What the Cessna Citation 2 is and who flies it

The Cessna Citation 2 is a twin-engine business jet built by Cessna Aircraft Company, first delivered in 1978 and produced until 1985. It seats six to eight passengers depending on configuration, cruises at around 380 miles per hour, and has a range of roughly 1,500 nautical miles. The aircraft was designed for corporate travel, charter operations, and private ownership — not commercial airline service.

You'll encounter Citation 2s in fractional ownership programs, charter fleets, corporate hangars, and the used aircraft market. Because it's a mid-size jet from the late 1970s and early 1980s, most examples still flying today are owned by flight schools, charter companies, or individuals who bought them used. The model is no longer in production, so any Citation 2 you see is at least 40 years old.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cessna Citation 2 is a 40+ year-old twin-engine business jet with a six to eight-seat cabin, designed for corporate and charter use rather than commercial airline operations.
  • Insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs for a Citation 2 are substantially higher than for single-engine aircraft and require specialized coverage through aviation insurers.
  • Ownership or operation requires a commercial pilot certificate with a type rating specific to the Citation 2, plus current medical certification and regular recurrent training.
  • The used market for Citation 2s ranges widely in price depending on total flight hours, maintenance history, and avionics upgrades, with older examples requiring careful pre-purchase inspection.
  • Charter operators and fractional ownership programs offer access to Citation 2s without the full cost and responsibility of ownership.

Insurance and operating costs for a Citation 2

Aviation insurance for a Cessna Citation 2 is not the same as car insurance and costs significantly more. You'll need hull insurance (covering the aircraft itself), liability insurance (covering injury or property damage to others), and often passenger liability coverage. Annual premiums depend on the aircraft's value, your pilot's experience, how many hours per year you fly, and whether the jet is used for charter or personal travel. A rough range for a mid-range Citation 2 is $8,000 to $15,000 per year, but this varies widely and should be quoted by an aviation insurance broker who specializes in business jets.

Operating costs beyond insurance include fuel, maintenance, crew salaries (if you employ pilots), hangar rent, and inspections. Jet fuel (Jet A or Jet A-1) costs vary by location and market conditions. The Citation 2 burns roughly 100 to 120 gallons per hour in cruise, so a two-hour flight costs $600 to $1,200 in fuel alone at typical prices. Annual inspections, engine overhauls, and component replacements are required by the FAA and can run $20,000 to $50,000 per year depending on the aircraft's condition and age.

Pilot certification and training requirements

Flying a Cessna Citation 2 legally requires a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane multiengine land rating at minimum. Beyond that, you need a type rating — a specific certification that you have trained on and demonstrated competency in the Citation 2 itself. Type ratings are issued by the FAA after you complete training with an approved instructor and pass a practical exam (called a checkride) that includes both a written test and an oral and flight evaluation.

You must also hold a current medical certificate (first or second class, depending on whether you're the sole pilot or flying with another may have access to pilot). Recurrent training is required every 12 months for pilots operating under Part 135 (charter) rules, and every 24 months for Part 91 (personal) operations. Many operators require more frequent training than the FAA minimum. If you don't already hold a commercial certificate and multiengine rating, expect 100+ hours of flight training and several months of study before you're ready for a type rating.

Buying a used Citation 2: what to inspect and verify

The Cessna Citation 2 hasn't been built since 1985, so every one on the market is a used aircraft. Before purchasing, you need a pre-purchase inspection by an experienced Citation 2 mechanic — not a general aircraft mechanic. This inspection covers the airframe, engines, avionics, interior, and all systems. It typically costs $5,000 to $10,000 and takes several days. The inspection report will reveal deferred maintenance, corrosion, component wear, and whether major overhauls are due soon.

Request the logbooks for the airframe and both engines, which document every flight, maintenance action, and repair since the aircraft was built. Check the total flight hours on the engines and when they were last overhauled — engines have a service life limit, and overhauls are expensive. Verify that the aircraft has a current airworthiness certificate from the FAA and that all required inspections (annual, 100-hour, and any manufacturer service bulletins) are current. Ask the seller for records of any accidents, incidents, or damage repairs. Prices for Citation 2s vary from roughly $300,000 to $800,000 depending on total hours, avionics, interior condition, and engine status, but always have a professional evaluate the specific aircraft you're considering.

