Citation CJ4 Wins FAA Certification

The first happy customers will be receiving their Cessna Citation CJ4s later this year, following last week's announcement that the FAA has granted type certification to the latest light jet from Cessna. The $9 million (2010 dollars) CJ4 shares a type rating (including single-pilot operation) with the rest of Cessna's CJ series. With an NBAA IFR range of 2,002 nautical miles (two crew and five passengers), the CJ4 has a maximum speed of 453 knots and lands in 2,700 feet. Takeoff at max takeoff weight uses 3,130 feet of runway, with a direct climb to 45,000 feet taking 28 minutes. Collins Pro Line 21 avionics are standard with four-screen configuration, electronic charts, graphical weather, TCAS II, EGPWS, Class A TAWS, Dual Mode S Diversity transponders including ADS-B out capability, Multi-Scan weather radar, Emergency Descent Mode and an essential electrical bus. The CJ4 is the launch airframe for Williams International's FJ44-4A turbofans, featuring full authority digital engine control (fadec). The CJ4 can be configured for up to eight passengers and includes a standard aft lavatory approved as a passenger seat for takeoff and landing (with a passenger restraint). Management of cabin electronics comes from Rockwell Collins Venue, which also debuts on the CJ4. Click here to read J. Mac McClellen's pilot report of the Cessna CJ4 as featured in the March issue of Flying.