Cessna Citation M2 vs Cirrus Vision SF50

The Cirrus Vision SF50 (Vision Jet) and Cessna Citation M2 are both single-pilot light jets aimed at the owner-operator who wants to fly their own jet — but they arrive at the concept differently. The Vision Jet is a single-engine jet, Cirrus's extension of its composite aircraft philosophy with a Williams FJ33-5A engine, five to seven seats, and the CAPS parachute system adapted for jet-speed deployment. The Citation M2 (Model 525, successor to the CJ1+) is a twin-engine Williams FJ44-1AP-powered jet with four to five seats, better range, and the safety redundancy of two engines. The cross-shop is emerging as the Vision Jet's order book grows and buyers compare it directly to the established light twin-jet category.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna Citation M2
For sale now
57
Model years available
2013–2024
Cirrus Vision SF50
For sale now
42
Median asking
$2,999,950
Range
$1,035,000–$3,599,965
Model years available
2016–2025

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna Citation M2 Cirrus Vision SF50
Cessna Citation M2
View 55 listings →
Median $3,825,000
 Cirrus Vision SF50
View 53 listings →
Median $2,999,950
Price Range $3,352,500 – $4,297,500 $1,035,000 – $3,599,965
Category Light Jet Very Light Jet
Model Specifications
Seats 7 7
Cruise Speed 404 kts (748 km/h) 311 kts (576 km/h)
Range 1,300 nm (2,408 km) 1,200 nm (2,222 km)
Service Ceiling 41,000 ft (12,497 m) 31,000 ft (9,449 m)
Max Gross Weight 10,700 lbs (4,854 kg) 6,040 lbs (2,740 kg)
Useful Load 3,100 lbs (1,406 kg) 2,180 lbs (989 kg)
Fuel Capacity 386.0 gal (1461 L) 296.0 gal (1120 L)
Fuel Burn 115.0 GPH (435 L/h) 50.0 GPH (189 L/h)
TBO 3,500 hrs 4,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $250,000 $250,000
Annual Fixed $250,000 $200,000
Hourly Variable $1,600 $950
Engines 2 x Turbofan 1 x Turbofan

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna Citation M2

Fuel$632/hr
Variable$1,600/hr
Annual Fixed$250,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $570,000/yr

Cirrus Vision SF50

Fuel$275/hr
Variable$950/hr
Annual Fixed$200,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $390,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna Citation M2 or Cirrus Vision SF50?

Bottom line: Choose the Vision SF50 for the unique proposition it offers: CAPS emergency parachute protection at jet speed, a single-engine operating cost that's meaningfully lower than the M2, and Cirrus's proven ownership support infrastructure. For a pilot who values the ultimate backup system and is transitioning from a Cirrus SR22, the Vision Jet's familiarity of design ethos is real. Choose the Citation M2 for conventional twin-engine redundancy — two engines mean that a single-engine failure in IMC at altitude is a manageable emergency rather than a CAPS deployment scenario. The M2's longer range (~1,550 nm vs Vision Jet's ~1,200 nm) also opens more mission profiles. Safety axis: the safety argument here is a philosophical question about architecture. The Vision Jet's CAPS offers a different failure-mode protection than the M2's engine redundancy — CAPS protects against scenarios where both engines fail and structural issues; twin redundancy protects specifically against single-engine failure. Both are legitimate safety technologies; they cover different parts of the risk envelope.

Pick the Citation M2 if…

  • Faster cruise — 404 kts vs 311 kts.
  • Longer range — 1300 nm vs 1200 nm.
  • More inventory — 55 listings vs 53.

Pick the Vision SF50 if…

  • Budget matters — from $1,035,000 vs $3,352,500, you save ~$2,317,500.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$950/hr vs $1600/hr.
  • Newer design — production from 2016 vs 2013.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAPS parachute system on the Vision Jet?
The Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) on the Vision SF50 is a whole-aircraft parachute ballistically deployed from the aircraft's centerline. At the Vision Jet's speed envelope, the parachute is designed to decelerate the aircraft to a survivable descent rate after deployment. The Vision Jet's CAPS is a higher-capacity system than the SR22's (different ballistic cartridge, larger parachute) designed for the jet's greater weight. Minimum deployment altitude at jet speeds is approximately 2,000 ft AGL due to the higher airspeed at deployment.
How does the Citation M2 compare to the Vision Jet in cabin size?
The Citation M2 accommodates four to five passengers in a cabin that is approximately 8 feet 9 inches long, 4 feet 8 inches wide, and 4 feet 8 inches high. The Vision SF50's cabin seats five to seven occupants but has a unique layout — Cirrus designed it as a "pod" configuration with a flat floor and rear-facing seats available. Both are compact cabins without stand-up headroom; the Vision Jet's unconventional layout provides more seat options at the expense of conventional club seating.
Does the Citation M2 require two pilots?
No. The Citation M2 is certified for single-pilot operations under its CE-525 type certificate — the same certification framework as the rest of the CJ family. Owner-pilot operation is the design intent and the dominant actual use of the M2. Type rating (CE-525) and single-pilot authorization are required; FlightSafety and other providers offer structured M2 single-pilot training programs.
Which is better, Cessna Citation M2 or Cirrus Vision SF50?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Citation M2 cruises at 404 kts with 1,300 nm range. The Vision SF50 cruises at 311 kts with 1,200 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 M2 and Cirrus Vision SF50?
Citation M2 engine: WILLIAMS FJ44-1AP-21. Cruise: 404 vs 311 kts. Range: 1300 vs 1200 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Citation M2: about $1600/hr variable cost. Vision SF50: about $950/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 M2: 7 seats / 3,100 lb useful load. Vision SF50: 7 seats / 2,180 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 M2: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000. Vision SF50: 4,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$250,000. 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