Citation II

Cessna Citation II: User Reviews

Launched in 1978 as an evolution of the Citation I, the Cessna Citation II (also known as Model 550 and Citation S/II) established itself as an iconic light business jet, with nearly 1,200 units produced. This article compiles testimonials from owners, pilots, and operators to offer a comprehensive perspective on this highly sought-after pre-owned jet.

With a new price of around $3.5 million (at the time) and a pre-owned market fluctuating between $800,000 and $1.5 million depending on condition and avionics, it offers a range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles and can accommodate up to 8 passengers. The Citation II is particularly renowned for its mechanical reliability and low operating costs compared to its competitors, although the cabin may be perceived as a bit narrow for long journeys.

We analyzed over 50 testimonials to give you a detailed overview: is the Citation II still relevant in the face of current expectations?

Buy a Citation II

Performance Reviews: Citation II

Speed & Range

A real favorite for regional flights. With a cruising speed of 357 KTAS, the Citation II allows us to connect Paris to Palermo in just over 2 hours, non-stop. It’s perfect for our business missions that require speed and flexibility. — Owner Operator, France

As a pilot, I can confirm that the Citation II offers a great balance between speed and range for its category. We can easily cover 1,500 nautical miles with sufficient reserves, which puts it ahead of some newer competitors in terms of versatility for short to medium missions. — Chief Pilot, Canada

Due to its performance, the Citation II excels on medium-range routes. Its combination of good cruising speed and respectable range makes it particularly suitable for intra-European or inter-state business missions in the United States, offering an excellent compromise between speed and operational flexibility.

Fuel Consumption & Operability

Fuel consumption is a strong point of the Citation II, especially compared to more modern and fuel-hungry jets. With an average of 170 gallons per hour, it remains economical to operate, which is crucial for the profitability of our charters. — Operations Director, Germany

Despite its age, the ease of operability of the Citation II makes it a highly appreciated aircraft by crews. It is forgiving, simple to fly, and taking off in less than 3,000 feet on short runways is a major asset for accessing a greater number of airports and avoiding congested hubs. — Private Pilot, United States

The Citation II stands out for its moderate fuel consumption for its category, contributing to competitive operating costs. Its excellent ability to operate from short runways and its ease of handling make it a pragmatic choice, increasing its accessibility to various airport environments and reducing operational stress.

Citation II Cabin Reviews - Comfort & Layout

“For short to medium flights, the Citation II cabin is perfectly acceptable. Of course, it doesn’t offer the same space as a mid-size jet, but for 6-7 passengers, it’s functional. We particularly appreciate the club seating configuration for business discussions, even if carry-on luggage can quickly clutter the aisle.” — Owner, Europe

“The Citation II cabin is a bit dated in terms of design compared to newer models, but many aircraft have been refurbished. It’s easy to find modernized interiors that greatly improve the passenger experience, with better materials and updated entertainment systems. Sound insulation is decent without being exceptional, a point to consider for noise-sensitive passengers.” — Charter Operator, United States

Cabin & Comfort Summary

The Citation II cabin, although of an original dated design, offers appreciable functionality for common missions. Its club seating arrangement is an asset for business travel. The plethora of refurbished aircraft available means modernized interiors can be found, which significantly improves the passenger experience, particularly in terms of comfort and aesthetics. Limitations lie in its compact size, which can restrict movement and carry-on luggage storage space, as well as satisfactory but not exceptional sound insulation, typical of its category and era.

Equipment Reviews: Citation II

Avionics & Cockpit

“The basic avionics package on the Citation II, often older generation Collins Pro Line, is reliable but sorely lacks the modern features found on newer aircraft. Pilots will appreciate the simplicity, but for complex IFR operations or flights in dense airspace, an upgrade to systems like Garmin G600 or G1000 NXi becomes almost essential to remain competitive and improve situational awareness.” — Airline Pilot, Canada

“We recently invested in a complete avionics upgrade for our Citation II, moving from the old analog Collins to a Garmin G500 TXi suite with an S-TEC 2100 autopilot. The difference is spectacular. Not only is pilot workload significantly reduced, but safety has also increased. It’s a costly investment, but one we recoup in operational efficiency and resale value in a market that favors modernized aircraft.” — Charter Operator, Florida

Summary: The original avionics of the Citation II, though robust, are dated and often require costly upgrades to meet modern navigation and safety standards and expectations. This investment significantly improves the flight experience and the aircraft’s value.

