Cessna Citation CJ3 Overview
The Cessna Citation CJ3 is a light jet manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation), produced from 2004-2014. Classified as a light-cabin aircraft, the Cessna Citation CJ3 carries up to 9 passengers at a maximum cruise speed of 416 knots with a range of 2,040 nautical miles — placing it squarely in the charter and corporate flight segment for cross-country domestic missions.
The Jet Finder's aircraft directory currently tracks 141 active Cessna Citation CJ3 registrations in the FAA Aircraft Registry. Each tail number page below provides individual registration data, serial numbers, ownership records, and specification details sourced from official FAA documentation.
Performance & Powerplant
Power comes from 2x Williams FJ44-3A, each producing 2,780 lbs of thrust. Maximum cruise speed reaches 416 knots (Mach 0.737), with a long-range cruise of 380 kts for missions where fuel efficiency matters more than speed. The service ceiling of 45,000 feet puts the Cessna Citation CJ3 well above commercial traffic corridors, and a takeoff distance of 3,180 ft keeps smaller airfields accessible.
With 2,040 nautical miles of range under standard reserves, the Cessna Citation CJ3 handles regional cross-country routing — New York to Miami, Chicago to Dallas, or Los Angeles to Seattle. Typical hourly operating costs range from $2,200-$3,000 per flight hour.
Cabin & Interior
The Cessna Citation CJ3 cabin measures 15.7 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall. Standard configurations seat up to 9 passengers, with 66 cu ft of externally accessible baggage capacity. The Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite provides full IFR certification for all-weather operations.
Evolution & Market Position
The CJ3+ adds Garmin G3000 avionics and improved performance. For those considering acquisition or evaluating options to sell, understanding the transition between variants is essential for informed decision-making. Well-maintained Cessna Citation CJ3 aircraft remain sought after in the pre-owned market, with strong demand from both private owners and charter operators.
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Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation) |
|---|---|
| Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 |
| Category | Light Jet |
| Cabin Class | Light |
| Production Years | 2004-2014 |
| Successor | CJ3+ |
| Registered Fleet | 141 aircraft (FAA) |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engines | 2x Williams FJ44-3A |
|---|---|
| Thrust | 2,780 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 416 knots |
| Long-Range Cruise | 380 kts |
| Max Range | 2,040 NM |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Takeoff Distance | 3,180 ft |
| Passengers | Up to 9 |
| Cabin Dimensions | 15.7 ft × 4.8 ft × 4.8 ft |
| Baggage | 66 cu ft |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
| Hourly Cost | $2,200-$3,000 |
| Typical Acquisition Price | Contact for pricing |
How the Cessna Citation CJ3 Compares
With a 2,040 NM range and 416 kt cruise speed seating up to 9, the Cessna Citation CJ3 competes directly with the Learjet 35, Bombardier Learjet 70, and Bombardier Learjet 75 in the light jet segment. The table below compares the figures charter clients and buyers weigh most — cruise speed, range, cabin capacity, and hourly operating cost.
| Aircraft | Cruise | Range | Passengers | Hourly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna Citation CJ3 (this aircraft) | 416 kt | 2,040 NM | Up to 9 | $2,200-$3,000 |
| Learjet 35 | 452 kt | 2,060 NM | Up to 8 | $2,200-$3,200 |
| Bombardier Learjet 70 | 465 kt | 2,040 NM | Up to 8 | $2,800-$3,600 |
| Bombardier Learjet 75 | 465 kt | 2,040 NM | Up to 9 | $2,800-$3,800 |
Similar aircraft: Bombardier Learjet 70 · Bombardier Learjet 75 · Learjet 35 · Embraer Phenom 300 · Nextant 400XTi · Pilatus PC-24
Cessna Citation CJ3 Fleet Registry
Browse 141 registered Cessna Citation CJ3 aircraft currently tracked in the FAA Aircraft Registry. Each tail number links to a dedicated page with individual registration data, serial numbers, ownership records, and specifications.
141 Active RegistrationsShowing 80 of 141 registered aircraft. View full directory →
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cessna Citation CJ3
14 questions answered about the Cessna Citation CJ3
The Cessna Citation CJ3 is classified as a Light Jet with a light-cabin configuration, manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation).
The Cessna Citation CJ3 has a maximum cruise speed of 416 knots with a long-range cruise speed of 380 kts. Maximum operating Mach number is Mach 0.737.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 has a maximum range of 2,040 nautical miles under standard fuel reserves, connecting major city pairs nonstop.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 accommodates up to 9 passengers in a typical executive configuration.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 is powered by 2x Williams FJ44-3A, producing 2,780 lbs of thrust per engine.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 cabin measures 15.7 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.8 ft tall, with 66 cu ft of baggage capacity.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 is equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics and is fully certified for IFR operations.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 has a maximum certified service ceiling of 45,000 feet, allowing operations above most commercial traffic and weather.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 requires approximately 3,180 ft of runway for takeoff at maximum takeoff weight under standard conditions.
The Cessna Citation CJ3 was manufactured from 2004-2014. Its successor is the CJ3+.
Typical hourly operating costs for the Cessna Citation CJ3 range from $2,200-$3,000 per flight hour, depending on utilization, maintenance program, and operational profile.
The Jet Finder's directory currently lists 141 Cessna Citation CJ3 aircraft with active U.S. FAA registrations. Browse the full fleet registry on this page.
Contact The Jet Finder to inquire about Cessna Citation CJ3 charter availability. We have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide, including multiple Cessna Citation CJ3 aircraft.
The CJ3+ adds Garmin G3000 avionics and improved performance.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Whether you are looking to charter, acquire, or sell a Cessna Citation CJ3 — our team is standing by. We operate private aircraft and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.