Cessna Citation CJ2: how 483 jets are really flown
The busiest 5% made more than 19 flights a month and the quietest 5% fewer than 3: over six times as many, on the same type.
At the harder end, one Citation CJ2 in twenty sees a freeze and a thaw on 34% or more of its nights. At the easier end, most see almost none.
The hardest-worked 5% log 19 flights a month or more; the easiest-used, 3 or less. The middle aircraft sits at 5.
The harder end, one aircraft in twenty, is at 3,950 ft or more; the easier end at 844 ft or less.
Fatigue
What each landing and pressurization cycle costs the structure: landings per hour and short hops.
The middle Citation CJ2 flies 1.2 hours for every landing. One in twenty lands every 0.8 hours or sooner, the most cycles for its time.
Middle half 1.0–1.4 : 1Harder end: 5% at 0.8 : 1 or lessEasier end: 5% at 1.9 : 1 or more
Middle half 38–64%Harder end: 5% at 85% or moreEasier end: 5% at 19% or less
Middle half 223–381 nmLowest 5%: 141 nm or lessHighest 5%: 615 nm or more
Context, not graded: the tint marks the harder and easier end of the fleet.
Spread of trip lengths
All 483 Citation CJ2sThe data behind it
Every measure for the 483 North American Citation CJ2s, 1 Aug 2025 – 31 Jul 2026.| Measure | Fleet median | Middle half |
|---|---|---|
| Hours per landing Each aircraft’s average flight hours per landing | 1.2 : 1 | 1.0–1.4 : 1 |
| Short hops Share of legs under 300 nm | 52% | 38–64% |
| Leg length Median leg | 288 nm | 223–381 nm |
Corrosion
What the air around it does overnight: salt, damp and freeze–thaw.
The middle Citation CJ2 spends 0% of its nights within 2 km of the coast. One in twenty spends 77% or more of them there.
Middle half 0–2%Harder end: 5% at 77% or moreEasier end: 5% at -0%
Middle half 4.7–9.2 hHarder end: 5% at 11.7 h or moreEasier end: 5% at 2.5 h or less
Middle half 1–20%Harder end: 5% at 34% or moreEasier end: 5% at -0%
Context, not graded: the tint marks the harder and easier end of the fleet.
Salt air across the fleet
261 Citation CJ2sThe data behind it
Every measure for the 261 of the 483 North American Citation CJ2s with enough nights at known fields, 1 Aug 2025 – 31 Jul 2026 (8 on their record since 1 Jan 2025: too few in the 12 months).| Measure | Fleet median | Middle half |
|---|---|---|
| Salt air Nights within 2 km of the coast | 0% | 0–2% |
| Near the coast Nights within 10 km of the coast | 2% | 0–15% |
| Damp air Hours a day at 80% humidity or more, above freezing | 6.7 h | 4.7–9.2 h |
| Freeze–thaw Nights that froze and thawed within the day | 6% | 1–20% |
| Moisture in the air Average absolute humidity overnight | 9.0 g/m³ | 6.9–11.4 g/m³ |
Engines and brakes
What departures ask of engines, brakes and tires: heat and height, and runway length.
The middle Citation CJ2 leaves from a short runway on 2% of its departures. One in twenty does on 12% or more.
Middle half 0–4%Harder end: 5% at 12% or moreEasier end: 5% at -0%
Middle half 0–10%Harder end: 5% at 36% or moreEasier end: 5% at -0%
Middle half 1,381–2,199 ftHarder end: 5% at 3,950 ft or moreEasier end: 5% at 844 ft or less
Context, not graded: the tint marks the harder and easier end of the fleet.
Runway margin at departure
32,756 departuresThe data behind it
Every measure for the 483 North American Citation CJ2s, 1 Aug 2025 – 31 Jul 2026 (5 on their record since 1 Jan 2025: too few departures in the 12 months).| Measure | Fleet median | Middle half |
|---|---|---|
| Short runways Departures where the longest runway was under 1.25× the takeoff distance | 2% | 0–4% |
| Hot, high takeoffs Departures at 5,000 ft density altitude or more | 3% | 0–10% |
| Density altitude Typical density altitude at takeoff | 1,786 ft | 1,381–2,199 ft |
Utilization
How steadily the fleet is used: flights, flying days and estimated hours.
