Cessna Citation I
The Cessna Citation I is a twin-engine light corporate jet produced by Cessna from 1977 until 1981. Model 500 I seats up to 5 passengers and 2 pilots with optional cabin layouts for five, six and seven passengers.
Specifications
Exterior Dimensions
Wing span: 47 ft 1 in
Length: 43 ft 6 in
Height: 14 ft 4 in
Internal Dimensions
Length: 12.7 ft.
Width: 4.9 ft.
Height: 4.3 ft.
Cabin Volume: 230 cu ft
Internal Baggage: 40 cu ft
Avionics
Collins Proline, RVSM, TAWS B, ADS-B
Engine
Manufacturer: Pratt & Whitney
Model: JT15D-1A1B (2 turbofan engines)
Horsepower: 2200 lbs
Overhaul (HT): 3000/3500 TBO
Performance
| Horsepower: 2200.00 | Gross Weight: 11,850 |
| Top Speed: | Empty Weight: 6,631 |
| Cruise Speed: 357 | Fuel Capacity: 3;807 |
| Stall Speed (dirty): 82 | Range: 1,325 |
| Rate of Climb: 2,719 | Rate of Climb (One Engine): 826 |
| Service Ceiling: 41,000 | Ceiling (One Engine): 21,000 |
| Takeoff | Landing |
| Ground Roll: | Ground Roll |
| Takeoff Roll Over 50 ft: 2,930 | Landing Roll Over 50 ft: 2,270 |
History
In 1968, Cessna announced the 400-mile-per-hour Fanjet 500 (later rebranded as the Citation). The aircraft featured simple systems and docile handling geared to single-pilot operation. Cessna built about 690 Citation 500s, Citation Is and I/SPs between 1971 and 1985 and 439 of those remain on the FAA registry. The manufacturer made major improvements over the years, including the addition of thrust reversers, higher gross weights, lengthened wingspans and more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada engines. Cessna delivered the first Citation 501/I/SP, certified for single-pilot operations, in 1977.
With the improvements announced in 1976, the company changed the aircraft's name to Citation I. Maximum altitude increased to 41,000 feet and the 38-inch wing extension, combined with thrust reversers, allowed the airplane to land on much shorter runways. Your average 3,500-foot strip is no problem for this airplane, which can also land on turf.
Design
Two Pratt & Whitney of Canada JT15D-1AB turbofan engines were chosen for the Citation I. With each rated at 2,200 lbs. of thrust, they provide a considerable amount of power to fly the small jet.
The Citation I requires a crew of two, much like the Learjets. However, the Citation ISP’s single-pilot configuration allows room for an extra passenger in the right seat of the flight deck. The “tight” cabin, measuring 12.7 ft. in length, 4.9 ft. in width and 4.3 ft. in height, can seat six passengers. In addition, it contains a full-width lavatory and a small galley/refreshment counter.
Further Development
Today you can find used Citation Is for as little as $300,000. Aircraft in this price range are generally early 500 models and have a service ceiling of 35,000 feet. You can buy a 1980 model in good condition for less than $500,000. That's less than the price of a new single-engine piston airplane such as a Hawker Beechcraft Bonanza.
A Citation I jet is a small jet ideal for short trips with a range of 970 nautical miles and less than 4 passengers. It has a lower per/mile direct operating cost than the faster Falcon 10 and Learjet 35A.
The Citation I can be tweaked to the point that it outperforms many new aircraft costing millions of dollars more. Citations have no airframe life limit and properly maintained will virtually fly forever.
