The Cessna 560 Citation V is a twin-engine business jet built for flights up to about 2,000 nautical miles

The Cessna 560 Citation V, produced from 1987 to 2006, seats up to eight passengers and carries them at cruise speeds around 430 knots. It burns roughly 200 gallons of fuel per hour, making it one of the more efficient midsize jets of its era. The aircraft has a maximum altitude capability of 43,000 feet and can operate from runways as short as 3,000 feet, which means it can reach smaller regional airports that larger jets cannot.

The Citation V was built on the airframe of the earlier Citation III but with upgraded engines—Pratt & Whitney PW530A turbofans—that gave it better performance and lower operating costs. Cessna marketed it as a step up from light jets but more economical than heavy jets, positioning it squarely in the midsize category. The cabin is pressurized and air-conditioned, with a typical interior width of 5 feet 4 inches, enough for a galley and lavatory plus comfortable seating for six to eight occupants on longer flights.

Key Takeaways

  • The Citation V cruises at 430 knots and has a range of roughly 2,000 nautical miles, making it suitable for transcontinental trips but not intercontinental ones.
  • It burns about 200 gallons per hour, which is lower than heavy jets but higher than light jets, affecting both operating costs and fuel availability at smaller airports.
  • The aircraft can land on runways as short as 3,000 feet, opening access to regional airports that larger business jets cannot use.
  • Production ended in 2006, so all Citation V aircraft on the market today are used, with maintenance and parts availability depending on the individual airframe's condition and service history.

Engines, fuel consumption, and operating range

The Citation V is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW530A engines, each producing 3,635 pounds of thrust. At cruise altitude and speed, the aircraft burns approximately 200 gallons of fuel per hour combined. This fuel burn is lower than the Citation X or the Bombardier Challenger 300, but higher than the Citation Ultra or the Embraer Phenom 100, which are classified as light jets.

Maximum range with standard fuel tanks is approximately 2,040 nautical miles, though this assumes no reserve fuel and optimal cruise conditions. In practice, operators plan for a range closer to 1,800 nautical miles to account for headwinds, climb, and the fuel reserve required by regulation. The aircraft can be equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks to extend range, but this reduces cabin space and adds weight. Typical missions—New York to Miami, Los Angeles to Denver, or Chicago to the East Coast—fall comfortably within the Citation V's range.

Runway requirements and airport access

The Citation V requires a minimum runway length of approximately 3,000 feet for takeoff at sea level with a full load, and about 2,500 feet for landing. This performance makes it one of the few midsize jets that can operate from smaller regional airports, including many that serve only turboprops or light jets. Airports like Aspen-Pitkin County, Jackson Hole, and Telluride—popular destinations for business and leisure travel—are accessible to the Citation V but not to larger jets like the Gulfstream G450 or Bombardier Global 6000.

Runway performance degrades at high-altitude airports and in hot weather. At Denver International (5,280 feet elevation), a Citation V at maximum weight may require closer to 4,000 feet for takeoff. Operators planning flights to high-altitude or hot-weather destinations should confirm runway length and surface condition with the flight department or charter operator before booking.

Cabin size, comfort, and interior layout

The Citation V cabin is 43 feet long, 5 feet 4 inches wide, and 6 feet 2 inches high at the highest point. This width is narrower than heavy jets like the Gulfstream G550 (8 feet 4 inches) but wider than light jets like the Citation CJ3 (4 feet 10 inches). The cabin is divided into a forward galley, a main seating area, and an aft lavatory. Seating is typically configured for six to eight passengers, with club seating (facing each other across a table) being the most common arrangement for business travel.

The cabin is pressurized to an equivalent altitude of 8,000 feet at the aircraft's maximum cruise altitude of 43,000 feet, which reduces passenger fatigue on longer flights compared to unpressurized aircraft. Air conditioning and heating are standard, and the cabin can be equipped with a variety of interior finishes, from basic cloth to leather and wood trim. Noise levels are moderate for a jet of this size—roughly 75 to 80 decibels in the cabin during cruise—which allows conversation without shouting but is louder than a commercial airliner.

