Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Pilatus PC-24
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Cessna Citation CJ3 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $4,750,000 – $5,595,000 | $10,700,000 – $11,995,000 |
| Category | Light Jet | Light Jet |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 11 |
| Cruise Speed | 391 kts (724 km/h) | 410 kts (759 km/h) |
| Range | 1,875 nm (3,472 km) | 2,000 nm (3,704 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) | 45,000 ft (13,716 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 13,870 lbs (6,291 kg) | 18,300 lbs (8,301 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,230 lbs (1,465 kg) | 5,520 lbs (2,504 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 438.0 gal (1658 L) | 620.0 gal (2347 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 125.0 GPH (473 L/h) | 175.0 GPH (662 L/h) |
| TBO | 5,000 hrs | 5,000 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $275,000 | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $335,000 | $400,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $1,850 | $2,200 |
| Engines | 2 x Turbofan | 2 x Turbofan |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna Citation CJ3
Fuel$688/hr
Variable$1,850/hr
Annual Fixed$335,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$705,000/yr
Pilatus PC-24
Fuel$962/hr
Variable$2,200/hr
Annual Fixed$400,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$840,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation CJ3 or Pilatus PC-24?
Pick the Citation CJ3 if…
- Budget matters — from $4,750,000 vs $10,700,000, you save ~$5,950,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$1850/hr vs $2200/hr.
- More inventory — 62 listings vs 16.
Pick the PC-24 if…
- More seats — 11 vs 9.
- Faster cruise — 410 kts vs 391 kts.
- Longer range — 2000 nm vs 1875 nm.
- Newer design — production from 2018 vs 2004.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna Citation CJ3 or Pilatus PC-24?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Citation CJ3 cruises at 391 kts with 1,875 nm range.
The PC-24 cruises at 410 kts with 2,000 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna Citation CJ3 and Pilatus PC-24?
PC-24 engine: Williams FJ44-4A.
Seats: 9 vs 11.
Cruise: 391 vs 410 kts.
Range: 1875 vs 2000 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation CJ3: about $1850/hr variable cost.
PC-24: about $2200/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Citation CJ3: 9 seats / 3,230 lb useful load.
PC-24: 11 seats / 5,520 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Citation CJ3: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$275,000.
PC-24: 5,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data