The middle Citation CJ2 made 5 flights a month. The busiest 5% made 19 or more, the quietest 3 or fewer.
Middle half 3.6–7.4Harder end: 5% at 19.3 or moreEasier end: 5% at 2.5 or less
Middle half 2.7–5.2Harder end: 5% at 10.8 or moreEasier end: 5% at 2.0 or less
Middle half 52–113 hHarder end: 5% at ≈258 h or moreEasier end: 5% at ≈34 h or less
Context, not graded: the tint marks the harder and easier end of the fleet.
Month by month
12 monthsMedian flights per aircraft that flew that month · darker bar is the busiest month, June 2026
The data behind it
Every measure for the 483 North American Citation CJ2s, every active aircraft (no 40% tracking floor here: on this type it would change which aircraft are compared, not just drop undercounted ones), 1 Aug 2025 – 31 Jul 2026.| Measure | Fleet median | Middle half |
|---|---|---|
| Flights a month In the months it flew | 5.0 | 3.6–7.4 |
| Days flown a month Days with at least one flight | 3.6 | 2.7–5.2 |
| Estimated hours a year From time in the air | ≈74 h | 52–113 h |
Buying, selling or financing a Citation CJ2?
See where your Citation CJ2 sits in the fleet.
Enter a tail number to place it against these 483 aircraft. TailCheck grades it on Fatigue, Corrosion, Engines and brakes, and Utilization, with every percentile shown.
Where Citation CJ2s are based and fly
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth is home to more Citation CJ2s than any other field, 13 of the 375 with a home base.
Laredo–San Antonio is the busiest route: 209 flights by 12 different aircraft.
Where Citation CJ2s are based
| Field | Share | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Shuttlesworth | 13 | |
| Chattanooga Metropolitan | 8 | |
| Austin | 8 | |
| Tampa | 7 | |
| Cherokee | 6 | |
| Laredo | 6 |
Busiest Citation CJ2 routes
| Between | Flights |
|---|---|
| Laredo ⇄ San Antonio | 209 flights |
| Vancouver ⇄ Calgary | 86 |
| Carson ⇄ Norman Y. Mineta San Jose | 76 |
| Toronto Pearson ⇄ Teterboro | 72 |
| Capital City ⇄ Teterboro | 64 |
| Dallas Love ⇄ Austin | 64 |
Longest Citation CJ2 flights
| Between | Distance · time |
|---|---|
| Idaho Falls → Wood | 1,393 nm · 3 h 31 min |
| King Salmon → Tacoma Narrows | 1,388 nm · 5 h 11 min |
| Anchorage → Coeur d'Alene | 1,386 nm · 3 h 32 min |
| Spokane → Austin | 1,384 nm · 4 h 29 min |
| Arapahoe → Melbourne | 1,383 nm · 3 h 43 min |
Busiest Citation CJ2s this year
The busiest Citation CJ2 made 38 flights a month, seven times the middle aircraft.
Even the tenth on this list made 26.
Ranked by flights a month · updated monthly
| # | Tail | Flights a month | Estimated hours a year | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N745JS | 38 | 481 h | Check this tail → |
| 2 | C-GASR | 34 | 510 h | Check this tail → |
| 3 | C-FASR | 32 | 483 h | Check this tail → |
| 4 | C-FIAS | 32 | 460 h | Check this tail → |
| 5 | C-GZAS | 30 | 484 h | Check this tail → |
| 6 | N101WJ | 29 | 447 h | Check this tail → |
| 7 | N868CB | 28 | 434 h | Check this tail → |
| 8 | N379R | 27 | 353 h | Check this tail → |
| 9 | N744CB | 27 | 435 h | Check this tail → |
| 10 | C-FASP | 26 | 425 h | Check this tail → |
Citation CJ2 vs other aircraft of its size
Medians for each North American fleet, same window and method.
| Type | Tracked | Flights a month | Hours a year | Median leg | Hours per landing | Short hops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna Citation CJ2 | 483 | 5.0 | 74 h | 288 nm | 1.2 : 1 | 52% |
| Bombardier Learjet 45 | 360 | 7.4 | 113 h | 431 nm | 1.4 : 1 | 35% |
| Beechcraft Premier I/IA | 141 | 6.6 | 95 h | 330 nm | 1.2 : 1 | 46% |
| Bombardier Learjet 31 | 64 | 9.7 | 103 h | 266 nm | 1.1 : 1 | 53% |
Do older Citation CJ2s fly differently?
