Summary
- The Cessna Citation Longitude can carry 12 passengers at a speed of 479 knots up to 3,500 NM.
- The Citation Latitude has a flat floor design, flies at 449 knots, and carries up to nine passengers.
- The Cessna Citation CJ4, with over 400 units built, can accommodate ten passengers and fly at 459 knots.
Cessna aircraft are some of the favorites among new and experienced pilots. Whether a two-person training aircraft or a luxurious business jet, Cessna has pioneered reliable and fuel-efficient aircraft for many decades. The Textron Aviation company continues to innovate in the design and aerodynamics of its new aircraft while providing support and services to older models.
Simple Flying compiled a list of the most popular aircraft in the Cessna family based on information from Textron Aviation.
5 Cessna Citation Longitude
Number of aircraft built: 100
| Characteristics | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Passenger capacity | 12 |
| Cabin height | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Cabin width | 6 ft 5 inches (1.96 m) |
| Operational range | 3,500 NM (6,482 km) |
| Maximum speed | 479 knots (895 km/h) |
The Cessna Citation Longitude is part of the company’s Citation family of jets, announced in 2012. The business jet features a fuselage cross-section similar to the Citation Latitude, stretched by a single seat row to accommodate 2-3 more passengers. The aircraft performed its first flight in October 2016 and entered service in October 2019 following tests and regulatory certifications.
Photo: Cessna
The aircraft is popular among fractional jet and charter companies worldwide. NetJets, one of the largest private jet companies, announced the purchase of 175 Citation Longitudes in 2018. The spacious cabin width and height allow for stand-up clearance, which is ideal for business passengers. Having a maximum speed of 479 knots (895 km/h), Cessna Longitude can cover a distance of 3,500 NM (6,482 km) without a fuel stop.
How Much Does A Cessna Citation Longitude Cost?
The price of Cessna Citation Longitude is on par with the competition.
4 Cessna Citation Latitude
Number of aircraft built: 360
| Characteristics | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Passenger capacity | Nine |
| Cabin height | 6 ft (1.8 m) |
| Cabin width | 6 ft 5 inches (1.96 m) |
| Operational range | 2,700 NM (5,000 km) |
| Maximum speed | 449 knots (826 km/h) |
An earlier model of the Citation Longitude, the Cessna Citation Latitude, performed its first flight in February 2014, and initial deliveries began in August 2015. It was one of the first aircraft to feature a stand-up circular fuselage with a flat floor. Most business jets feature a stepped-down aisle, allowing for maximum height clearance. A flat floor is more convenient during movements and allows greater legroom.
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With a capacity of nine passengers, the Latitude features a customizable, luxurious cabin based on the customer’s needs. The aircraft has an operational range of 2,700 NM (5,000 km) and can fly up to 449 knots (826 km/h). The Cessna Citation Latitude was part of NetJets’ massive order for 1,500 Cessna aircraft in 2023.
3 Cessna Citation CJ4
Number of aircraft built: 400+
| Characteristics | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Passenger capacity | Ten |
| Cabin height | 4 ft 9 inches (1.4 m) |
| Cabin width | 4 ft 10 inches (1.47 m) |
| Operational range | 2,165 NM (4,010 km) |
| Maximum speed | 459 knots (835 km/h) |
The Cessna Citation CJ4 was launched during the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) conference in October 2006. With a wing design similar to the Citation Sovereign, the CJ4 is powered by two Williams FJ44 turbofan engines, each generating 3,620 lbf (16.11 kN) of takeoff thrust. The aircraft received its Gen2 upgrade in 2021, making it one of the most popular light jets at Textron Aviation.
Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock
In 2023, the company reached a milestone of delivering 400 CJ4s, including Gen2s. The CJ4 can accommodate up to ten passengers and fly at speeds approaching 460 knots (835 km/h). The new supercritical laminar flow wing, developed by NASA and Boeing, gives the aircraft tremendous fuel efficiency in all phases of flight.
2 Cessna 152
Number of aircraft built: 7,584
| Characteristics | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Passenger capacity | One |
| Length | 24 ft 1 inch (7.34 m) |
| Height | 8 ft 6 inches (2.59 m) |
| Operational range | 415 NM (768 km) |
| Maximum speed | 109 knots (203 km/h) |
The two-seat fixed tricycle-gear aircraft is primarily used for pilot training and personal use. One of the company’s oldest aircraft models, the Cessna 152, was first delivered in 1977. It was designed to compete with Beechcraft Skipper and Piper Tomahawk, the two aircraft serving similar purposes.
Photo: Gregory Rooken-Smith | Shutterstock
Apart from flight training exercises, the aircraft’s operational range of 415 NM (768 km) is suitable for short tours or utility transports. Several global militaries used the Cessna 150 for their operations. The company delivered over 7,500 examples of the popular 152 between 1977 and 1985 before production ceased. Many are still airworthy and in use by flight training institutions worldwide.
Why Did The Cessna 162 Skycatcher Fail?
The two-seat Light Sport Aircraft was canceled with less than 200 units publicly sold.
1 Cessna 172 Skyhawk
Number of aircraft built: 44,000+
| Characteristics | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Passenger capacity | Three |
| Length | 27 ft 2 inches (8.28 m) |
| Height | 8 ft 11 inches (2.72 m) |
| Operational range | 697 NM (1,290 km) |
| Maximum speed | 122 knots (226 km/h) |
A training pilot’s dream, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most popular aircraft on Cessna’s production line. The high-wing, four-seat, single-engine aircraft has been serving a variety of roles since its introduction in 1956. The type holds a world record for a sustained flight for 64 days, 22 hours, 19 minutes, and 5 seconds, covering an estimated 150,000 miles (240,000 km) from December 4, 1958 to February 7, 1959.
Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock
Since its early days in service, the 172’s have seen many modifications, including performance upgrades. From additional fuel tank capacity in the wing tanks to increased gross weight, the strive to improve the aircraft continues. The company has delivered over 44,000 units since 1956 and remains in production.
5 Reasons The Cessna 172 Is A Favorite With Flight Training Schools
The type holds a world record for refueled flight endurance.
What are your thoughts on the most popular Cessna models? Have you flown on any of the aircraft on the list? Share your experience in the comments section.