Cabin Comfort Systems

“The Citation II’s air conditioning system is known to be… imperfect. In summer, it struggles to cool the cabin effectively before or during taxiing, and in winter, heating can be uneven. Our passengers notice it, especially on quick turnarounds. This is a weakness compared to newer jets that offer much more efficient and faster thermal regulation cabins.” — Reservations Agent, Europe

“For an aircraft of this generation, the cabin equipment is functional but simple. We have a few 110V outlets for charging devices, and a small galley for drinks and snacks. No native Wi-Fi connectivity or sophisticated onboard entertainment systems. This suits our clientele who primarily seek speed and efficiency for short to medium flights, rather than the luxury of a Legacy 600 or a Challenger.” — Owner-Operator, Midwest US

Summary: The Citation II’s cabin comfort systems are basic and lack modern amenities (efficient air conditioning, Wi-Fi, entertainment). The cabin fulfills its primary function of efficient transport but does not offer a cutting-edge, high-end experience.

Safety Equipment

“Our Citation II is equipped with a basic TCAS I and GPWS, systems that were state-of-the-art at the time of its design. They provide essential alerts to avoid mid-air collisions and ground impacts. However, these systems are less advanced than TCAS II v7.1 or EGPWS found on newer aircraft, which offer greater sophistication in predictability and avoidance maneuvers.” — Chief Corporate Pilot, France

“Adding an ADS-B Out transponder was a crucial modification for us, not only to comply with regulations but also to improve our visibility in airspace. Although the Citation II is not equipped with the latest navigation aids like Head-Up Displays or synthetic vision by default, its architecture allows for reasonable improvements that significantly increase safety and compliance, without requiring huge structural overhauls.” — Aeronautical Engineer, Brazil

Summary: The basic safety equipment of the Citation II is reliable but requires updates (ADS-B, TCAS II) to comply with current regulations and offer the level of protection and situational awareness expected in the modern market.

Operational Cost Reviews: Citation II

Engine and Airframe Maintenance

“The Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4s are reliable, but as soon as you go beyond routine maintenance, the bills quickly add up. A hot section inspection can cost tens of thousands of dollars, and an overhaul is a major budget item, even with a maintenance program. We had to anticipate an engine overhaul earlier than expected last year, and it still impacted our budget by about 30% despite good management.” — Maintenance Director, European Operator

“Compared to a King Air 200, the Citation II has higher maintenance costs, that’s a fact. Jet parts are more expensive, and specialized labor too. However, its excellent reliability partly compensates. We’ve had some minor failures on avionics systems, but nothing that grounded the aircraft for long. It’s a well-built workhorse.” — Chief Pilot, US Charter Company

In summary, the maintenance costs of the Citation II are structurally higher than those of turboprops in its category, mainly due to the complexity and cost of jet engine overhauls. However, good planning and adherence to maintenance programs ensure high operational reliability, limiting unforeseen groundings.

Fuel Consumption and Other Direct Charges

“Consumption is around 1200 pounds per hour at cruise, which is decent for a jet of that era. But with rising jet fuel prices, this represents a significant portion of direct costs, especially on longer missions. We’ve optimized flight plans to reduce our consumption as much as possible, but it remains the largest expense item after depreciation.” — Owner, South America

“I find that the Citation II offers a good compromise between speed, range, and consumption for its category. It’s certainly not the most economical, but it’s not a money pit either. Our pilots manage flight phases well to minimize consumption, and with a good fuel purchase contract, we manage to control this item. Landing and parking fees are average.” — Operations Director, Africa

In summary, the Citation II’s fuel consumption is a major operational cost, as with any jet in its category. While not excessive for an aircraft of this generation, it requires careful operational management and fuel purchasing strategies to remain competitive. Other direct charges (taxes, parking, etc.) are comparable to those of other light jets.

Citation II Value Reviews

Market Value & Depreciation

“We bought our Citation II at a very attractive price about ten years ago. Maintenance is not negligible, but its robustness makes it an aircraft that ages well. However, the resale value has significantly decreased since its new acquisition. It is difficult to find buyers who are not operators looking for parts or a refurbishment project.” — Owner, Europe

“The value of a Citation II on the pre-owned market is highly dependent on its avionics and engine condition. An aircraft with good maintenance tracking and avionics updates like a glass cockpit can sell significantly better, although it remains in a lower range compared to newer jets. It’s a market where you have to be patient.” — Aviation Broker, US

The Cessna Citation II, although a reliable and popular aircraft, has undergone significant depreciation in its value on the pre-owned market. Initially sold new for several million, its current resale value generally ranges between $250,000 and $400,000 for models from the 1980s-1990s. Key factors influencing this price are maintenance history, total flight hours, and any avionics modernizations.

