attention citation drivers...

[105viking]

here is one for all you citation 500(1)/550(1) drivers out there.
with regard to mods common to these types, which do you consider to be MUST have items? which mods don't do anything near what their manufacturers promised?
-viking

 

[ksu_aviator]

It has been a while, but I think the Eagle mod is what one of the airplanes that I flew had. It Sucked! In case I have the name of the mod wrong, it was basically a bubble put inboard of the wing, extending the wing and the fuel cell. Its benefits where increased lift and increased max t/o weight. But, you lost a little in the max payload and you lost airspeed which isn't good on a Citation. The extra fuel you could carry was needed to get to where you wanted to go. That would off set the additional weight you gained on takeoff. Essentially, in the end, all you had was a longer wing that got you there slower.

I did, however, like the mod that removed the aft cabin cargo and added a cargo in the tail cone. This was much more comfortable for the passengers. But then again, I rarely couldn't fit all of our baggage in the nose cone, save a couple hunting trips. I don't know if this was technically a mod, but it was a great way to get our pax some extra leg room.

 

[LXApilot]

Citation Mod

- Definately the tail cone baggage compartment

- EFIS / FMS upgrade

 

[XLR8]

An absolute must is the gravel kit! So you can land on grass strips and gravel roads down in Mexico and then fly home at 200 feet AGL under radar! And then you can put the "stuff" in the tail cone baggage compartment!

Okay so I only did that once! Who hasn't??

Just kidding, seriously though, don't forget to get it RVSM certified so you can go above FL290!

 

[MetroSheriff]

Both the LongWing and Eagle mods were done by Sierra Industries. I think the Longwing was beneficial as it added range and endurance and higher gross weight (13,100) if memory serves) but didn't slow you down like the Eagle mod.

The Longwing and the tail baggage mod WITH the ski tube option are an absolute must.

No offense to LAX Pilot but FMS/EFIS on an old straight wing 500????? I think you would find the cost/benefit would be very questionable. The speed, range, and mission profiles of the Citation sort of negate the need for that sort sophistication. Unless of course you are shot with nickels and like to pour tons of money into an airframe that you will never be able to recoup.

Personal needs, wants, and financial ability need to make that decision.

Factor in the original cost of the airframe and engines then add in the cost of the glass upgrade, and the airframe mods and you could buy a far nicer King Air with everything you are looking for and would fit the mission as well if not better.

Don't get me wrong, I love the old straight wing slowpokes, but it is not an airframe that I would suggest pouring lots of cash into. Besides there are plenty of deals out there on aircraft that others have already poured money into for you. Shop around.

As always, JMHO.

 

[Lrjtcaptain]

Eagle Mod. Range still short, but better then factory.

 

[OviedoBob]

I fly the CE 500.

Get the Longwing mod, gives you more fuel and hence range.

Get the tailcone baggage mod.

Get the Williams engines (F44). (We don't have them).

Get one with the Freon air cond system that works.

Make sure the press system has the mod to enable 8000' cabin altitude at FL 410.

Many are on the market with these mods. But the impending RVSM expense will no doubt curtail future buyers. Look at a minimum of 150K to mod for RVSM if you can find anyone to do the first 274 serial numbers.

Go with the Citation II.