Cessna Citation III Aircraft

← Cessna Citation III / VII family

The Cessna Citation III is a midsize business jet produced from 1983 to 1991, featuring a swept wing design and two Honeywell TFE731 engines. Cruising at 431 knots with a range of 2,054 nautical miles, the Citation III was one of the fastest business jets of its era. It appeals to operators seeking midsize speed at affordable pre-owned prices.

Cessna Citation III aircraft for sale

12 used Cessna Citation III aircraft for sale · 10-seat · Reference price ~$750,000 ($450,000–$1,300,000) · updated 11 hours ago

Cessna Citation III Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna Citation III is a 10-seat midsize jet with a cruise speed of 431–459 kt (798–850 km/h), a range of 1,730–2,054 nm (3,204–3,804 km), and a useful load of 5,200–5,400 lbs (2,359–2,449 kg).

Performance
Cruise431–459 kt (798–850 km/h)
Max Speed470–480 kt (870–889 km/h)
Range1,730–2,054 nm (3,204–3,804 km)
Service Ceiling51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineGARRETT TFE731-3A-100G
Fuel Capacity650.0–800.0 gal (2,460–3,028 L)
Fuel Burn195.0–210.0 GPH (738–795 L/h)
TBO4,000–4,500 hrs
ICAO TypeC650
Weights & Seats
Seats10
Max Gross Weight22,000–23,000 lbs (9,979–10,433 kg)
Useful Load5,200–5,400 lbs (2,359–2,449 kg)
Production1983–1991

Cessna Citation III for Sale

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Cessna Citation III asking prices range from $1,100,000 to $1,175,000, with a median of $1,137,500 (market reference $750,000).

1983 Cessna Citation III

1983 Cessna Citation III for sale
$1,100,000
For Sale
Total Time 6,961
Reg# N970GW US
Location Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico
Via Flight Source International, Inc
Multiple sources

1985 Cessna Citation III

1985 Cessna Citation III for sale
$1,175,000
For Sale
Total Time 5,556
Reg# N202JK US
Location Pittston, PA
Via Carl Reynolds
Multiple sources

1985 Cessna Citation III

1985 Cessna Citation III for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 9,263
Reg# N95JX US
Location Jacksonville, FL
Via International Aircraft Marketing & Sales
Multiple sources

1986 Cessna Citation III

1986 Cessna Citation III for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Location Livonia, MI
Via Desiree Dragin
Multiple sources

1985 Cessna Citation III

1985 Cessna Citation III for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 9,405
Reg# C-GPAA Canada
Location Mississauga, ON, Canada
Via Levaero Aviation
Listed 1mo ago

1984 Cessna Citation III

1984 Cessna Citation III for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 11,152
Reg# N777MX US
Location Englewood, CO
Via International Aircraft Marketing & Sales
Multiple sources

1988 Cessna Citation III

1988 Cessna Citation III for sale
Contact for Price
Auction
Total Time 5,993
Reg# N510SD US
Via US Commerce Dept.
Listed 6d ago

1987 Cessna Citation III

1987 Cessna Citation III for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 10,956
Reg# N611AT US
Location FL
Via Sky Aviation Holdings LLC
Multiple sources
Listed 27d ago

1986 Cessna Citation III

1986 Cessna Citation III for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 8,989
Reg# N777CJ US
Location AR
Via Barnett Investment Group, Inc.
Multiple sources

1984 Cessna Citation III

1984 Cessna Citation III for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 10,904
Reg# N651EM US
Location Manassas (), VA
Via International Aircraft Marketing & Sales
Multiple sources
Listed 21d ago

Cessna Citation III Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
Citation VII 1992–2000 10 459 kts (850 km/h) 1,730 nm (3,204 km) 5,400 lbs (2,449 kg) — A fast, capable legacy midsize Citation — a stand-up-cabin jet offering strong speed and cabin for the money on the used market. 3
Citation III / VII — — — — — — Choose a Model 650 Citation (III/VI/VII) for FL510-capable, swept-wing speed in an eight-to-ten-seat large-cabin jet. 26

Compare Cessna Citation III

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

Cessna Citation III vs IAI Westwind II

Cessna Citation III Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna Citation III cost? Used Citation III prices: $1.1M – $1.2M, average $1.1M (median $1.1M); market reference $750K, across 2 priced of 12 active listings.

