What is the annual operating cost of a Cessna Citation CJ1?

For 100 hours/year, expect $120,000–$150,000 in total operating costs. Light jets offer cabin comfort and altitude; higher costs reflect jet fuel burn and maintenance complexity.

How much fuel does Citation CJ1 burn?

Williams FJ44-1A twin jets burn 60–75 gal/hr combined. Jet-A at $5.50/gal ranges $330–$412/hour.

What is Citation CJ1 engine TBO?

Williams FJ44-1A: 4,000 hours TBO; $40,000–$50,000 overhaul each. Engine reserve $20–$25/hour combined.

How much does Citation CJ1 insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $8,000–$12,000 for $3,000,000–$4,000,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours.

Can you finance a Cessna Citation CJ1?

Yes. A $2,500,000 CJ1 at 6.5% APR over 10 years costs ~$30,000/month ($360,000/year).

What is Citation CJ1 crew requirement?

Single-pilot capable; recommended two-pilot operation. Type rating required; training $15,000–$25,000.

How does CJ1 compare to CJ2?

CJ2 costs 20–30% more to operate; pressurized, larger cabin, better altitude. CJ1 ideal for light jet entry-level.

What is Citation CJ1 TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$480,000–$510,000 annually (operating + debt). By year 11 (loan paid): ~$120,000–$150,000/year.

What maintenance does Citation CJ1 require?

Annual inspections $5,000–$8,000, condition monitoring $2,000–$3,000/year. Budget $60–$80/hour maintenance.

Is Cessna Citation CJ1 good for fractional ownership?

Yes. Ideal for fractional/partnership ownership due to lower acquisition cost vs. CJ2+. Many fractional programs include CJ1.

The True Operating Cost of Cessna Citation CJ1 Light Jet

The Cessna Citation CJ1 is a groundbreaking light jet offering pressurized cabin, intercontinental range, and single-pilot capability at entry-level jet economics. Plan for $120,000–$150,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,200–$1,500 per hour. The CJ1 democratized jet ownership by combining Cessna reliability with modern jet performance. Perfect for owner-pilots, charter operators, and business aviation entry into light jet market.

Quick Specs: Cessna Citation CJ1+

Specification	CJ1+ (Latest)
Engines	2 × Williams FJ44-1A (2,540 lbf thrust each)
Fuel Burn	60–75 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed	420–450 mph
Service Ceiling	43,000 ft
Useful Load	3,500–3,800 lbs
Seats	7 (pilot + 6 passengers)
Range	1,800–2,100 nm

TL;DR: Cessna Citation CJ1 Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $48,000–$62,000/year (insurance $8,000–$12,000, hangar $7,200–$9,600, annuals $5,000–$7,000, type rating/training)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $72,000–$88,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $120,000–$150,000/year (~$1,200–$1,500/hour)
Finance a $2,500,000 CJ1: Add $30,000/month ($360,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
At 50 hours: ~$96,000–$118,000/year (~$1,920–$2,360/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$192,000–$238,000/year (~$960–$1,190/hour)

Light Jet Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $8,000–$12,000/year for $3,000,000–$4,000,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
Hangar: $7,200–$9,600/year (jet-sized heated hangar required)
Annual inspection: $5,000–$8,000 labor (jet-complex systems)
Type rating/recurrent training: $2,000–$4,000/year

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet-A fuel: 67.5 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$371/hour
Oil and lubricants: $8–$12/hour
Engine reserves: $20–$25/hour ($45K per engine ÷ 4,000 TBO × 2)
APU maintenance: $10–$15/hour
Avionics/systems maintenance: $30–$40/hour
Landing fees (jet): $50–$200/landing

Jet Fuel & Operating Economics

Fuel Cost Breakdown

Annual Hours	Gallons Jet-A	Cost @ $5.50/gal	$/Hour
50	3,375	$18,562	$371
100	6,750	$37,125	$371
150	10,125	$55,687	$371
200	13,500	$74,250	$371

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Williams FJ44 Engines

Williams FJ44-1A: 4,000 hours TBO (longest light jet engines)
Overhaul cost: $45,000–$55,000 per engine
Combined reserve: $100,000 ÷ 4,000 = $25/hour
Reliability: Industry-leading with minimal in-service issues

Jet-Specific Maintenance

Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) maintenance: $3,000–$5,000/year
Air conditioning system service: $2,000–$3,000/year
Avionics software updates: $1,000–$2,000/year
Pressurization system checks: $500–$1,000/year
Budget: $60–$80/hour for all maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Jet Insurance Premiums

$3,000,000 hull, 500+ hours, jet-rated: $8,500–$10,000/year
$3,500,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $11,000–$14,000/year
Charter operation: +50–75% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual
Jet Hangar (Heated)	$600–$800	$7,200–$9,600
Tie-Down (Not recommended)	$200–$300	$2,400–$3,600

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$55,000	$40,000	$95,000	$1,900
100	$55,000	$80,000	$135,000	$1,350
200	$55,000	$160,000	$215,000	$1,075

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $2,500,000 CJ1, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $360,000/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$135,000	$360,000	$495,000	$4,950
200	$215,000	$360,000	$575,000	$2,875

Financing the Citation CJ1

Purchase price: $2,000,000–$3,500,000 (depends on year, avionics, airframe hours)
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $1,800,000–$3,000,000
Term: 10–15 years (longer than turboprops)
APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
Monthly payment: $20,000–$32,000

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial/ATP rated, $500,000+ annual income, comprehensive business plan, hull insurance $3M+. Lenders like JakenAviation specialize in light jet financing with expertise in CJ1 market.

Citation CJ1 vs. Competitors

vs. Citation CJ2: CJ2 costs 30–40% more; larger cabin, better range
vs. Embraer Phenom 100: Similar price; Phenom slightly faster, more seats
vs. Daher TBM 900: TBM cheaper to buy/operate; single turboprop vs. twin-jet

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Sources: Cessna Citation Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS