Private Jet Review
CJ1
The CJ1 is the second generation of the extremely successful Citation series. It comes with all of the advantages that the original Citation Jet offered, but with improvements in economy and performance. Its status as the second Citation gives the advantage of using a private jet design that has been tested and modified to eliminate the faults of the first model.
The design goals of the Citation Jet can be summed up in three words: simplicity, economy, and performance. This proved to be a challenge, especially in creating an aerodynamic structure that is cheap to produce and handles well. Previous Citations had used a straight wing, which slows the aircraft considerably but dramatically reduces production and design costs. The Citation Jet upgraded to a natural laminar flow wing, which took four years to design in a joint venture between Cessna and NASA. This wing delays the onset of flow separation longer, which improves the lift-to-drag characteristics ten to fifteen percent when compared to earlier straight-wing designs.
The CJ1 is extremely fuel-efficient, burning an average of 134 gallons per hour. The economy of its fuel burn can be largely attributed to Cessna’s choice of engines. It uses two Williams/Rolls-Royce FJ44-1A turbofans, each of which delivers 1,900 pounds of thrust on takeoff. They are equipped with firewall shutoff of the fuel and hydraulics systems as well as dual fire extinguishers for fire protection.
Another of the CJ1’s strong points contributes to its low operating cost as well: the simplicity (but reliability) of its flight systems. It uses the Pro Line 21 avionics package, complete with PFD and MFD flat-panel screens. The CJ1 is the first business jet to be equipped with these screens (with the exception of the gigantic Boeing Business Jet).
The CJ1 is extremely easy to fly and can be single-pilot operated. The Citation line was designed for forward-thinking businessmen that would fly their own private jets to and from business meetings, resulting in several automated systems and a simple avionics system. For those that don’t plan to fly their own jet, its ability to be flown by a single pilot offers greater flexibility in flight operations and reduced per-hour flight costs.
Despite the CJ1’s economy in flight, it allows for a surprisingly high payload. Its three baggage compartments can carry a total of 832 pounds of luggage. The CJ1 was specifically designed to be able to operate on short runways. At sea level the CJ1 can take off in 3,080 feet; on runways at an altitude of 5,000 feet, its takeoff distance increases to 5,710 feet.
The CJ1 has a payload capacity of 1,400 pounds, heavier than the Citation Jet’s maximum payload. Its maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 10,600 pounds 100 pounds heavier than the MTOW of the Citation Jet. The maximum fuel weight also increased by 300 pounds to a total of 3,220 pounds. These alterations resulted in a better range/payload flexibility, offering owners more options in flight planning. The most surprising result of the significant increase in payload is that the CJ1 is actually faster than the regular CJ.
Most owners, knowing the economical features of the CJ1, are surprised at how comfortable it is. Seats are available for five passengers, and the full-length dropped aisle gives the cabin a roomier feel. The double-sealed door uses a fastening system similar to that of a vault, which reduces cabin noise. An emergency exit is located over the right wing and the twenty two cubic foot emergency oxygen system comes standard.
The CJ1 is ideal for small companies and individuals looking for an economical private jet for short-range missions, usually a little over one hour. Possible nonstop flights with maximum passengers include Los Angeles to Aspen and Washington, D.C. to Miami.