Cessna Citation III Price Guide

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 III Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (210.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$130,200/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$350,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$2,800/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 4,000 hrs)$350,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

As a midsize Citation, the cost is engine-program-driven — engine hot-section and overhaul time and hourly-program enrollment swing economics more than purchase price, on top of higher fuel burn and typically two-crew operation. Budget phase inspections, avionics mandates, insurance and recurrent training; program status and inspection phase decide the real cost between two similarly-priced jets.

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

Buying a Used Cessna Citation III

Buying a Cessna Citation III comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Citation III (Model 650) was a fundamental departure from Cessna's straight-wing Citation line — the first FAA-certified business jet in the United States with a swept supercritical wing. Produced 1983 to 1992, it introduced a cabin significantly larger than the straight-wing Citations, a wing designed for high cruise efficiency, and Garrett TFE731-3 engines. Two-crew operation is required.

Why the swept wing matters: The supercritical wing developed for the Citation III is aerodynamically different from the straight-wing 500/550/560 family — it allows for higher cruise speeds with better efficiency at altitude. The same wing was later adapted for the Citation S/II (550-family). For buyers, this means the Citation III flies and handles differently from the straight-wing Citations; a type rating and specific training are required.

TFE731-3 engine: The Garrett (AlliedSignal) TFE731-3 is a well-supported turbofan used across numerous business jets. Overhaul cost is higher than light-jet turbofans (FJ44, JT15D) but the support network is substantial. Confirm each engine's time-since-overhaul, hot-section status, and program enrollment.

Two-crew operation: Like the Citation VII (its successor), the Citation III requires two type-rated pilots. Budget for two-crew operating costs when comparing against single-pilot alternatives.

Citation III versus Citation VII: The VII is the upgraded successor — TFE731-4 versus the III's TFE731-3, with better performance. At comparable prices, the VII's engine upgrade has value for high-utilisation operators; for lower-utilisation buyers the III's lower acquisition cost may justify the older engine generation.

Buy it if: you want swept-wing Citation midsize performance at lower acquisition cost than the VII, and have the crew infrastructure for two-pilot operations. Airframe and engine condition are the dominant variables on 30-to-40-year-old examples; a thorough pre-buy by a shop familiar with the 650-family is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna Citation III

About the Cessna Citation III
The Cessna Citation III (Model 650) was produced 1982–1992, powered by two Garrett TFE731-3B engines (3,650 lbf each). It was a fundamental redesign from the straight-wing Citations — introducing a supercritical swept wing that enabled cruise speeds of approximately 450 kt. The III represented Cessna's move from the low-speed Citation I/II philosophy into genuine high-speed business aviation.
How is the Citation III different from the Citation I and II?
The I and II used straight wings and engines optimised for low-speed, economical cruise — typically 350–400 kt. The III's swept wing and Garrett TFE731 engines target genuine high-speed cruise in the 440–460 kt range. The III is a fundamentally different aircraft — heavier, faster, more demanding, and requiring a different type rating and proficiency level than the lighter Citations.
What are the Citation III's operational characteristics?
The III carries approximately seven to eight passengers, cruises in the upper flight levels, and offered performance competitive with early midsize jets of its era. The Garrett TFE731 is a capable but maintenance-intensive engine requiring specialist shops and careful TBO management.
Citation III vs Citation VII — what changed?
The Citation VII (a Model 650 development) used updated Garrett engines with more thrust for improved hot-and-high performance. The III is the baseline swept-wing 650; the VII is the enhanced version. For buyers in the used 650-family market, the VII is generally preferred for its performance improvements.
What to inspect on a used Citation III?
Garrett TFE731-3B engine health — hot-section inspections, TBO status, and any engine events in both engine logbooks. Pressurization system (30-to-40-year-old seals and components). Avionics status — many IIIs have been updated; verify current equipment. A pre-buy by a Citation 650-specialist shop is essential, and both engine histories must be tracked separately.

Cessna Citation III Inventory by Country

United States9
Canada1
Denmark1
Mexico1
Malaysia1

Cessna Citation III Inventory by State

Florida7
Texas3

Cessna Citation III by Decade

1980s13

Cessna Citation III Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Cessna Citation III. 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