-range cruise speeds.
Is the original CJ3 single-pilot certified?
Yes. The Citation CJ3 is certified for single-pilot operation.
How is the original CJ3 different from the CJ3+?
The CJ3+ (2014) introduced the Garmin G3000 avionics suite (replacing Pro Line 21) and other cabin refinements while retaining the same Williams FJ44-3A engines and airframe.
What engines power the original CJ3?
Two Williams International FJ44-3A turbofan engines with full FADEC control.
How many CJ3 aircraft were built?
A total of 500 CJ3 and CJ3+ aircraft were delivered between 2004 and spring 2018. The original CJ3 represents approximately 250 of those aircraft.
Can the original CJ3 fly nonstop coast-to-coast in the U.S.?
Yes, at long-range cruise speeds with four passengers. Maximum cruise speed missions may require a fuel stop on the longest U.S. transcontinental routes.
The Bottom Line
The Cessna Citation CJ3 is the platform that brought transcontinental range to the CJ family with single-pilot certification, accessible in-flight baggage, and Williams FJ44-3 economics. At current pre-owned pricing of $3.5 to $5.5 million, the original CJ3 delivers genuinely capable light jet operations at a substantial discount to the CJ3+ and CJ4. For owner-operators willing to operate with Pro Line 21 avionics, the original CJ3 remains one of the strongest light jet values in the market.
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Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for CJ3 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Citation CJ2+: Smaller Predecessor
- Citation CJ4 (Original): Larger Sibling
- Citation CJ3+ Gen2: Current Production Successor
Production of the original Citation CJ3 ended in 2014. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.