Charter and fractional ownership as alternatives to full ownership

Charter means you rent the aircraft and crew for a specific flight. You pay per flight hour plus fuel surcharges and other fees. Charter is the most flexible option if you fly occasionally — you don't own the aircraft, maintain it, or employ pilots. A typical charter flight in a Citation 2 costs $3,000 to $5,000 per hour of flight time, plus positioning fees if the aircraft has to deadhead to reach you.

Fractional ownership programs (such as NetJets or Flexjet) let you buy a share of an aircraft — typically 1/16 to 1/2 ownership — and have may provide access to a jet of that type. You pay a monthly management fee, an hourly flight cost, and fuel surcharges. Fractional ownership is less expensive than full ownership if you fly 200+ hours per year, but more expensive than charter if you fly fewer than 50 hours annually. Both options eliminate the need to manage maintenance, hire crew, or hold a type rating yourself, though you still need a valid pilot certificate if you want to fly the aircraft yourself.

Maintenance and airworthiness requirements

The FAA requires all aircraft to undergo an annual inspection before they can be flown legally. For the Citation 2, this is a detailed review of the airframe, engines, systems, and avionics by a certified mechanic. Beyond the annual, the Citation 2 has manufacturer-recommended service bulletins and inspections that vary by total flight hours and calendar time. Engines have a time between overhaul (TBO) limit — typically 3,500 to 5,500 hours depending on the engine model — after which they must be overhauled or replaced. An engine overhaul for a Citation 2 costs $400,000 to $600,000 per engine.

The aircraft must also pass a 100-hour inspection if it's used for charter or training (Part 135 operations), though this is less stringent than an annual. All maintenance must be performed by FAA-certified mechanics, and all work must be documented in the aircraft logbooks. Deferred maintenance is a major cost driver for older aircraft — if you're considering buying a Citation 2 with an engine approaching TBO or with known deferred items, factor those costs into your decision.

Avionics and technology in older Citation 2s

Citation 2s built in the late 1970s and early 1980s came with analog instruments and basic navigation systems. Many have been upgraded over the decades with modern glass cockpits (such as Garmin G1000 or Rockwell Collins systems), which improve safety and reduce pilot workload. However, not all Citation 2s have been upgraded, and avionics upgrades can cost $200,000 to $500,000 depending on the system chosen and the complexity of the installation.

If you're buying a Citation 2, ask whether it has a modern autopilot, a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), a traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), and a glass cockpit. These systems are not required by law for Part 91 (personal) operations, but they significantly improve safety and are often required or preferred by charter operators and insurance companies. Older avionics may also limit where you can fly — some airspace requires specific navigation or communication equipment that older systems don't have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a Cessna Citation 2 with just a private pilot certificate?

No. The Citation 2 is a twin-engine aircraft, so you need at least a commercial pilot certificate with a multiengine rating. You also need a type rating specific to the Citation 2. If you only have a private certificate, you'll need to pursue additional training and certifications before you can legally pilot the aircraft.

What's the difference between a Citation 2 and a Citation I?

The Citation I (also called Citation 500) was the original model, produced from 1971 to 1978. The Citation 2 (Citation 550) is a later version with more powerful engines, better performance, and a slightly larger cabin. The Citation 2 is faster, has a longer range, and can carry more weight. If you're shopping used, the Citation 2 is generally preferred, though both models are still flying.

How many people can a Citation 2 carry?

The standard configuration seats six to eight people total, including the two pilots. The exact number depends on the interior layout chosen by the original owner — some configurations prioritize passenger comfort with fewer seats, while others maximize seating. Check the specific aircraft's specifications before assuming a particular capacity.

What happens if an engine fails during flight in a Citation 2?

The Citation 2 is designed to fly safely on one engine, though with reduced performance. Pilots train extensively on single-engine procedures and emergency handling. If an engine fails, the pilot reduces power on the failed engine, maintains altitude or descends gradually, and diverts to the nearest suitable airport. This is why multiengine training and recurrent practice are so important.

Is a Citation 2 cheaper to operate than a larger business jet?

Yes, generally. The Citation 2 is smaller and more fuel-efficient than larger jets like the Citation X or Gulfstream models, so hourly operating costs are lower. However, it's still significantly more expensive to operate than single-engine piston aircraft or turboprops. If cost is the primary concern, charter or fractional ownership may be more economical than full ownership.