The Cessna Citation Longitude is a heavy-jet business aircraft built for long-range travel

The Cessna Citation Longitude is a twin-engine jet manufactured by Textron Aviation, designed to carry up to 12 passengers across intercontinental distances. It entered service in 2019 and represents the largest model in Cessna's Citation line. The aircraft is built for operators who need to move groups of people or cargo over 3,500 nautical miles without refueling, which puts it in the category of heavy jets used by corporations, charter companies, and government agencies.

If you own or operate one, or are considering charter or fractional ownership, you need to understand the regulatory, operational, and cost requirements that come with this class of aircraft. The rules differ significantly from smaller business jets, and the expenses are substantial.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citation Longitude requires two type-rated pilots and falls under FAA Part 135 (charter) or Part 91 (private) regulations depending on how it is operated.
  • Fuel burn runs approximately 250 to 300 gallons per hour, and the aircraft requires maintenance checks every 100 to 400 flight hours depending on the inspection type.
  • Crew training, insurance, hangar space, and maintenance costs typically exceed $3,000 to $5,000 per flight hour for operators.
  • The aircraft is pressurized to 8,000 feet cabin altitude at 51,000 feet cruise altitude, allowing it to fly over weather and terrain that smaller jets cannot.
  • Purchase price for a new or recent-model Citation Longitude ranges from $20 million to $28 million, making fractional ownership or charter the entry point for most users.

Pilot certification and crew requirements for the Citation Longitude

Operating a Citation Longitude legally requires at least two pilots, both holding an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate or a Commercial Pilot certificate with specific restrictions. Each pilot must hold a type rating specific to the Citation Longitude, which means they have passed both written and practical exams on this aircraft's systems, performance, and emergency procedures. The type rating is not transferable from other jets—a pilot rated on a Citation X or a Bombardier Global must still earn the Longitude rating separately.

Type rating training typically takes 5 to 7 days of ground school and simulator work, followed by 3 to 5 days of actual flight training with a may have access to instructor. Training costs range from $15,000 to $25,000 per pilot depending on the training provider and whether the pilot already holds a type rating on another heavy jet.

If the aircraft is operated under Part 135 (charter operations), both pilots must hold an ATP certificate. If operated under Part 91 (private ownership), the pilot-in-command must hold an ATP, but the second pilot may hold a Commercial certificate. Part 91 operations are restricted to non-revenue flights—you cannot charge passengers or use the aircraft for business purposes in a way that generates income.

Regulatory framework: Part 91 versus Part 135 operations

How you operate the Citation Longitude determines which FAA rules explore, and the difference affects crew qualifications, maintenance schedules, insurance, and liability.

Part 91 private operations allow the owner to fly the aircraft for personal or business use without carrying paying passengers. The owner bears all liability, and the aircraft must pass an annual inspection plus a 100-hour inspection if flown more than 100 hours in a 12-month period. Maintenance is less frequent than commercial operations, but the owner is responsible for all costs and cannot offset them through charter revenue.

Part 135 charter operations allow the operator to carry paying passengers and generate revenue. This requires an operating certificate from the FAA, which involves proving that the operator has adequate maintenance facilities, may have access to crew, insurance, and safety protocols. Part 135 operators must conduct more frequent inspections—typically every 100 flight hours for some checks and every 400 hours for others—and must maintain detailed maintenance records. The FAA can audit these records at any time. Part 135 operations are more expensive but allow the operator to recover costs through charter fees.

A third option, fractional ownership, places the aircraft under a management company's Part 135 certificate. The owner buys a share (typically 1/16 to 1/2) and pays a monthly management fee plus hourly operating costs. The management company handles all crew, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.

Maintenance, inspections, and operating costs

The Citation Longitude requires scheduled maintenance at 100, 400, and 800 flight-hour intervals, with major overhauls typically due around 10,000 flight hours. A 100-hour inspection costs $8,000 to $15,000. A 400-hour inspection (called a C-check) runs $40,000 to $80,000. An 800-hour inspection (D-check) can exceed $150,000 to $250,000. Engine overhauls, which are due every 5,000 to 7,000 hours, cost $500,000 to $1 million per engine.

Fuel consumption is the largest variable cost. The Citation Longitude burns approximately 250 to 300 gallons per hour depending on cruise altitude, weight, and weather. At current Jet-A fuel prices (which fluctuate), expect $1,500 to $2,000 in fuel per flight hour. Crew costs, if you employ full-time pilots, run $150,000 to $250,000 per year per pilot. Insurance for Part 91 operations costs $40,000 to $80,000 annually; Part 135 insurance is higher.

