CESSNA CITATION EXCEL TYPE RATING is a mid-size business jet produced by Cessna Aircraft Company. It is part of the Citation family of jets and has become one of the most popular aircraft in the mid-size jet category due to its combination of performance, comfort, and value. Introduced in 1996, the Citation Excel was designed to offer a balance of speed, range, and cabin space, making it a popular choice for business executives, private owners, and charter operators.
Key Features of the Cessna Citation Excel:
- First Flight: February 29, 1996.
- Manufacturer: Cessna Aircraft Company.
- Engine: The Citation Excel is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535A turbofan engines, each providing 3,400 pounds of thrust. These engines provide the Excel with excellent performance, including faster speeds, better climb rates, and efficiency.
- Capacity: Typically seats 7 to 9 passengers, depending on the interior configuration. It provides a comfortable and spacious cabin for medium-range flights.
- Cruising Speed: Around 430 knots (495 mph or 796 km/h).
- Range: Approximately 1,700 nautical miles (3,150 km), making it suitable for long regional and transcontinental flights, such as New York to Los Angeles or London to Moscow.
- Wingspan: 17.7 meters (58 feet 4 inches).
- Length: 16.9 meters (55 feet 4 inches).
- Height: 5.3 meters (17 feet 4 inches).
- Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 20,200 lbs (9,150 kg).
- Service Ceiling: 45,000 feet (13,716 meters).
Design and Performance:
- Low-Wing Configuration: The Citation Excel features a low-wing design, which contributes to better aerodynamics and stability at high speeds. This configuration also provides easier access to the cabin.
- Tricycle Landing Gear: Like other Citation jets, the Excel is equipped with tricycle landing gear, which offers better stability during takeoff, landing, and taxiing. The design also allows for easier ground handling.
- Cabin Comfort: The Citation Excel has a spacious cabin with a stand-up height of 5’7″ (1.7 meters), which makes it more comfortable for passengers compared to some other jets in the same class. The cabin is typically configured with club seating for 6 to 8 passengers, with additional options for a forward-facing seat or a divan.
- Advanced Avionics: The Citation Excel is equipped with advanced glass cockpit avionics, providing pilots with modern navigation, communication, and flight management systems. The cockpit features Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics and EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System), which improves situational awareness and reduces pilot workload.
Variants:
The Cessna Citation Excel has had a few updated versions over its production run:
- Cessna Citation Excel (Original Model): The initial model, introduced in 1996, had a capacity for 7 to 9 passengers and was powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW535A engines.
- Cessna Citation XLS: In 2004, Cessna introduced the Citation XLS, an upgraded version of the original Excel, featuring enhanced avionics, improved engines (the PW545B engines), and better performance. The XLS also featured a redesigned interior for improved passenger comfort.
- Cessna Citation XLS+: The XLS+, introduced in 2008, further improved upon the XLS with new Pratt & Whitney PW535B engines, offering better fuel efficiency and performance. It also included updated avionics and a more luxurious interior.
- Cessna Citation Excel/XLS Family: In total, the Citation Excel family includes the original Excel, the XLS, and the XLS+ versions, all of which have proven to be highly popular in the mid-size jet market.
Operational Uses:
The Cessna Citation Excel is primarily used for:
- Business Aviation: The Citation Excel is favored by corporations and executives who need to travel efficiently and comfortably between regional and transcontinental locations. Its combination of speed, range, and comfort makes it ideal for business travel.
- Private Ownership: Many high-net-worth individuals use the Citation Excel for personal travel. The aircraft’s spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and modern amenities make it an excellent choice for both business and leisure flying.
- Charter Operations: The Citation Excel is widely used by charter operators, who offer it for private hire. Its efficiency, versatility, and ability to carry up to 8 passengers make it a popular choice for charter services.
- Regional Travel: Due to its long range and high cruising speed, the Citation Excel is ideal for regional flights, such as city-to-city business travel. It’s often used to cover routes that are too short for commercial jets but too long for smaller aircraft.
Legacy and Popularity:
The Cessna Citation Excel has become one of the most successful business jets in the mid-size category, with over 1,000 units produced. It was one of the first aircraft to provide a combination of high performance, spacious cabin, and relatively low operating costs in the super-midsize business jet class.
The Citation Excel’s popularity stems from its ability to balance performance with comfort, making it a favored choice for both corporate clients and private owners. Its strong sales have solidified its position as a reliable and effective aircraft in the business aviation market.
Since the launch of the Citation XLS and XLS+ models, the Citation Excel family has continued to be a key offering for Cessna in the business jet market, with the Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude being its modern successors in the super-midsize and large jet categories.
Notable Characteristics:
- Comfortable Cabin: The Citation Excel offers a stand-up cabin with comfortable seating and ample space for passengers on medium to long flights. The aircraft’s interior is often customized to fit the specific needs of the owner or operator.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Citation Excel’s engines and aerodynamic design allow for relatively low operating costs, which has made it an attractive option for businesses and private owners seeking a cost-effective aircraft.
- Performance: With a cruising speed of around 430 knots and a range of up to 1,700 nautical miles, the Citation Excel is suitable for transcontinental flights while maintaining a high level of speed and efficiency.
Conclusion:
The Cessna Citation Excel is a highly successful business jet that has earned its place as a mainstay in the mid-size jet market. Its balance of performance, comfort, and range makes it ideal for business executives, corporate travel, and private owners. While it has been succeeded by newer models such as the Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude, the Citation Excel remains a popular choice in the used aircraft market, thanks to its reliability, versatility, and solid performance. Whether for regional flights, charter operations, or long-haul business travel, the Citation Excel continues to be a top choice for those looking for a comfortable and efficient aircraft.