Page 50 - Volume 18 Number 6

by David Miller
Everyone Should
Own A CJ3
The big challenge for aircraft manufacturers is finding the sweet spot in the market. Producing an airplane that fits the needs of the most customers in a competitive environment. Cessna must have figured it out with the CJ3. I had the opportunity recently to get to know the airplane inside and out, courtesy of Mark Aloe, President of the Citation Jet Pilots Association, (CJP) and owner of serial number 288.
We departed Allegheny County (KAGC) for a non-stop flight to Providenciales (MBPV) in the Turks and Caicos islands, to attend a CJP regional meeting. The great thing about the CJ3 is that the Collins ProLine 21 avionics are virtually identical to the system in my CJ1+. For the throngs of “Garminites”, Cessna recently introduced the CJ3+ featuring G3000 avionics. The CE-525 type rating is the same, and I train in a CJ3 simulator to boot. So, although the 3 is a little faster, a little longer, and a little heavier, it flies the same.
But, boy, does it fly nice.
Our trip covered 1,180 nautical miles in about three hours, at flight level 430. The 3 has a noticeable “kick in the pants” climb rate, compared to the 1+. In addition, the 3 is certified to FL450 rather than the FL410 of my 1+, which is especially useful when topping weather or trying to find a cruise altitude with less headwind. And the 3 is overpowered to the extent that, once at cruise altitude, at almost any temperature, it is necessary to reduce the power from the cruise detent in the FADEC-controlled system. The maximum allowable mach (MMO) is .737. On our flight, that resulted in a TAS of about 410kts, compared to the normal 380kts I see in the 1+ at FL390. And, although I almost never hear an overspeed warning in the 1+, it’s not unusual to hear it in the 3 if you are not paying attention.
Another sweet spot for the 3 is its range of about 1,800 nautical miles. That eliminates quite a few fuel stops for those living in the central part of the United States. Inside the cabin, it’s standard CJ
With 5,000-plus hours in his logbook, David Miller has been flying for business and pleasure for more than 40 years. Having owned and flown a variety of aircraft types, from turboprops to midsize jets, Miller, along with his wife Patty, now own and fly a Citation CJ1+. You can contact David at davidmiller1@sbcglobal.net.
attire with a lengthened fuselage, two additional seats, more leg room, and a quieter atmosphere. Mark’s airplane is equipped with a useful “Runway Advisory” system, which alerts the pilot via audible callouts with the runway identifier as you taxi across or take the active. It also tells you the distance remaining upon landing. That’s very useful information, especially during single pilot operations.
On descent, the 3 doesn’t like to slow down unless you pull a lot of power back. In the pattern, it’s pure CJ, easy to manage with approach speeds and landing distances that make most runways available. Figure 150 gallons per hour for fuel burn and you won’t be far off. Baggage capacity is great. Cessna hit a home run with the CJ3.
Gee, it sounds like I am trying to sell myself one.
Patty says to stop day dreaming, get back to work, and inflate her jet bed.
Fly safe.
ON FINAL
48 • TWIN & TURBINE JUNE 2014