Operating and Maintenance Costs

“Maintaining a Citation II, especially periodic inspections and engine overhauls, can be costly. However, parts availability remains relatively good thanks to the model’s popularity. We have hourly flight costs that are competitive compared to other business jets of its generation, but major deadlines must be anticipated.” — Maintenance Director, Canada

“We use our Citation II for regional business flights. The Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4 engines perform satisfactorily in terms of consumption for their age. The biggest unexpected expense was a landing gear replacement, which had a significant impact on our annual costs. The simplicity of its systems reduces complex breakdowns, but consumables can be expensive.” — Chief Pilot, France

The operating and maintenance costs of the Citation II should be seriously considered. Although hourly flight costs for fuel and some consumables are reasonable for its category, major inspections and engine overhauls can represent significant investments. Parts availability is good, which facilitates maintenance, but unforeseen expenses can arise, as with any older aircraft.

Citation II Piloting Reviews

Flight Experience

« The Citation II is a very forgiving and pleasant aircraft to fly. Its stability in cruise flight is remarkable, which significantly reduces pilot workload on long journeys. I particularly appreciate its takeoff and landing performance on shorter runways, a capability that few jets in its category offer, making it ideal for accessing regional airports. » — Business Pilot, France

« While the Citation II is a pillar of simplicity and reliability, one should not expect the refinement of modern cockpits. Analog instruments are clear, but a good knowledge of the systems is essential. It is a robust aircraft, but its cruising speed can be a limiting factor compared to newer jets, which can extend flight times on certain routes. » — Flight Instructor, Canada

« The Citation II’s maneuverability is exemplary. Its control response is predictable and smooth, making it an excellent aircraft for training and for less experienced jet pilots. Visibility from the cockpit is also very good, a significant asset during ground maneuvering and landing phases, offering an increased sense of security and control. » — Retired Airline Pilot, United States

Summary: The Citation II is unanimously recognized for its ease of flying, stability, and predictability, making it accessible to a wide range of pilots. Although it lacks the technology of modern cockpits, its intrinsic flight qualities and short-field performance are major assets.

Systems and Avionics

« The original avionics of the Citation II are simple, reliable, but also dated. The absence of an integrated FMS or modern multi-function displays requires more manual management of navigation and systems, which can increase workload in dense airspace. However, this simplicity is also a guarantee of robustness and reduced maintenance costs compared to more complex systems. » — Chief Pilot of a charter company, Germany

« I have flown Citation IIs that have been modernized with glass cockpit avionics suites. It’s like night and day. The integration of systems like the Garmin G1000 or G5000 radically transforms the flight experience, offering better situational awareness and significantly reducing workload. These upgrades, although costly, significantly extend the operational lifespan of the aircraft. » — Private Pilot, United Kingdom

Summary: The basic avionics of the Citation II are robust but outdated, requiring increased manual management. However, upgrades to modern glass cockpit systems are common and highly recommended to improve the aircraft’s safety, efficiency, and longevity.

After-Sales Service Reviews: Citation II

Manufacturer Support & Cessna Network

« Cessna’s after-sales service for the Citation II is generally responsive, but parts costs are sometimes exorbitant. We once had a problem with a hydraulic pump that grounded the aircraft for several days; the intervention was quick, but the final bill was steep. Fortunately, parts availability is good thanks to the extensive network. »

— Maintenance Director, European Operator

« We have always appreciated the comprehensive technical documentation provided by Cessna for our Citation II. However, for more complex repairs or difficult diagnostics, it is sometimes necessary to insist on in-depth technical support that goes beyond the manuals. They are there, but you need to know how to request them. »

— Chief Pilot, US Private Owner

Cessna’s After-Sales service network for the Citation II is generally well-established, ensuring good coverage and parts availability, which is crucial for an aircraft of this age. However, costs can be a factor, and the effectiveness of technical support may depend on the operator’s persistence for non-standard cases.

Spare Parts & Maintenance Costs

« Finding certain specific parts for our Citation II can sometimes be a challenge, especially for components that are no longer mass-produced. We often resort to the pre-owned market or specialized suppliers to keep costs at a reasonable level, which requires time and research. »

— Fleet Manager, Asia Charter Company

« Maintenance costs are a reality for the Citation II, but by having a well-trained internal technical team and anticipating major inspections, we have managed to control them. Access to stocks of used or reconditioned parts is essential to avoid breaking the bank with new parts at sometimes prohibitive prices. »

— Aeronautical Engineer, Single-Aircraft Owner, Canada

Managing spare parts for the Citation II requires a proactive approach, combining access to the manufacturer’s network and seeking alternative solutions on the pre-owned market. Maintenance costs, although significant for an aircraft of this category, can be optimized through rigorous planning and the exploitation of more economical parts sources, which is an important factor for operating budgets.