How the Citation V compares to other midsize jets

The Citation V sits in a crowded market segment. The Bombardier Challenger 300, which entered service in 2003, has a longer range (3,550 nautical miles) and a wider cabin (8 feet 2 inches) but burns more fuel and requires longer runways. The Gulfstream G200, produced until 2002, has similar range but a smaller cabin and lower fuel burn. The Embraer Legacy 600, which first flew in 2001, offers more cabin space and longer range but at higher operating costs.

Compared to light jets, the Citation V offers more range and cabin space but at higher fuel and maintenance costs. Compared to super-midsize jets like the Challenger 350 or Citation X, it is cheaper to operate but has less range and a smaller cabin. The Citation V's sweet spot is operators who need to fly 1,500 to 2,000 nautical miles regularly, want access to smaller airports, and prefer lower operating costs over maximum cabin space or speed.

Maintenance, parts availability, and service history

The Citation V has been out of production for nearly two decades, but it remains relatively common in the used aircraft market. Parts are available through Cessna's service network and through third-party suppliers, though some components—particularly avionics and interior trim—may require longer lead times than for newer aircraft. Engine overhaul reserves typically run $400 to $600 per flight hour, depending on the engine's condition and the overhaul facility.

Maintenance is performed by Cessna-authorized service centers and by many independent shops that specialize in business jets. The aircraft has a solid safety record and no known airworthiness directives that would ground the fleet. When evaluating a used Citation V, prospective buyers or charter customers should request the aircraft's maintenance logs, engine time since overhaul, and any major repairs or modifications. An airframe with 5,000 total hours and engines mid-life between overhauls will have lower maintenance reserves than one with 10,000 hours and engines approaching overhaul.

Cost of ownership and charter rates

The purchase price of a used Citation V varies widely depending on age, total flight hours, engine condition, and interior condition. Aircraft from the 1990s with 6,000 to 8,000 total hours typically sell in the $2 million to $4 million range, while newer examples from the early 2000s with lower hours may command $4 million to $6 million. These are approximate figures and vary by market conditions and individual aircraft condition.

For charter, the Citation V typically costs $3,000 to $5,000 per flight hour, depending on the operator, the route, and whether the flight is one-way or round-trip. This rate is lower than super-midsize jets but higher than light jets. Fractional ownership programs—where multiple parties own shares of the same aircraft—may offer hourly rates in the $2,500 to $3,500 range, though these programs require an upfront capital investment and annual management fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Citation V fly from New York to Los Angeles nonstop?

No. The distance is approximately 2,450 nautical miles, which exceeds the Citation V's practical range of about 1,800 to 2,000 nautical miles with reserve fuel. A flight from New York to Los Angeles would require a fuel stop, typically in Denver or Kansas City. A westbound flight with a tailwind might make it closer to the West Coast, but planning for a stop is the standard practice.

How many crew members does a Citation V need?

The Citation V is certified for single-pilot operation under certain conditions, but most operators employ a two-pilot crew for safety and workload management, especially on longer flights or in challenging weather. A flight attendant is not required but is often added for charter flights carrying six or more passengers.

What is the difference between a Citation V and a Citation V Ultra?

The Citation V Ultra, introduced in 1994, has upgraded avionics, a slightly more powerful engine option, and minor interior improvements compared to the original Citation V. Both are classified as midsize jets with similar performance. The Ultra is generally newer and may have lower maintenance reserves, but the differences in range and fuel burn are minimal.

Is the Citation V still being produced?

No. Cessna discontinued the Citation V in 2006 and replaced it with the Citation X and later the Citation Latitude. All Citation V aircraft on the market today are used, ranging from 18 to 37 years old depending on manufacture date.

What runway length do I need to charter a Citation V?

Plan for a minimum of 3,000 feet for takeoff and 2,500 feet for landing at sea level. At high-altitude or hot-weather airports, add 500 to 1,000 feet. Your charter operator or flight department will confirm runway requirements for your specific flight based on weight, weather, and airport elevation.