Citation X ?

[pilotpair]

Owner is considering purchasing a used Citation X. I would appreciate ant input.

 

[Flying Illini]

I've heard that it's pretty fast.

 

[jergar999]

I've heard it's the fastest way to get from maintenance base to maintenance base.

 

[Flying Illini]

I've heard it's the fastest way to get from maintenance base to maintenance base.

See, I hadn't heard that. I guess I learned something today!

Sorry pilotpair, I know we're not helping. I wish I had some info for you.

 

[pilotpair]

No problem, I have heard the maintenance statement before.

 

[Diesel]

you should post this on the fractional side. If there is a problem with an airplane we've had them and fixed them.

We have the highest time x's in the industry.

 

[rice]

Citation X

Goes fast and burns lots more gas doing it. So, so cabin. Looks good (to some, not so good to others). Unforgiving x-wind landing tendancies. And, Oh yeah its a Cessna.

Now for all you Witchita guys, I'm just having a little fun with ya. If I was in need of a job I'd gladly fly the X.

 

[Peardc10]

Used Citation X's

If your looking at a used Citation X, my 2 cents-

Get a X serial # after around 175, they have 5% higher engine thrust, helps with climb performance with anti-ice on.

Most operators I have spoken with, either you get a very reliable airplane or you can have nothing but troubles. We have been very lucky with our X, been flying it for around a 1 1/2 without any major problems, most problems have been in the cabin. We have a dispatch reliability rate of 99.5%.

I think its a great domestic airplane, saves a lot of time for the boss. You can be very productive with the airplane, we shave off 30-40 min when we head out west.

I think the airplane handles ok in a crosswind, just keep some extra speed and your fine. Seems you need to constantly trim the airplane on climb and descent.

We take the plane over to Europe at least once a month, no problems.

Overall service by Cessna is good.

Burn rates we use are 2800 lbs first hour, 2000 second, 2000 third, 1900 fourth etc. We typically always fly at max speed, why not! We use 5000 ft for a min runway requirement.

In a nut shell, great domestic airplane, I would look at a newer used X, and if you end up with a older plane, be near a Service Center just in case.

 

[betelnuts]

Here's my 2 cents,

I flew X's for 2 yrs at a "major fractional".

Get an X if you feel the need for speed. HPN to VNY in 4 hours in the summer, in the winter make that 5.5. Hardest thing for me to get used to was doing everything at redline. Climb at .80 M and overtake everyone else. Its cool to hear ATC tell a 767 that you're overtaking him by 60 knots!! Normal cruise is .89M to .91M.
The X uses the Honeywell Primus full glass system and CAS messages instead of annunciators.

I would recommend aircraft serial numbers 151 and above. The older X's have sloppy ailerons below about 150 KIAS. SN 151 and above clear that up and make some software changes in the FMS.

The problem with X-winds is that on rotation and flare wingtip clearance is only 2 inches due to the sweep of the wing.

The biggest downer of the A/C is the seats. After 40 minutes I was looking for an excuse to get out of them.

Its a fun airplane to fly and I could rant on. PM me if you would like more info.

 

[pilotpair]

Thanks for the replies. If you all do not mind I will contact you in the near future with other questions.

Glen

 

[xrated]

I would take all advice with a grain of salt. Most folks who have flown the X for a Fractional, like myself, will say that it has mx problems. Take in mind that the fracs are putting well over 1000 hrs a year on the airplane. It seems that 91 operators who put "91" flight time on the plane have MUCH fewer problems.

Personally, I think the X-wind argument is overrated. Its just another airplane you have to get used to. The wingtip clearance deal is often spoke about but in 4 years of flying the thing, I haven't heard of any crews dinging a wing tip. The sloppy controls? The regearing is nice, but again, you get used to it. Another good water cooler conversation. The extra thrust on the later serial numbers would be helpful if you carry full loads of pax or operated out of shorter strips. I imagine finding a used serial # over 175 might be difficult and you'd probably pay a premium.

betelnuts mentioned the seats. Pax seats are good, but like he/she said, the seats upfront are pretty bad.

Feel free to PM if you'd like.

 

[banned username 2]

Take in mind that the fracs are putting well over 1000 hrs a year on the airplane. It seems that 91 operators who put "91" flight time on the plane have MUCH fewer problems.

We are Part 91 only and each of our 900EX's did over 1,100 hours each last year... Some 91 operators utilize their fleets more than others...