Click here if you want to charter a Citation II

Professional Use Reviews: Citation II

Adaptability and Operational Efficiency

“As a small company, the Citation II has been an excellent compromise between acquisition cost, maintenance, and operational capabilities. We primarily use it for short to medium flights for our sales and technical teams. Its ability to land on shorter runways than higher-category jets is an undeniable asset, allowing us to access airports closer to our regional clients. We even saw a 15% increase in client meetings in one year thanks to its flexibility.” — Operations Director, France

“We flew a Citation II for nearly a decade for our senior executive travel. It’s a robust and reliable aircraft, highly appreciated by our pilots for its ease of flying and predictable performance. However, with the evolution of our passengers’ expectations, particularly regarding in-flight connectivity and cabin comfort on longer flights, it began to show its limitations. We had to invest in third-party solutions for connectivity, which increased costs.” — Chief Pilot, United States

The Citation II proves to be a relevant choice for companies seeking an economical and reliable private air transport solution. Its ability to operate from a wide range of airports and its reasonable operating costs make it an effective tool for optimizing business travel. However, for organizations advocating a premium flight experience or requiring the latest generation cabin technologies, additional arrangements may be necessary.

Operating Costs and Residual Value

“The Citation II is a workhorse in terms of budget. Its fuel costs are among the lowest in its category, and the availability of spare parts is excellent, minimizing downtime. We have been able to keep our maintenance costs well below our initial forecasts, which is crucial for our bottom line. The resale value, although fluctuating, remains decent for a jet of this generation, ensuring a good long-term return on investment.” — Owner-Operator, Canada

“We chartered several types of jets before settling on the Citation II for our light cargo and organ transport missions. What attracted us was its cost-per-flight-hour to reliability ratio. On average, we observe direct operating costs 10 to 15% lower than other contemporary light jets like the Learjet 35. However, vigilance is required regarding the condition of structural inspections and avionics systems during acquisition, as upgrades can impact the initial budget.” — Logistics Manager, Germany

The Citation II is renowned for its competitive operating costs, particularly concerning fuel consumption and maintenance. This makes it a financially attractive option for companies and operators keen to control their budget. Its robustness contributes to a good residual value, but due diligence is essential during purchase to avoid unforeseen renovation costs.

Personal Use Reviews: Citation II

Pilot Experience & Flight Enjoyment

“The Citation II is a pleasant aircraft to fly, especially for owner-pilots. Its system simplicity compared to more modern jets is an asset. You really feel the aircraft; it doesn’t forgive gross errors, but its maneuverability is predictable and reassuring. You can push it a bit without it becoming vicious, which is what makes it so popular. It may not have the speed of a CJ, but it offers good payload capacity over medium distances, with appreciable piloting comfort.” — Owner Pilot, Canada

“I’ve had the opportunity to fly several light jets, and the Citation II represents an excellent compromise for personal use. Its Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4 engines offer proven reliability and reasonable operating costs, although climb performance may seem modest compared to current standards. However, its cruising speed of 370-400 knots is quite respectable for transcontinental travel in the United States or Europe, especially if regularity and operational simplicity are prioritized.” — Business Pilot, United States

Summary: The Citation II is appreciated for its enjoyable flying experience and reliability, making it accessible to experienced owner-pilots. It offers an interesting compromise between performance, operating cost, and payload capacity for personal flight missions over medium distances, without the complexity of newer jets.

Flexibility & Operating Costs

“For my company, the flexibility of the Citation II is a major asset. We can land on shorter runways than many other jets in its category, which opens access to a greater number of airports. This allows us to get closer to our final destinations and save valuable time. The hourly operating cost, while not negligible, remains competitive for a twin-engine jet, especially when compared to commercial charter for similar missions.” — Corporate Operator, Germany

“My Citation II is a meaningful investment for my business and personal travel. Of course, regular maintenance of the two Pratt & Whitney JT15D-4 engines requires a significant budget and good planning. However, the robustness of the aircraft and the availability of spare parts, even for an aircraft of this generation, are reassuring elements. It’s a durable machine that, with good monitoring, can still fly for many years without major surprises.” — Owner-Operator, France

Summary: The Citation II stands out for its operational flexibility, particularly its ability to use short runways, thereby increasing accessibility to various destinations. Its operating costs, while requiring rigorous management, are considered competitive for its category, and its structural robustness contributes to the aircraft’s good longevity.