The Citation Excel is technically a mid-sized jet, yet it still fits in the super light jet class– its cabin length is 18.7 feet and it can fly up to 1,961 miles (1,704 nautical miles) – but it can take off in 3,590 feet and climb to cruise altitude in just 18 minutes, performance statistics reminiscent of light private jets.
The Citation Excel’s cabin holds eight passengers. It is 5.7 feet high and 5.5 feet wide, which is about average for a midsized private jet. Details like fold-out tables and sliding headrests make the interior comfortable. There are several different seating arrangements to choose from, including one option with a three-person divan. An external compartment provides 80 cubic feet of storage space, along with some additional space in an internal closet.
The Excel can cruise at 423 ktas. It’s stated range of 1,907 miles is with four passengers. It has the shortest takeoff distance of any midsized jet at 3590’. The Excel outperforms competing super light jets due in large part to its two Pratt & Whitney PW545 engines. They have a thrust rating of 3,804 pounds apiece. The average hourly fuel burn is 216 gallons an hour or approximately $1,343.00 at $6.20 a gallon.
The aircraft comes standard with two air conditioning systems to keep the cabin comfortable, even in the most extreme outside temperatures. A long-travel trailing link landing gear ensures smooth landings and taxiing. High-capacity carbon brakes give the Excel powerful braking capabilities that other jets of its size do not have. The brake wear is minimal and, like all other systems in the Excel, is extremely reliable.
The avionics system is probably the most pilot-friendly feature of the Excel. The engineers of the Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite realize the importance of details like consolidating multiple displays into a few, easy-to-interpret ones and placing screens close to the controls to which they apply. All of the information needed is displayed on three sleek screens. The relevant controls are located directly on the screens’ faceplates to improve pilot hand-eye coordination and flight performance.
Finally, the Excel is currently one of the best buys on the market. Pre owned prices are approximately 60-70% of what they were new. You can now find earlier model Excels on full engine programs comfortably under 4 million dollars. Add Cessna’s Proparts to the aircraft and you are effectively able to budget your annual direct operating costs.
In short, the Citation Excel is a solid, reliable aircraft that can take you anywhere a mid-sized jet can go at the cost of light-jet travel. Its comfort, performance, and reliability match Cessna’s high standards in private jet travel.
