Cessna Citation I Overview
The Cessna Citation I is a very light jet manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation), produced from 1971-1985. Classified as a light-cabin aircraft, the Cessna Citation I carries up to 6 passengers at a maximum cruise speed of 350 knots with a range of 1,200 nautical miles — placing it squarely in the charter and corporate flight segment for regional missions.
The Jet Finder's aircraft directory currently tracks 10 active Cessna Citation I 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 Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A, each producing 2,200 lbs of thrust. Maximum cruise speed reaches 350 knots (undefined), with a long-range cruise of 320 kts for missions where fuel efficiency matters more than speed. The service ceiling of 41,000 feet puts the Cessna Citation I well above commercial traffic corridors, and a takeoff distance of 3,310 ft keeps smaller airfields accessible.
With 1,200 nautical miles of range under standard reserves, the Cessna Citation I handles short-haul regional flights connecting major metropolitan areas within a few hundred miles. Typical hourly operating costs range from $1,200-$1,800 per flight hour.
Cabin & Interior
The Cessna Citation I cabin measures 11.7 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.4 ft tall. Standard configurations seat up to 6 passengers, with 30 cu ft of externally accessible baggage capacity. The Collins avionics suite provides full IFR certification for all-weather operations.
Evolution & Market Position
The original Citation that launched Cessna's jet family. For those considering acquisition or evaluating options to sell, understanding the transition between variants is essential for informed decision-making. Well-maintained Cessna Citation I aircraft remain sought after in the pre-owned market, with strong demand from both private owners and charter operators.
Inquire About a Cessna Citation I
Whether you're evaluating a charter flight or an acquisition, our aviation advisors can connect you with a Cessna Citation I that matches your mission profile. We have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Manufacturer | Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation) |
|---|---|
| Model | Cessna Citation I |
| Category | Very Light Jet |
| Cabin Class | Light |
| Production Years | 1971-1985 |
| Successor | Citation II |
| Registered Fleet | 10 aircraft (FAA) |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engines | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A |
|---|---|
| Thrust | 2,200 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 350 knots |
| Long-Range Cruise | 320 kts |
| Max Range | 1,200 NM |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Takeoff Distance | 3,310 ft |
| Passengers | Up to 6 |
| Cabin Dimensions | 11.7 ft × 4.8 ft × 4.4 ft |
| Baggage | 30 cu ft |
| Avionics | Collins |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
| Hourly Cost | $1,200-$1,800 |
| Typical Acquisition Price | Contact for pricing |
How the Cessna Citation I Compares
With a 1,200 NM range and 350 kt cruise speed seating up to 6, the Cessna Citation I competes directly with the HondaJet, Cirrus Vision Jet, and Embraer Phenom 100 in the very 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 I (this aircraft) | 350 kt | 1,200 NM | Up to 6 | $1,200-$1,800 |
| HondaJet | 422 kt | 1,223 NM | Up to 6 | $1,600-$2,200 |
| Cirrus Vision Jet | 311 kt | 1,200 NM | Up to 5 | $1,200-$1,800 |
| Embraer Phenom 100 | 390 kt | 1,178 NM | Up to 6 | $1,400-$2,000 |
Similar aircraft: Cirrus Vision Jet · Embraer Phenom 100 · HondaJet · Cessna Citation Mustang · Eclipse 500 · Cessna Citation CJ1
Cessna Citation I Fleet Registry
Browse 10 registered Cessna Citation I 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.
10 Active RegistrationsFrequently Asked Questions About the Cessna Citation I
14 questions answered about the Cessna Citation I
The Cessna Citation I is classified as a Very Light Jet with a light-cabin configuration, manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation).
The Cessna Citation I has a maximum cruise speed of 350 knots with a long-range cruise speed of 320 kts. Maximum operating Mach number is undefined.
The Cessna Citation I has a maximum range of 1,200 nautical miles under standard fuel reserves, connecting major city pairs nonstop.
The Cessna Citation I accommodates up to 6 passengers in a typical executive configuration.
The Cessna Citation I is powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-1A, producing 2,200 lbs of thrust per engine.
The Cessna Citation I cabin measures 11.7 ft long, 4.8 ft wide, and 4.4 ft tall, with 30 cu ft of baggage capacity.
The Cessna Citation I is equipped with Collins avionics and is fully certified for IFR operations.
The Cessna Citation I has a maximum certified service ceiling of 41,000 feet, allowing operations above most commercial traffic and weather.
The Cessna Citation I requires approximately 3,310 ft of runway for takeoff at maximum takeoff weight under standard conditions.
The Cessna Citation I was manufactured from 1971-1985. Its successor is the Citation II.
Typical hourly operating costs for the Cessna Citation I range from $1,200-$1,800 per flight hour, depending on utilization, maintenance program, and operational profile.
The Jet Finder's directory currently lists 10 Cessna Citation I aircraft with active U.S. FAA registrations. Browse the full fleet registry on this page.
Contact The Jet Finder to inquire about Cessna Citation I charter availability. We have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide, including multiple Cessna Citation I aircraft.
The original Citation that launched Cessna's jet family.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Whether you are looking to charter, acquire, or sell a Cessna Citation I — our team is standing by. We operate private aircraft and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.