Cessna Citation I SP
Cessna · USA · first flew 1977 · light aircraft
The Citation I SP (Single Pilot) is a FAA-certified single-pilot variant of the Citation I, with a modified avionics suite allowing legal single-pilot IFR operation — airframe and external appearance are identical to the standard Citation I, making this a certification distinction rather than a structural variant.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | JT15D-1A turbofan engines in aft-fuselage pods with the T-tail above — same airframe as Citation I, distinguishable only by documentation and cockpit inspection |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-pilot certified under FAR Part 23 (Model 501) vs the standard Citation I's Part 25 two-crew certification (Model 500) — the two are externally identical; only cockpit avionics and type certificate distinguish them
- JT15D-1A turbofan engines in aft-fuselage pods with the T-tail above — same airframe as Citation I, distinguishable only by documentation and cockpit inspection
- Straight (unswept) wing — the Citation I/SP's straight wing is the key family identifier against the swept-wing Citation II and later models
Against Citation II: the straight wing is the definitive visual identifier — Citation II has a noticeably longer fuselage and slightly swept wing. Citation I/SP has a stubbier, straight-winged appearance. Against Citation SP vs standard Citation I: externally indistinguishable — cockpit placards, avionics, and type certificate are the only differences. The aft-fuselage pod engines and T-tail are the Citation family markers against other light jets.
Specifications
- The Cessna Citation I SP has a length of 13.26 m (44 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.35 m (47 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 667 km/h (414 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Cessna introduced the Citation I SP certification in 1977, opening the jet market to owner-pilots without a second crew member. The original Citation 500 had first flown 1969; the Model 501 Citation I SP became a formal type certificate variant. It proved popular with owner-operators and small charter companies. The SP certification required a specific autopilot, weather radar, and instrument suite.
Variants
Citation 500 (original), Citation I (improved, Model 501), Citation I SP (single-pilot certified, Model 501). The SP and standard I are externally identical — the distinction is on the type certificate and avionics.
Where you'll see it
Business aviation worldwide from 1977. Many still active in charter, fractional, and owner-pilot roles. Wichita production through mid-1980s before the Citation II displaced it at the market level.
Related aircraft
- Cessna 152
- Cessna Citation II
- Cessna 303 Crusader
- Cessna 425 Conquest I
- Alexander Schleicher ASW 20
- AmeriPlanes Mitchell Wing A-10
- Christen Eagle II
- DG-200
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