Cessna Citation III Overview
The Cessna Citation III is a mid jet manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation), produced from 1983-1992. Classified as a mid-cabin aircraft, the Cessna Citation III carries up to 9 passengers at a maximum cruise speed of 480 knots with a range of 2,000 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 21 active Cessna Citation III 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 Honeywell TFE731-3B-100S, each producing 3,650 lbs of thrust. Maximum cruise speed reaches 480 knots (undefined), with a long-range cruise of 440 kts for missions where fuel efficiency matters more than speed. The service ceiling of 51,000 feet puts the Cessna Citation III well above commercial traffic corridors, and a takeoff distance of 5,100 ft keeps smaller airfields accessible.
With 2,000 nautical miles of range under standard reserves, the Cessna Citation III handles regional cross-country routing — New York to Miami, Chicago to Dallas, or Los Angeles to Seattle. Typical hourly operating costs range from $2,400-$3,200 per flight hour.
Cabin & Interior
The Cessna Citation III cabin measures 18.3 ft long, 5.5 ft wide, and 5.7 ft tall. Standard configurations seat up to 9 passengers, with 56 cu ft of externally accessible baggage capacity. The Honeywell SPZ-8000 avionics suite provides full IFR certification for all-weather operations.
Evolution & Market Position
Swept-wing design derived from the Learjet 55. For those considering acquisition or evaluating options to sell, understanding the transition between variants is essential for informed decision-making. Well-maintained Cessna Citation III 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 III |
| Category | Mid Jet |
| Cabin Class | Mid |
| Production Years | 1983-1992 |
| Successor | Citation VII |
| Registered Fleet | 21 aircraft (FAA) |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engines | 2x Honeywell TFE731-3B-100S |
|---|---|
| Thrust | 3,650 lbs |
| Max Cruise Speed | 480 knots |
| Long-Range Cruise | 440 kts |
| Max Range | 2,000 NM |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft |
| Takeoff Distance | 5,100 ft |
| Passengers | Up to 9 |
| Cabin Dimensions | 18.3 ft × 5.5 ft × 5.7 ft |
| Baggage | 56 cu ft |
| Avionics | Honeywell SPZ-8000 |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
| Hourly Cost | $2,400-$3,200 |
| Typical Acquisition Price | Contact for pricing |
How the Cessna Citation III Compares
With a 2,000 NM range and 480 kt cruise speed seating up to 9, the Cessna Citation III competes directly with the Cessna Citation Encore, Cessna Citation Ultra, and Rockwell Sabreliner in the mid 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 III (this aircraft) | 480 kt | 2,000 NM | Up to 9 | $2,400-$3,200 |
| Cessna Citation Encore | 430 kt | 2,030 NM | Up to 8 | $2,200-$3,000 |
| Cessna Citation Ultra | 430 kt | 2,030 NM | Up to 8 | $2,100-$2,900 |
| Rockwell Sabreliner | 478 kt | 2,000 NM | Up to 9 | $2,000-$3,000 |
Similar aircraft: Rockwell Sabreliner · Cessna Citation Encore · Cessna Citation Ultra · Cessna Citation V · Cessna Citation VI · Cessna Citation VII
Cessna Citation III Fleet Registry
Browse 21 registered Cessna Citation III 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.
21 Active RegistrationsFrequently Asked Questions About the Cessna Citation III
14 questions answered about the Cessna Citation III
The Cessna Citation III is classified as a Mid Jet with a mid-cabin configuration, manufactured by Cessna Aircraft Company (Textron Aviation).
The Cessna Citation III has a maximum cruise speed of 480 knots with a long-range cruise speed of 440 kts. Maximum operating Mach number is undefined.
The Cessna Citation III has a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles under standard fuel reserves, connecting major city pairs nonstop.
The Cessna Citation III accommodates up to 9 passengers in a typical executive configuration.
The Cessna Citation III is powered by 2x Honeywell TFE731-3B-100S, producing 3,650 lbs of thrust per engine.
The Cessna Citation III cabin measures 18.3 ft long, 5.5 ft wide, and 5.7 ft tall, with 56 cu ft of baggage capacity.
The Cessna Citation III is equipped with Honeywell SPZ-8000 avionics and is fully certified for IFR operations.
The Cessna Citation III has a maximum certified service ceiling of 51,000 feet, allowing operations above most commercial traffic and weather.
The Cessna Citation III requires approximately 5,100 ft of runway for takeoff at maximum takeoff weight under standard conditions.
The Cessna Citation III was manufactured from 1983-1992. Its successor is the Citation VII.
Typical hourly operating costs for the Cessna Citation III range from $2,400-$3,200 per flight hour, depending on utilization, maintenance program, and operational profile.
The Jet Finder's directory currently lists 21 Cessna Citation III aircraft with active U.S. FAA registrations. Browse the full fleet registry on this page.
Contact The Jet Finder to inquire about Cessna Citation III charter availability. We have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide, including multiple Cessna Citation III aircraft.
Swept-wing design derived from the Learjet 55.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Whether you are looking to charter, acquire, or sell a Cessna Citation III — our team is standing by. We operate private aircraft and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.