Cessna Citation CJ3 Aircraft 2020s

Near-new light jets are CJ4 Gen2 (2022+), Phenom 300E (2020+ refinements), HondaJet Elite II (2023+), SF50 Vision Jet G2/G2+ (with HomeSafe Autoland), PC-24 (continued production with upgrades). Latest Garmin G3000 NXi-equivalent software, comprehensive mandate compliance, modern engine programs. Near-new fleet with strong residuals.

1 used Cessna Citation CJ3 aircraft for sale 2020s · 9-seat · updated 11 hours ago

← Cessna Citation CJ family

About the Cessna Citation CJ3

The Cessna Citation CJ3 is a light business jet produced since 2004, offering excellent range and cabin comfort in the light jet category. Seating up to 9, the CJ3 cruises at 391 knots with a range of 1,875 nautical miles, powered by twin Williams FJ44-3A engines.

With fuel burn of approximately 125 gallons per hour, variable hourly costs around $1,850, and annual fixed costs near $335,000, the CJ3 delivers strong light jet economics. Single-pilot certification and Collins Pro Line 21 avionics make it accessible for owner-operators.

The Citation CJ3 appeals to business pilots and corporations seeking a light jet with genuine transcontinental range. Its combination of low operating costs, spacious cabin, and Cessna service support has made it one of the most popular light jets on the market.

Cessna Citation CJ3 helicopter for sale

Cessna Citation CJ3 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna Citation CJ3 is a 9-seat light jet with a cruise speed of 391–416 kt (724–770 km/h), a range of 1,875–2,040 nm (3,472–3,778 km), and a useful load of 3,230–3,360 lbs (1,465–1,524 kg).

Performance
Cruise391–416 kt (724–770 km/h)
Max Speed416–430 kt (770–796 km/h)
Range1,875–2,040 nm (3,472–3,778 km)
Service Ceiling45,000 ft (13,716 m)
Engine & Fuel
Fuel Capacity438.0 gal (1,658 L)
Fuel Burn125.0 GPH (473 L/h)
TBO5,000 hrs
ICAO TypeC25B
Weights & Seats
Seats8–9
Max Gross Weight13,870 lbs (6,291 kg)
Useful Load3,230–3,360 lbs (1,465–1,524 kg)
Production2004–present
Read the Cessna Citation CJ3 safety record & buying guide →

1 Cessna Citation CJ3 For Sale

2026 Cessna Citation CJ3

2026 Cessna Citation CJ3 for sale
Contact for Price
For Sale
Total Time 11
Reg# N458RF US
Location Wichita, KS
Via Textron Aviation
Listed 1mo ago

Cessna Citation CJ3 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
Citation CJ3+ 2014–now 8 416 kts (770 km/h) 2,040 nm (3,778 km) 3,360 lbs (1,524 kg) $330K – $850K The current-production mid-range single-pilot CitationJet — a Garmin-equipped light jet for owner-operators wanting modern avionics and 2,000-mile range. 35

Compare Cessna Citation CJ3

See how the Cessna Citation CJ3 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

⏲ Compare Cessna Citation CJ generations →
Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Embraer Phenom 300 Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cessna CJ3 Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Hawker 800 Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Pilatus PC-24 Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cessna Citation XLS+ Cessna Citation CJ3 vs Cirrus Vision SF50

Cessna Citation CJ3 Price & Cost

Cessna Citation CJ3 Price Guide
Market Deal RatingAeroGurus rating
Overpriced
100%
2

Based on 2 priced listings.

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Cessna Citation CJ3 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (125.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$77,500/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$335,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$1,850/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 5,000 hrs)$275,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Cessna Citation CJ3 Value by Model Year

Median asking price by year of manufacture. Newer airframes command a premium; value falls with age then plateaus on older models.

$6250K $3420K $590K
$1195K
$1745K
$1400K
$2174K
$1850K
$2325K
$3745K
$3700K
$6250K
$4850K
$590K
’93
’97
’01
’07
’10
’25

Lowest around $590,000 (2025 models) · highest around $6,250,000 (2010). Bars scaled across the range to show the depreciation curve; hover for exact medians.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Cessna Citation CJ3

Buying a Cessna Citation CJ3 is about the engines, maintenance programs and avionics as much as the airframe. Engine and airframe hourly-maintenance programs transfer with the aircraft and materially change both price and risk.

What to check before buying

  • Engine status & program — time to overhaul/MPI and whether the engines are enrolled on an hourly maintenance program (the biggest value driver on any jet).
  • Airframe program & inspections — scheduled (Doc) inspections, airframe/parts programs and total cycles.
  • Avionics & mandates — a modern glass flight deck plus required mandates (ADS-B, FANS) raise value and capability.
  • Damage history & logbooks — complete, gap-free records and a clean accident history protect resale.
  • Pre-buy inspection — a full pre-buy at a type-authorised service centre before money changes hands.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna Citation CJ3

What are common Cessna Citation CJ3 problems to look for?
The CJ3 is generally reliable, but check proximity to expensive scheduled overhauls and hot section inspections on the Williams FJ44-3A engines. Verify enrollment in an hourly engine maintenance program like TAP Blue or JSSI — aircraft without coverage face unpredictable maintenance costs. Inspect avionics (Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21) for any deferred maintenance items.
How much does a Cessna Citation CJ3 cost per hour to fly?
Variable costs run approximately 2,000 dollars per hour with fuel burn around 150 GPH. Annual fixed costs are about 350,000-500,000 dollars depending on crew and hangar location. Used CJ3s range from 4.2 to 5 million dollars. Total annual budget at 300 hours is roughly 1.1-1.5 million dollars. Enrollment on TAP Blue engine program helps smooth costs.
Cessna Citation CJ3 vs CJ4 — which light jet is better value?
The CJ3 has 8 seats, 1,875 nm range, and lower operating costs. The CJ4 adds 9 seats, 2,165 nm range, Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced avionics, and higher cruise speed (451 vs 415 kts). CJ4s cost 2-3 million more to acquire but offer significantly more capability. For East Coast-to-Midwest missions, the CJ3 suffices. For coast-to-coast or international, the CJ4 is worth the premium.
Is the Cessna Citation CJ3 good for owner-pilots?
The CJ3 is certified for single-pilot operations, making it one of the most capable owner-flown jets. The Collins Pro Line 21 avionics are intuitive, and the FJ44 engines are low-maintenance. Short-field performance under 3,500 feet allows access to smaller airports. Insurance for owner-pilots typically requires 50-100 hours of jet time and type-specific training.

Cessna Citation CJ3 Inventory by Country

United States204
Germany10
Japan7
United Kingdom7
Canada6
Brazil5

Cessna Citation CJ3 Inventory by State

California22
Florida17
Texas15
North Carolina14
Kansas10
Michigan5
Arkansas5
Georgia5
Delaware4
Connecticut4
Maryland4
Ohio4

Cessna Citation CJ3 by Price

Under $500k2

Recently Sold Cessna Citation CJ3

2021 Citation CJ4$10,850,000
2008 Citation CJ1$2,395,000
2020 Citation CJ3+$9,274,952
2020 Citation CJ3+$8,995,000
2022 Citation CJ3+$9,500,000
2010 Citation CJ4$6,250,000

Cessna Citation CJ3 Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Cessna Citation CJ3. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 11 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data