The Citation V is one of the best-selling light private jets ever produced by Cessna. It has a good blend of cabin comfort, performance, and reliability.
The deciding factor for most clients comparing the Citation V to other similar jets is often the comfort of the cabin. The Citation V’s cabin is 17.4 feet long, 4.8 feet wide, and 4.8 feet high. Compare these numbers to the Hawker 400XP’s cabin dimensions of 15.6 x 4.8 x 4.9 feet, or the Citation Bravo’s dimensions of 15.8 x 4.7 x 4.8 feet – the difference in length is significant. The engineers of the Citation V took advantage of the extra cabin space and installed extra-wide seats that recline 60 degrees and rotate a full 360 degrees.
The Citation V has an external baggage capacity of 46 cubic feet and an internal capacity of 28 cubic feet. In other words, this private jet can haul about seven suitcases and three golf bags, depending on the specific jet configuration and amount of passengers. Cessna spent considerable time on sound control in its original design of the Citation V. The result was one of the quietest light private jets offered in its day. Other notable features include the two-zone temperature control and the ventilation system designed to eliminate drafts.
The cabin pressurization system can hold a sea level cabin to 23,580 feet, which is useful when flying at a high speed (425 knots/hour) cruise at 37,000 feet, or at a long range (350 knots/hour) cruise at the Citation V’s maximum certified flight ceiling of 45,000 feet. Takeoff distances are fairly short. At sea level, the Citation V can take off in 3,160 feet. At an altitude of 5,000 feet and a temperature of 77 ˚ F, the required runway distance increases to 4,780 feet. The Direct Operating Costs average approximately $1488.00 per hour.
It has an average cruise speed of 415 knots per hour and makes it a popular choice for 350 to 400 mile trips. Typical nonstop flights include Fort Lauderdale to New York, Aspen to Los Angeles, and San Francisco to Southern California.
The current market for the V is primarily driven by aircraft total time and engine time remaining. While there are many other aircraft options and factors that sell each aircraft, these items are mostly considered “add ons” to the price. Prior to the start of 2013, a V with average airframe total time, fresh engine OH’s, decent paint/ interior and avionics could command close to $1.5 million. In today’s market, that number has drifted lower. While some aircraft are trading near the $1.5 million mark, their average time on the market is higher than in 2012 even with a declining number of aircraft for sale. In September of 2012, there were 30 V’s on the market and the average number of days to sell was 130 days. In January of 2013, there were 23 aircraft for sale, but their average time to sell was 324 days. During the last quarter of 2012, there was an average of 5 transactions per month. In January of 2013, there was one sale of record. Declining inventory, but longer shelf times. Does this spell even lower prices for the Citation V in the near future?
No matter how you want to interpret this data, the fact remains that for a price in the low $1 millions, you get a very capable aircraft with ample cabin space and respectable operating costs.