Hangar space at a major airport costs $2,000 to $5,000 per month. Combining all costs—fuel, crew, maintenance reserves, insurance, and hangar—operators typically budget $3,000 to $5,000 per flight hour. A 10-hour month costs $30,000 to $50,000 before any revenue is generated.

Performance, range, and cabin specifications

The Citation Longitude has a maximum range of 3,590 nautical miles with four passengers and reserves, which covers most transcontinental and transatlantic routes. Maximum cruise altitude is 51,000 feet, allowing it to fly above commercial traffic and most weather. The cabin is pressurized to 8,000 feet at maximum altitude, meaning passengers experience the air pressure equivalent of being at an 8,000-foot elevation even at cruise.

The cabin is 20 feet long, 7.5 feet wide, and 6.3 feet tall, with seating for up to 12 passengers depending on configuration. Most operators configure it with 8 to 10 seats to allow for a galley, lavatory, and sleeping berths for long flights. The aircraft can be equipped with a fully enclosed crew rest area, allowing pilots to rotate on flights longer than 6 hours.

Takeoff distance is approximately 5,500 feet at maximum weight, and landing distance is about 2,500 feet. This means it can operate from many regional airports but not from small grass strips or unprepared surfaces.

Purchase, fractional ownership, and charter options

A new Citation Longitude costs between $20 million and $28 million depending on avionics packages and interior customization. Used models (2019 to 2023) typically sell for $18 million to $24 million. These prices put outright ownership out of reach for most operators.

Fractional ownership through companies like NetJets or Flexjet allows you to buy a share of the aircraft—typically 1/16 (50 flight hours per year) to 1/2 (400 flight hours per year)—and pay a monthly management fee plus hourly operating costs. A 1/16 share costs $1.2 million to $1.8 million upfront, with monthly fees around $8,000 to $12,000 and hourly costs of $4,000 to $6,000. You have may provide access to a Citation Longitude or equivalent aircraft, and the management company handles all crew, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.

Charter is the lowest-cost entry point. You pay per flight hour, typically $5,000 to $8,000 per hour, with a minimum flight time (often 4 to 8 hours). You have no ownership stake and no long-term commitment. Charter is best for occasional users or those testing whether they need a heavy jet.

Insurance, liability, and special considerations

Insurance for a Citation Longitude is mandatory and expensive. Part 91 owners typically pay $40,000 to $80,000 annually for hull and liability coverage. Part 135 operators pay significantly more because they carry paying passengers and face higher liability exposure. Insurance requirements include minimum liability limits (often $100 million for Part 135) and hull coverage for the aircraft's value.

If you operate under Part 91, you are personally liable for any accidents or injuries. If you operate under Part 135, the operator (the company holding the certificate) is liable, but the FAA can still pursue enforcement action against the operator and crew if safety violations are found.

The Citation Longitude is subject to noise regulations at some airports. Certain airports in California, New York, and other states have restrictions on jet operations during certain hours or require noise-reduction procedures. Check with your intended base airport about any restrictions before committing to operations there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fly a Citation Longitude with a single pilot?

No. The Citation Longitude is certified for two-pilot operation only. The FAA type certificate requires a pilot-in-command and a second pilot at all times. This is a hard regulatory requirement, not a recommendation.

What is the difference between fractional ownership and charter?

Fractional ownership gives you may provide access to an aircraft for a set number of hours per year, plus ownership equity. You pay upfront and monthly fees. Charter is pay-as-you-go with no ownership or may provide access. Charter is cheaper if you fly fewer than 50 hours per year; fractional ownership becomes cheaper above that threshold.

How long does a type rating take to obtain?

Type rating training typically takes 8 to 12 days total—5 to 7 days of ground school and simulator work, plus 3 to 5 days of flight training with an instructor. You must pass a written exam, a simulator checkride, and an oral and practical exam in the aircraft itself.

What happens if the aircraft needs an unscheduled repair?

Under Part 91, you pay for repairs out of pocket. Under Part 135 or fractional ownership, the operator or management company covers repairs as part of their operating costs, though you may see a surcharge if repairs are extensive. Charter operators absorb repair costs in their hourly rates.

Can I use a Citation Longitude for business travel if I own it?

Yes, under Part 91. You can use it for business travel as long as you are not charging passengers or using it to generate revenue. If you want to offset costs by charging colleagues or clients, you must operate under Part 135, which requires an operating certificate and more frequent inspections.