Age makes little difference: by year built, the median Citation CJ2 in each band flew between 65 and 81 estimated hours a year.
Show the tableHide the table
| Serial block | Built | Tracked | Hours a year | Median leg | Short hops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 525-0004–525-0122 | 1993–95 | 37 | 69 h | 249 nm | 58% |
| 525-0121–525-0298 | 1996–98 | 58 | 75 h | 262 nm | 61% |
| 525-0180–525-0475 | 1999–01 | 88 | 65 h | 272 nm | 54% |
| 525-0481–525-0541 | 2002–04 | 101 | 79 h | 315 nm | 47% |
| 525-0556–525-0662 | 2005–07 | 60 | 81 h | 286 nm | 51% |
| 525-0668–525-0879 | 2008–25 | 98 | 67 h | 318 nm | 48% |
US-registered aircraft only: the FAA registry gives serial number and year of manufacture for 444 of the 483 aircraft behind the hours figures. Built = year of manufacture. Avionics upgrades are fitted by modification and the registry doesn’t show them, so check an aircraft’s records.
CJ2 vs CJ2+: on paper
One page covers both models: the tracking data doesn’t tell them apart.
On paper they differ in weights. Certified figures come from the type certificate data sheet; the rest are the manufacturer’s.
| Measure | CJ2 | CJ2+ | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum takeoff weight (certified) | 12,375 lb | 12,500 lb | EASA TCDS EASA.IM.A.078 Issue 19, p.26 |
| Maximum ramp weight (certified) | 12,500 lb | 12,625 lb | EASA TCDS EASA.IM.A.078 Issue 19, p.26 |
| Fuel capacity (certified) | 3,961 lb | 3,961 lb | EASA TCDS EASA.IM.A.078 Issue 19, p.24 |
| Range (manufacturer) | — | ≈ 1,781 nm | Manufacturer (spec page, Web page, captured 16 Dec 2014) |
| Takeoff distance (manufacturer) | — | 3,360 ft | Manufacturer (spec page, Web page, captured 16 Dec 2014) |
| Passengers | Up to 8 certified | Up to 8 certified | EASA TCDS EASA.IM.A.078 Issue 19, p.28 |
| Fuel capacity, US gallons (approx.) | ≈ 590 US gal | ≈ 590 US gal | From the certified pounds at 6.7 lb per US gallon of Jet A; actual density varies with temperature |
| High-speed cruise (manufacturer) | — | 418 kt | Manufacturer (spec page, Web page, captured 16 Dec 2014) |
| Length (manufacturer) | — | 47 ft 8 in | Manufacturer (spec page, Web page, captured 16 Dec 2014) |
| Wingspan (manufacturer) | — | 49 ft 10 in | Manufacturer (spec page, Web page, captured 16 Dec 2014) |
| Height (manufacturer) | — | 14 ft | Manufacturer (spec page, Web page, captured 16 Dec 2014) |
What the Citation CJ2’s certification file says
Regulators publish an operational evaluation for each type: how pilots must be rated and trained, and what training must stress.
Here is what the Citation CJ2 files say, each item with its source.
Crewing a Citation CJ2
| Item | What the file says |
|---|---|
| Type rating | C525 (single pilot) / C525/D (two-pilot operation), covering the 525 (CJ, CJ1, CJ1+, M2, M2 Gen2) and 525A (CJ2, CJ2+) and 525B (CJ3, CJ3+, CJ3 Gen2) and 525C (CJ4)ANAC OSD Revision 2, p.10 |
| Minimum crew | 1 pilotEASA TCDS EASA.IM.A.078 Issue 19, p.28 |
Sources
| Document | Revision |
|---|---|
| EASA TCDS IM.A.078 — Textron Aviation 525 (Citation Jet) | EASA · Issue 19 · 7 May 2026 |
| ANAC Operational Suitability Data, Flight Crew — Textron Aviation CE-525, 525A, 525B, 525C | ANAC · Revision 2 |
Chartering a Citation CJ2
120 of the 483 North American Citation CJ2s we track are on our charter list (25%).
Charter aircraft flew a median 105 estimated hours a year on 7 flights a month; the rest flew 69 hours on 5.
Where charter Citation CJ2s are based
| Field | Share | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa | 5 | |
| McClellan-Palomar | 4 | |
| Capital City | 4 | |
| Lincoln | 3 | |
| Sacramento Mather | 3 | |
| Dane | 3 |
Charter status is our own list, built from FAA records and public listings of charter aircraft; aircraft flown by a fractional program (NetJets, Flexjet and the like) are counted as fractional, not charter. No charter rates: prices depend on the operator and the trip. Check a specific aircraft’s record with its tail number before you book.
Citation CJ2 questions
How many hours a year does a Citation CJ2 fly?
The median North American Citation CJ2 flies about 74 estimated hours a year; the middle half sits between 52 and 113. About 1 in 20 flies more than 258.
How often does a Citation CJ2 fly?
5 flights a month on 4 flying days at the median. About 1 in 20 makes more than 19 flights a month.
How long is a typical Citation CJ2 flight?
The median leg is 288 nm. About 1 in 20 aircraft average more than 615 nm a leg.
How often do Citation CJ2 aircraft use short runways?
At the median, 2% of departures are from fields whose longest runway is under 1.25 times the type’s takeoff distance. About 1 in 20 keep it to -0% or less.
Is a high-hours Citation CJ2 a bad buy?
Not by itself. High hours on long legs are gentler on the structure than the same hours on short hops. Look at hours per landing and short-hop share alongside hours.
What’s the difference between the CJ2 and the CJ2+?
On paper, the CJ2+ is certified 125 lb heavier at takeoff.
How many gallons of fuel does a Citation CJ2 hold?
About 590 US gallons for the CJ2 and 590 for the CJ2+. The type certificate gives the capacity in pounds (3,961 and 3,961 lb); we convert at 6.7 lb per gallon of Jet A, so the gallons are approximate.
Where are most Citation CJ2 aircraft based?
In North America, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth is home to the most, followed by Chattanooga Metropolitan and Austin. A base is the field an aircraft touches on most of its flying days, month after month.
Cite this data
The Aircraft Ledger. “Cessna Citation CJ2 fleet statistics.” Data to 31 July 2026. theaircraftledger.com/aircraft/cessna/citation-cj2
Embed a chart
<iframe src="https://theaircraftledger.com/embed/fleet/cessna-citation-cj2/fatigue" title="Fatigue" width="100%" height="1180" style="border:0;max-width:960px" loading="lazy"></iframe>Method: Cessna Citation CJ2 aircraft with most departures in North America and at least 20 tracked flights in the latest twelve full months. Flight measures, bases, routes and rankings use ADS-B tracking 1 Aug 2025 – 31 Jul 2026; corrosion and engines-and-brakes exposure use the same twelve months, or an aircraft’s record since 1 Jan 2025 when it had too few nights or departures in them. Estimated hours from time in the air. Tracking misses some flights, so counts and hours are minimums. ADS-B coverage grew over the window, so we don’t compare one year with the last. Tracking can’t tell one variant from another; the variant split, the busiest table’s variants and the age table use the FAA registry, so they cover US-registered aircraft only. We assume the longest runway at each field, so short-runway figures are conservative. Short-runway figures use the manufacturer’s published takeoff distance where our sources hold one for every variant (the longest, where tracking can’t tell variants apart), and a reference figure otherwise. Corrosion measures cover the aircraft we can place on enough nights, some over the longer window when the twelve months had too few. Charter status is our own list, built from FAA records and public listings of charter aircraft; aircraft flown by a fractional program (NetJets, Flexjet and the like) are counted as fractional, not charter. About our data